Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live has wrapped up its first ever New Zealand tour with a record-breaking bang, attracting more than 100,000 fans across five stadium shows in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland, with 40,000 fans filling the stands at Auckland's Eden Park for Saturday’s show alone.
"The demand for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live’s first New Zealand tour has been extraordinary. From the moment tickets went on sale, it was clear Kiwis were ready to come out in force," said promoter TEG Sports Managing Director, Rachael Carroll.
Two high-energy shows at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium kicked off the tour with more than 25,000 fans across the weekend, while Wellington's Sky Stadium hosted 25,100 fans the following weekend.
The Auckland show at Eden Park even made history by being the biggest-ever single show in global Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live history, with over 40,000 fans in attendance on Saturday’s 4 October show.
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner called the show a historic moment for the stadium, saying "to host the largest-ever crowd for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire anywhere in the world, just a week after a Bledisloe Cup Test and ahead of a busy cricket season, is a testament to the versatility of the stadium and commitment of our team."
According to Hot Wheels' parent company, toy giant Mattel, the tour invested significantly in the local economy, engaging New Zealand materials, suppliers, and crews to build a bespoke stadium track. It also delivered a major boost to the accommodation and travel sectors across all three host cities.
Not everyone was happy with the way the Auckland show turned out, however, with the New Zealand Herald reporting fan criticism of the event for large lulls in action, lacklustre glow effects and technical issues.
Poor weather meant that motocross riders, who were set to perform between the truck stunts, could not do so on Saturday because of safety concerns, leaving large waits between truck stunts.
However, with sell-outs across multiple venues, record-breaking attendance, and widespread social buzz, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire has "officially set a new benchmark for touring family entertainment in New Zealand", according to Mattel.
"Hot Wheels is one of the most powerful franchises in the world, and seeing it brought to life through this immersive live experience in New Zealand has been incredible," said Julie Freeland, VP of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel.
"The record-breaking turnout speaks to the brand’s ability to capture imagination across generations and connect fans through high-energy, larger-than-life moments. From toys to live entertainment, Hot Wheels continues to accelerate as a true cultural icon.”
