Where is wrc new zealand?

How can I be involved?

If you would like to volunteer, complete the sign up form on our website. Volunteers are key to the success of any major event and we are in the market for marshals, headquarters security personnel, shuttle drivers and other roles.

If your school or community group is interested, then let us know. Fundraising opportunities exist for groups to help with marshals, ticketing, putting on a BBQ and a range of other event roles. Please email us – info@rallynz.org.nz

Where will the event take place?

The Rally comprises 17 stages in the North West and South East regions of Auckland along with 6 stages in the Waikato. A total of 275kms of racing over four days from 29 September to 2 October. Please see the Spectator map here.

The Repco Rally Village and Century Batteries Service Park will be located on Auckland’s waterfront with a fan zone spanning Silo Park and the former America’s Cup bases on Wynyard Point and Halsey Wharf.

Snapshot of the stages

What do I do if I have a personal emergency?

In the event of an emergency, please call the event’s emergency line on 0800 RALLYE (0800 725 593) . The event is in direct contact with St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand who will be stationed onsite.

What are the best vantage points to watch the action on each stage?

We have several spectator spots that will be ticketed and controlled by our officials and marshals. For safety reasons, spectators are advised not to spectate outside of these areas. In addition, the Zones will be checked by the FIA Safety Delegate.

Is there parking available at all the stages?

Parking is available at the stages either on the road or for a small fee, please follow marshals’ instructions. Please see the individual spectator point maps below for parking information:

www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-thursdaywww.rallynewzealand.com/maps-friday www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-saturdaywww.rallynewzealand.com/maps-sunday

Day one of the Repco Rally of New Zealand – Pukekawa Auckland Domain

Thursday 29th September 2022 (note all roads are closed until 01:00 Friday 30th Sept 2022)

Domain Drive from Park Road to Lower Domain Drive / Kiosk Road / Football Road / Wintergarden Road / Cenotaph Road / Museum Circuit / Little George Street / Lovers Lane / Garden RoadRoad closed from 08:00 until 01:00 (Friday 30th Sept 2022)

Domain Drive from Lower Domain Drive to Parnell RoadRoad closed from 13:00 until 01:00 (Friday 30th Sept 2022)

Day two – Friday 30 September – Whaanga Coast, Te Akau North, Te Akau South

Road closures & details:

Special Stages 2 & 5 – Whaanga Coast from Te Mata to Whale Bay (Waimaori Rd, onto Matawha Rd, onto Tuturimu Rd onto Ruapuke Rd onto Whaaga Rd, stopping close to Te Hui Rd)Road closed from 06.30 to 17.30

Special Stages 3 & 6 – Te Akau South from Ruakiwi Road to Te Akau (Ruakiwi Rd from Te Akau Road intersection, onto Mangiti Rd, onto Te Akau South Rd until the Te Akau Road and Te Akau Coast Rd intersection)Road closed from 08.00 – 19.00 Special Stages 4 & 7 – Te Akau North from Te Akau Coast Rd to Dixon Rd  (Te Akau Coast Rd, onto Matiria Rd, onto Dixon Rd, onto Wamai Valley Rd from the intersection with Dixon Rd to Te Akau Coast Rd)Road closed from 09.00 to 20.00

Raglan Regroup & Meet the Drivers – Both sides of Bow St from the James and Banakrt Roundabout through to Cliff St bottom of town and both sides of Wainui Rd through to Bankart St roundabout.Road closed from 10.00 to 17.00

Day three – Saturday 1 October – Kaipara Hills, Puhoi and Komokoriki

Road closures & details:

Special Stages 8 & 11 – Kaipara Hills Road (between Kaipara Coast Highway and Kaipara Flats Rd/Tauhoa Rd)Road closure from 06:00-17:00Special Stages 9 & 12 – Puhoi (between Noakes Hill Rd/Upper Waiwera Rd/Monowai Rd/Krippner Rd/ Tahekeroa Rd/Kanohi Rd)Road closure from 07:00-18:00

Special Stages 10 & 13 –Komokoriki (Komokoriki Hill Road)Road closed from 08:00 – 19:00

Day four – Sunday 2 October – Jack’s Ridge Haunui

Road closures are in place from Whitford Park Rd (Sandstone Rd to Brookby Rd) and Brookby Rd (West Rd to Whitford Park Rd)

Will any roads be closed prior to the scheduled event days?

Some roads will be closed temporarily to rally officials and competitors to complete rally reconnaissance, the road closures will include;

Tuesday 27 September – Rally reconnaissance

Up to 90 rally and safety vehicles will be on the Whaanga Coast/Te Akau North & South roads this day for approximately three hours. During this time, residents will be able to access their property, however, the direction of travel will be one way only. Please refer to the times and direction of travel on the map.

