Top 20 Automotive & Vehicles from New Zealand on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: October 02, 2026

Total Automotive & Vehicles Influencers in New Zealand

225

Expected Reach

2.9M

Total Followers

11.5M

Avg Engagement

9.07%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
Liam Lawson
@liamlawson30
🇳🇿 Formula One driver for @visacashapprb ✉️ teamlawson@caa.com
New Zealand
1.5M
Followers
5.65%
Engagement
+1.4%(+20.9K)
8.5
2
Sonny G
@sonny_g__cars
Car Content creator based in Auckland · New Zealand🇳🇿
Auckland, New Zealand
1.3M
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+0.5%(+6.8K)
7.3
3
Mad Mike Whiddett
@madmike.123
Pro Drifter @redbull @redbullnz @mazda_jp @lamborghini @rotiform @toyotires @chevrolet 🏆 Formula Drift Japan Champion 🏆 Pikes Peak record holder
New Zealand
1.4M
Followers
0.27%
Engagement
+0.3%(+4.2K)
5.7
4
Maximillian Small
@_maxsmall
New Zealand Beef Cattle farmer Farming @outdoorswithbigmax
Canterbury, New Zealand
156.3K
Followers
3.73%
Engagement
+1.2%(+1.8K)
6.6
5
The Paint Magician
@thepaintmagician
Color Matching & Refinishing Specialist Online School & Personal Support ⬇️ Start Learning Below
New Zealand
57.1K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+2.8%(+1.5K)
7.8
6
Rs3
@rs3
Tiktok: @rs3 Daily: Audi s4 b8.5 Race car: Audi rs3 1xxx whp
Auckland, New Zealand
56.2K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+2.7%(+1.5K)
9.5
7
Chris Birch
@birchynz
Love an adventure. Ambassador for KTM, Leatt, SP Connect, Kriega, Mitas and Cardo Systems. Check out my ADV and Enduro training videos at
New Zealand
123.7K
Followers
0.73%
Engagement
+1.2%(+1.4K)
7.4
8
MADLAB.TV
@madlab.tv
Watch every build, event, and wreck. Only on MADLAB. Mad Mike's automotive community.
New Zealand
16.2K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+9.3%(+1.4K)
9.3
9
Tim O’Connor
@hustler_minibikes_nz
Custom Engineered Minibikes 🇳🇿 Hand-built in New Zealand 🌎 Worldwide Shipping 📩 Open for Orders
Auckland, New Zealand
328.1K
Followers
0.52%
Engagement
+0.4%(+1.3K)
6.3
10
Hot Rod Revue
@hotrodrevue
Tales of hot rod and custom culture from New Zealand 🎥
New Zealand
85.2K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+1.5%(+1.3K)
6.6
11
Tim O’Connor
@hustler_garage_nz
Engineering and Car Enthusiast. Detail focused vehicle enhancement. Creator of: @hustler_minibikes_nz
Auckland, New Zealand
17.3K
Followers
1.26%
Engagement
+7.5%(+1.2K)
7.4
12
Paton Machines
@patonmachines
Building Machines on YouTube!
New Zealand
165.3K
Followers
0.13%
Engagement
+0.5%(+833)
5.3
13
Sam Wallace
@breakfastsam
New Zealand 🇳🇿 | Broadcaster 👦👯‍♀️| Dad of three. 🎙Radio @coastbreakfast 🚘 Car enthusiast @driven.nz
New Zealand
4.9K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+1.8%(+703)
4.8
14
Hughes Race Built
@hughesracebuilt
Performance JDM engine builder 🏎️ 🌏 Engine building tool manufacturer 🔧🧰 🌏 Engine tech 🎥
Auckland, New Zealand
38.6K
Followers
0.19%
Engagement
+1.9%(+703)
5.8
15
West Supply
@westsupplynz
The home of good times! NZ’s outfitters of quality vehicle & outdoor gear. @westsupplycoffee, @frontrunnerza, @feldonshelter, @bushstorage & much more
New Zealand
29.0K
Followers
8.57%
Engagement
+1.8%(+509)
6.7
16
Ally
@meowsparky
💜Twitch Streamer from NZ 🎮Gaming, sim racing, retro vibes 💌: meowsparkyy@gmail.com Sponsors: @𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐠 @𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐳 @𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭_𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥_𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠
Palmerston North, New Zealand
94.0K
Followers
0.25%
Engagement
+0.5%(+464)
7.1
17
Lincoln Whiddett
@lincoln_whiddett
18 New Zealand Stadium Off Road Champion 🏆
New Zealand
79.0K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+0.5%(+393)
7.7
18
Hayden Paddon
@haydenpaddon
Hayden Paddon Official Instagram Page ::: From New Zealand ::: Professional Rally Driver ::: Paddon Rallysport www.haydenpaddon.com
New Zealand
142.3K
Followers
1.12%
Engagement
+0.3%(+357)
6.0
19
TYLER
@tyler_waite1
HBFA🇳🇿 Yeti / FOX Factory Downhill Team🫡 World Cup Racer⚡️
Rotorua, New Zealand
13.1K
Followers
9.15%
Engagement
+2.6%(+331)
9.1
20
C'S GARAGE
@csgarage
Original Parts & Aggressive Driving Since 2007. Auckland, New Zealand. ↓ Help support our journey to Europe ↓
Auckland, New Zealand
38.3K
Followers
5.71%
Engagement
+0.8%(+313)
8.7

