Port Waikato to host hillclimb
The ultimate test of driver skill, precision and bravery is back. The 2025 New Zealand Hillclimb Championship is set for November 22-23 and will be hosted by Pukekohe Car Club in Port Waikato.
The organisers say whether you’re chasing a national title or simply want to see how you stack up against the country’s best club-sport competitors, this is the event that defines champions.
Across two days and two surfaces, drivers will push their limits on some of the most technical and exciting roads in the country. The first day features 5.9km of sealed tarmac on the Port Waikato to Waikaretu Road and day two is 4.4km of gravel on Limestone Downs, Port Waikato.
Competitors’ combined times will decide not only the coveted NZ Gold Star Hillclimb Champion, but also the cross car, two-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive titles.
Matt Penrose has won the event four times – in 2017 and 2018 in his Subaru WRX, and in 2022 and 2024 in his Semog Cross Cross. Hayden Paddon took out the crown in 2023 driving his Hyundai AP4.
Other winners have included Graham Featherstone in 2016, Andrew Elder in 2019, Richard Bateman in 2020 and Jack Hawkeswood in 2021. Entry forms, supplementary regulations and full event details for this year’s event are available online at motorsport.org.nz/championships/hillclimb.