Road closures & details:

Special Stages 2 & 5 – Whaanga Coast from Te Mata to Whale Bay (Waimaori Rd, onto Matawha Rd, onto Tuturimu Rd onto Ruapuke Rd onto Whaaga Rd, stopping close to Te Hui Rd)  Road closed from 9.00 to 12.00

Special Stages 3 & 6 – Te Akau South from Ruakiwi Road to Te Akau (Ruakiwi Rd from Te Akau Road intersection, onto Mangiti Rd, onto Te Akau South Rd until the Te Akau Road and Te Akau Coast Rd intersection)Road closed from 11.30 – 15.00

Special Stages 4 & 7 – Te Akau North from Te Akau Coast Rd to Dixon Rd (Te Akau Coast Rd, onto Matiria Rd, onto Dixon Rd, onto Wamai Valley Rd from the intersection with Dixon Rd to Te Akau Coast Rd)Road closed from 12.15 to 15:20

Wednesday 28 September – Rally Reconnaissance

Up to 90 rally and safety vehicles will be on the Kaipara Hills Road, Puhoi and Komokoriki stages this day for approximately three hours. During this time, residents will be able to access their property, however, the direction of travel will be one way only. Please refer to the times and direction of travel on the map.

Road closures & details:

Special Stages 8 & 11 – Kaipara Hills Road (between Kaipara Coast Highway and Kaipara Flats Rd/Tauhoa Rd) Road closed from 08.30 to 12:00

Special Stages 9 & 12 – Puhoi (between Noakes Hill Rd/Upper Waiwera Rd/Monowai Rd/Krippner Rd/ Tahekeroa Rd/Kanohi Rd)Road closed from 10:45 to 14:00

Special Stages 10 & 13 –Komokoriki (Komokoriki Hill Road)Road closed from 09:15 to 12:45

Thursday 29 September – Pre-event testing stage (Shakedown)Several rally cars will undertake final testing on this day. This a timed stage along Inland Road, Helensville. Road closures & details:Inland Road, HelensvilleRoad Closed 08.30 – 14.30

Why do I need to buy a ticket?

Tickets will allow you to watch the event from designated spectator zones along the rally route. We do not recommend watching the rally from outside of our controlled spectator zones. The Pukekawa Auckland Domain super special stage and Repco Rally Village are free and don’t require tickets to access. Tickets are available here.

If I don’t buy a ticket, where will I be able to watch the Rally?

Big screens will be set up at the Repco Rally Village and available free to air on Spark Sport and Discovery. Remember you don’t need a ticket for the Pukekawa Auckland Domain stage on Thursday 29 September.

If I buy a ticket, and am unable to attend, will I get a refund?

In most cases we will be able to provide a refund. Please get in touch with support@flicket.co.nz to request a refund.

If I buy a ticket, and unable to attend, can I pass it on to someone else to use?

No, please do not pass your ticket on to someone else – please contact support@flicket.co.nz to arrange a transfer.

Are tickets only available to purchase online?

Yes, tickets are only available via www.rallynewzealand.com

Where can I go to buy a ticket?

Please visit our ticketing page on our website www.rallynewzealand.com/tickets

I have bought tickets but need to change the name on the tickets – how can I do that?

https://rallynz.flicket.co.nz/ is our official ticket partner, renaming is enabled in their system, you are able to go back to the tickets and edit them direct. Alternatively, please email support@flicket.co.nz with the request to rename tickets and they can action for you.

Will there be rally tours available?

We have Rally Tours available for domestic and international visitors – please register your interest here: https://www.wrctoursnz.com/

What Hospitality Packages are available?

Join our WRC Club! Please visit https://www.rallynz.org.nz/wrc-club-2022/

Should you be interested in a more tailored hospitality package then please contact mel@rallynewzealand.com.

How much will it cost me to use public transport

All public transport services in Auckland are 50% cheaper during the event.

Can I use public transport to get to the event?

Public transport will be available to access the Service Park in Wynyard Quarter and the Super Special Stage in the Auckland Domain. See AT HOP card here.

You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to all rural stages. Buddy up with family and friends to reduce the carbon footprint. Stage maps can be found here, and include a list of the best spectator vantage points.