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in New Zealand with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Automotive & Vehicles content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 2.9M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 11.5M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 9.07% - significantly above industry average
  • Market Coverage: 225 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

Audience analysis is currently unavailable.

  • Top Markets: no data
  • Gender Distribution: no data
  • Primary Age Group: no data
  • Languages: no data

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Automotive & Vehicles niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weekly to ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Automotive & Vehicles creator in New Zealand on Instagram?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) is, as of October 2026, the fastest‑growing Automotive & Vehicles creator in New Zealand on Instagram, with +1.4% monthly growth (+20.9K followers).

How many followers did Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) gain last month?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) gained about 20.9K followers last month (+1.4%).

Who grew more: Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) or Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars)?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) grew more than Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) (20.9K vs 6.8K).

How is Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) performing right now?

Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) is growing at +0.5% (+6.8K) per month, with a Profile Score of 7.3 and average engagement of 0.00%.

How is Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123) performing right now?

Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123) is growing at +0.3% (+4.2K) per month, with a Profile Score of 5.7 and average engagement of 0.27%.

How is Maximillian Small (@_maxsmall) performing right now?

Maximillian Small (@_maxsmall) is growing at +1.2% (+1.8K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.6 and average engagement of 3.73%.

How is The Paint Magician (@thepaintmagician) performing right now?

The Paint Magician (@thepaintmagician) is growing at +2.8% (+1.5K) per month, with a Profile Score of 7.8 and average engagement of 0.00%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) or Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123)?

Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) leads (0.5% vs Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123) 0.3%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30)?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) gained about 20.9K followers last month (+1.4%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars)?

Sonny G (@sonny_g__cars) gained about 6.8K followers last month (+0.5%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123)?

Mad Mike Whiddett (@madmike.123) gained about 4.2K followers last month (+0.3%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Maximillian Small (@_maxsmall)?

Maximillian Small (@_maxsmall) gained about 1.8K followers last month (+1.2%).

What is the absolute follower gain of The Paint Magician (@thepaintmagician)?

The Paint Magician (@thepaintmagician) gained about 1.5K followers last month (+2.8%).

Is Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) still a relevant creator?

Yes — Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) has a Profile Score of 8.5, average engagement of 5.65%, and +1.4% (+20.9K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Automotive & Vehicles in New Zealand?

The average engagement rate for this category is 9.07%. Generally, rates above 10.9% are considered excellent, while rates above 7.3% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in New Zealand?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.