FAQ - Rally New Zealand

Repco Rally New Zealand FAQs

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-thursday
www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-friday
www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-saturday
www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-sunday

Road closures & details:

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

Thursday 29 September from 5pm
1.4km of a super special stage
Entry is free
Parking information will be available here: www.rallynewzealand.com/maps-thursday
Road closures are in place from Thurs 29th 06:00hrs to Fri 30th 01:00hrs.
The best way to get to Pukekawa Auckland Domainis via public transport (bus/train), which is 50% cheaper during the event. Reminder, you will need an AT Hop card to use public transport in Auckland.

Thursday 29^th September 2022 (note all roads are closed until 01:00 Friday 30^th 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 Road
Road closed from 08:00 until 01:00 (Friday 30th Sept 2022)

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

(Vehicle access/Bus transport to the southern entrance of Auckland Museum is maintained via Maunsell Road until 17:00)

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

Tickets available online via our website and on the day subject to availability
Parking is detailed on the spectator spot maps here
Details on how to access the event stages can also be found on the spectator spot maps here
On race day, residents will be able to enter or leave their property during set times. More details to come.

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

Full itinerary – click here

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

Tickets available online via our website and on the day subject to availability
Parking is detailed on the spectator spot maps here
Details on how to access the event stages can also be found on the spectator spot maps here
On race day, residents will be able to enter or leave their property during set times. More details to come.

Road closures & details:

Special Stages 8 & 11 – Kaipara Hills Road (between Kaipara Coast Highway and Kaipara Flats Rd/Tauhoa Rd)
Road closure from 06:00-17:00

Special 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

Full itinerary – click here

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

Tickets available to Jack’s Ridge Haunui online via our website and on the day subject to availability
Parking is detailed on the spectator spot maps here
Details on how to access the event stages can also be found on the spectator spot maps here
Traffic management advice:
- Please car share as there is limited parking available at the venue.
Note: No spectator access to Whitford Forest – Te Maraunga Waiho.

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

Road closed from 06:00 – 20:00
Double run on a new 6.5km route with two passes through the purpose-built Jacks Ridge
Stage 14: Whitford Forest Te Maraunga Waiho 1, 8.75km 10.32am (No spectators)
Stage 15: Jacks Ridge 1, 6.42km, 12.08pm
Stage 16: Whitford Forest Te Maraunga Waiho 2, 8.75km 1.18pm (No spectators)
Stage 17: Jacks Ridge 2, 6.42km 3.18pm.

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 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, Helensville
Road Closed 08.30 – 14.30

Ticketing

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 2^nd 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?

You will be able to see the rally cars when they return from the stages for service, and at the beginning and end of the rally days. There will also be big screens that you will be able to watch the event on.

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.

Rally 101 – Get to know the lingo & history

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:

Rally1 (rally car specifications for use at the highest level of international rallying in the World Rally Championship (WRC) as determined by the FIA). Rally1 cars were used for the first time in the 2022 WRC season and replaced the outgoing World Rally Car used in the manufacturer’s championship.
Rally 2 (rally car specification determined by the FIA for use in its international competitions: the World Rally Championship (WRC) and regional championships. National rallying competitions also allow Group Rally2 cars to compete). The formula for Group Rally2 cars was taken from R5 class of Group R with the defining ruleset being renamed, this meant that any existing R5 car homologated or approved since their introduction in 2013 could continue to be used in Rally2 level competition.
National/Regional cars: – These are cars approved by the local governing body of the sport (ASN) as used in the local national championship. These cars are required to meet a higher safety standard but allows more variety in events. These cars are unable to score points in any World Rally Championship. In New Zealand, this class allows the highly successful AP4 platform to compete on the world stage.
National New Zealand Rally Championship cars (running in the National event): these vehicles are national cars that run in the New Zealand Rally Championship.

Why is this sport so popular?

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.