What are my options if I have a Motorhome?For Repco Rally NZ Motor homeowners there is parking onsite at the Brookby Pony Club access is from 3pm until 8pm on Saturday 24th.The cost to park your motorhome is $60.00 per motorhome. Jacks Ridge event tickets are required as a separate purchase that you can buy here.Motorhomes / Caravans must be self-contained (Strictly No tents)All motorhomes must depart the Pony Club Sunday 2nd October post-event.  Please note – There are strictly no dogs allowed to be onsite at any Repco Rally New Zealand events or stages.The only other official camper van site is at the Waikato Te Akau refuel area where the cost is $15.00

Should I drive a car/campervan around the stages?

We will have parking on stages for ticket holders to utilise – however keep in mind that this may be on soft, uneven ground and often in tight spots as the rally is on rural gravel roads.

Further details relating to campervan parking will be shared in due course.

What are the opening times for the Service Park at Wynyard Quarter?

The Repco Rally Village & Century Batteries Service Park is a free family friendly hub for the event, open from Wednesday 28 September to Sunday 2 October between 07:00 and 20:00.

What will I see there?

Do I need ear muffs?

We do recommend ear muffs for children or for those with sensitive ears.

Can I buy food and drink at the event?

Yes, food and drink will be available to purchase. Please refer to the spectator information for specific details regarding each spectator spot – www.rallynewzealand.com/maps

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, you are able to bring your own food and drink (excluding alcohol).

Will shaded areas be set up?

There will not be any shaded areas so please ensure that you bring appropriate clothing for rain and for sun.

What are you doing to reduce the impact on the environment?

As an organisation, we are accredited with the FIA, the international governing body for motorsport, under their environmental accreditation framework. We have a two-star rating, which means  that we have an Environmental policy (available here) and a full implementation plan that we utilise and review regularly. For this event, we have many plans in place ranging from waste reduction to stopping soil and water contamination, and ensuring all suppliers are following our environmental procedures.

In 2022, WRC Rally 1 cars are using plug in hybrid powered vehicles with technology applied from the same company that supplies hybrid technology to Formula E and Formula 1. There will be dedicated passages where only the electric mode can be used. In addition, all Rally1 competition cars will be using 100% fossil free fuel which is a mixture of synthetic fuel and biofuel.

What happens if roads are damaged during the rally?

We are working closely with Auckland Transport, Waikato District Council and Roading contractors to assess the road before and after the rally and to ensure that remediation, if necessary, is carried out as soon as possible after the event, and that the ongoing remediation works are not scheduled directly before the rally.

What is the FIA World Rally Championship?

The FIA World Rally Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious motorsport series in the world. It unifies and fascinates people around the globe, representing motorsport passion and technological innovation.

Last held in New Zealand in 2012, the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) World Rally Championships features rally cars competing in a time trial format on set roads (each section of road is called a special stage).

In 2022 Rally New Zealand will be one of the biggest sporting events hosted in New Zealand. It will attract more than 90,000 spectators and showcase New Zealand to a huge global audience.

What is Shakedown?

Shakedown is the opportunity for crews to test their competition cars on terrain similar to the rally before the event starts.

Do all the cars start at the same time?

No, cars start at timed intervals, one by one. The top Rally1 cars will start at 3 minute intervals, while other cars will start at 1 minute intervals although this can fluctuate depending on the stage and conditions during the rally. It is best to assume that a car will be travelling along the rally route every minute.

Are the cars Roadworthy?

Yes, all Rally vehicles are Road worthy including noise compliant.

How many different classes of Rally cars are there

The following classes exist:

Fans have long known that there is almost nothing more exciting to watch than a WRC car running a difficult section of track. Rally racing is visually brutal, with cars rallying on gravel and dust as they slide sideways through corners and catching huge air as they fly over a crest at speed. That kind of excitement packs a punch that you won’t see in any other type of racing.

All eyes will be on the battle for the WRC crown which could be sewn up Down Under as 21-year-old championship leader Rovanpera only needs to extend his 53-point title lead by eight points to become the youngest-ever world rally champion.

Rovanpera heads to New Zealand out of form, however, after two uncharacteristic crashes in Belgium, and the Acropolis Rally last time out. The Finn faces his best shot yet at wrapping up the title that would see him eclipse the record set by Colin McRae, who became the youngest-ever world champion in 1995, then aged 27.

Hyundai is likely to offer a stern challenge to Rovanpera following a blistering second half of the season that has seen the South Korean marque win the last three events, thanks to victories for Tanak in Finland and Belgium, while Neuville headed a historic Hyundai 1-2-3 in Greece.

However, Toyota is likely to front a much improved showing in New Zealand with the roads likely to suit the GR Yaris. Elfyn Evans and the returning eight-time world champion Ogier are likely to be found challenging the top of the timesheets.

M-Sport will field a reduced three-car line up following the withdrawal of Adrien Fourmaux. The trio will be headed by Craig Breen, who showed strong pace to claim fifth in Greece, and regular Gus Greensmith.

