EVENT SCHEDULE
18 Special Stages over 260 kilometres on what are widely regarded as the world’s best gravel rally roads await competitors in the 2023 International Rally of Whangārei. The fast cambered roads of the north will host a qualifying round for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and the second round of the 2023 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship.
FRIDAY 12 MAY – 2023 OFFICIAL RALLY START
Cameron Street, Central Whangarei
Approx. 4.30pm onwards – All rally cars will be on display in the Laneway. See the cars up close, meet the drivers, grab an autograph
5.00pm – Official opening of the event
Approx 6.00pm –.Event closes and competitors and cars depart.
Sustainability – Please support our sustainability policy and make use of the composting and recycling bins on site. For more information on how you can help us towards our sustainable goals, please click here.
SATURDAY 13 MAY
Stages south of Paihia and north of Whangārei. Check out the Spectator map above and make sure you are at the Spectator spots marked before the ‘first car’ time to see all the cars race by. Note, stages are run twice, so you can choose to stick around all day and watch the cars come by twice, or, you can pack up and head off to another spectator spot once you have seen the cars racing at one spectator spot.
Pohe Island Super Special Stage – Saturday 13th May. An evening of action from 6.00pm onwards
Approx 6.00pm – Pohe Island Super Special Stage – All rally competitors will complete the 1km gravel super special stage under lights. The jump was a fantastic new addition in 2019 and will again be a great spectacle, providing several prime viewing positions. Live rally commentary, food and coffee available.
Parking – plenty of parking available at Pohe Island (access via the Riverside Drive / Dave Culham Drive roundabout, follow the marshals directions to parking on Pohe Island, or park on the Port Road side and walk across the bridge). The Pohe Island central car park (adjacent to Rock n Roll Club and sports fields) will be closed to the public on Friday through to Sunday for Rally Operations.
SUNDAY 14 MAY
Stages south of Whangārei. Check out the Spectator map and make sure you are at the Spectator spots marked by the first car time to see all the cars race by. Note, stages are run twice, so you can choose to stick around all day and watch the cars come by twice, or, you can pack up and head off to another spectator spot once you have seen the cars racing at one spectator spot.
3pm – finish ceremony at the Town Basin
How to spectate at a Rally
Spectating at a rally is different to many other sporting events. There is a lot involved and some good planning can make it a really enjoyable experience. Check out this awesome spectator guide for some tips.
Spectator Safety
Check out these two resources that show how to spectate safely at a rally: