The different locations of the New Zealand rally

Created in 1969, the rally on which the round which returns today in WRC was then called “Silver Fern” and the host town was Taupo in the central North Island. For several seasons, the test seemed to be searching for its true location. For 1971 and 72, the route was drawn between Auckland and Wellington and while the event changed its name (Heatway Int. Motor Rally), the first European headliners began to appear with Andrew Cowan (winner in 1972 and 76 ) and Hannu Mikkola (1973). After versions between Christchurch and Auckland (1973), Christchurch and Dunedin (1976), the rally integrated the world championship for the first time in 1977 by offering 75 stages and 2211,06 km timed between Wellington and Auckland.

To the South or the North, New Zealand always offers superb landscapes (FRANCOIS BAUDIN / DPPI)

Now Motogard Rally of New Zealand, the 1979 edition was based in Auckland, the next one moving to the South Island between Nelson and Christchurch. This is the last time that the event took place elsewhere than in the North. From 1982, Auckland became the nerve center of this round, but that never stopped this meeting from making stages far from the city.

The service park installed at Raglan during the 2004 edition (PHOTO: FRANCOIS BAUDIN / DPPI)

This was made possible by the organization of occasional service parks in Paparoa, Wangarei in the north or Raglan on the southwest coast. Leaving Auckland in 2006, the event was held for three editions in Hamilton (110 km south) before going back in 2010.

In 2004 the final podium was held in the center of Auckland (FRANCOIS BAUDIN / DPPI)

This season, the teams should benefit from a beautiful space by the sea with the whole city right behind it. This will perhaps attract the public who are more passionate about the America's Cup or rugby.