The team will also field a privateer entry for Italian Lorenzo Bertelli, who will make his first WRC appearance since last year’s Safari Rally Kenya.

Rally New Zealand boasts arguably the best fast and flowing gravel stages in the world which have long proved a hit with drivers since the event joined the WRC calendar in 1977. In 2001 the event was voted as ‘Rally of the Year’ such is the acclaim the roads are held within the teams.

The event dates back to 1969 when it was held in Taupo before relocating to the North Island in 1971. From 2006 to 2008 it moved to Hamilton, but returned to Auckland in 2010.

Rally New Zealand last hosted a round of the WRC in 2012 and was due to return to the calendar in 2020 and 2021, before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Auckland will again act as rally headquarters for the rally that will feature fast, flowing gravel roads with cambered corners that wind their way through forests and along the picture postcard New Zealand coastline.

Rally New Zealand holds the record for the second-closest WRC finish in history. In 2007 - after more than 350 kilometres of action - Marcus Gronholm edged Sebastien Loeb by three tenths of a second. It was only beaten by Rally Jordan in 2011 when Ogier won by two tenths of a second over Jari-Matti Latvala.

A total of 20 drivers have stood on the top step of the podium at Rally Zealand since the inaugural WRC edition was held back in 1977.

Two-time world champion Marcus Gronholm remains the undisputed King of Rally New Zealand, having scored five wins in a period of eight years. His first arrived in 2000 driving for Peugeot, before piloting an M-Sport Ford to his last in 2007.

Carlos Sainz is one victory behind Gronholm after triumphs in 1990-1992 and 1998, while 1995 world champion and three-time winner Colin McRae also scored a three-peat for Subaru from 1993-1995.

Sebastien Loeb, who was victorious when New Zealand was last part of the WRC in 2012, is also a three-time winner alongside New Zealander and former Hyundai WRC factory driver Hayden Paddon, although his wins have arrived in editions that have feature outside of the WRC.

Subaru is the most successful manufacturer at the event having chalked up six wins.

This year’s edition will be contested over 17 stages, comprising 276.44km across four days of competitive action.

Thursday 29 September

Shakedown - begins 0900 local

Stage 1 - begins 0608 BST - 1808 local

Friday 30 September (6 stages - 157.98km)

Stage 2 - Stage 7 - begins 2033 BST - 0833 local

Saturday 1 October (6 stages - 88.12km)

Stage 8 - Stage 13 - begins 2008 BST - 0808 local

Sunday 2 October (4 stages - 30.34km)

Stage 14 - Stage 17 - Final stage begins 0318 BST - 1518 local

Rally New Zealand will feature 28 entries headlined by 10 Rally1 cars.

#69 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen - Toyota Gazoo Racing - GR Yaris Rally1#8 Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja - Hyundai Motorsport - i20 N Rally1#11 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe - Hyundai Motorsport - i20 N Rally1#33 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin - Toyota Gazoo Racing - GR Yaris Rally1#18 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston - Toyota Gazoo Racing - GR Yaris Rally1#42 Craig Breen/Paul Nagle - M-Sport Ford World Rally Team - Puma#44 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson - M-Sport Ford World Rally Team - Puma Rally1#1 Sebastien Ogier/Benjamin Veillas - Toyota Gazoo Racing - GR Yaris Rally1#2 Oliver Solberg/ Elliott Edmondson - Hyundai Motorsport - i20 N Rally1#37 Lorenzo Bertelli/Simone Scattolin- M-Sport Ford World Rally Team - Puma Rally1

This year represents the introduction of new Rally1 regulations designed to move the WRC into a much more sustainable future and to attract new manufacturers. They have resulted in Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport Ford designing and building all-new cars around a new safer, steel spaceframe chassis.

The biggest change to the cars is the introduction of a mandatory 100kW hybrid unit coupled to the 1.6-litre turbocharged internal combustion engine, the only key component carried over from the previous generation of cars. In tandem, this will allow the powertrain to develop 500bhp to be used in short bursts across every stage.

Cars will be up 70kg heavier than their predecessors, this is mainly due to the addition of the hybrid system. In total, Rally1 machines will weigh in at approximately 1260kg.

The new regulations have effectively abolished extra aerodynamic devices such as wings and flicks being added to the bodywork outside of the front splitter and rear wing. The overall downforce created and its effect on the car has been reduced by approximately 15% compared to the previous generation of vehicle.

Trick centre differentials used to fine tune handling are now banned in favour of a simpler front and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials offering a fixed 50:50 toque split between the front and rear wheels. Suspension travel has been reduced to 270mm.