The International Rally of Whangārei will enjoy its biggest makeover since it started next month, when the 2025 edition serves as the finale of the New Zealand Rally Championship.
Long a fixture of the national championship, the Whangarei-based round will look a lot different this year with a brand-new route and a throwback to some iconic stages from Rally New Zealand’s past.
“We have tried to go back to go forward for the 2025 International Rally of Whangārei,” rally organiser Simon Bell said.
“The event was getting a bit like a rally-sprint with the same stages each year due to the FIA requirements of the APRC. And while they were good, it was also time to give the residents a rest.
“So, the challenge for 2025 was to do something a bit different, as we didn’t have the APRC to think about. I feel we have achieved that.
The event begins on Friday with the traditional downtown Whangārei ceremonial start, with the cars going over the ramp in reverse order.
Saturday has become a remote service-oriented day with crews not only focused on servicing their cars but also getting to a setting up at each service park.
“The teams end up at Pohe Island for the two passes over the super stage (first car 5:51pm), but in reverse this year, with it starting from the service park – so great for the crews to watch,” Bell explained.
Sunday is more of a traditional day, with a central service, park, and finish at Pohte Island at 3.30pm.
One of the key features is the return of some stages in the Kaipara region, which were regularly used in WRC Rally of New Zealand events in the 1990s and 2000s.
“A huge thanks must go to the NIRS team for paving the way in 2024 with the Ventia Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi and bringing rally back to the Kaipara District on the gravel highways,” Bell said.
“We hope with the exposure we can bring to the area, through the live streams and the TV3 CRC Motorsport show, we can help open the region up as a place to visit and explore.
“The roads are just incredible. To be honest I have thought of competing myself but sadly the team need me on event. But the Greenhill’s Tokatoka and Bull Rd stages are the standouts for me. They are just truly so good to drive, and I will be looking on with a tinge of jealousy over the weekend.”
A massive thanks to the event supporters, as we couldn’t do this without them – Vertex Oil, Whangārei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Creme Insurance, Cross Country Rentals, Omega Rental Cars, Traffic Safe NZ and PAK’nSAVE Whangārei.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
