Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Off road in New Zealand

Venture off road in New Zealand and discover the rugged beauty of New Zealand's back country. You'll get a closer look at some of our most scenic wilderness areas, and experience the thrill of a four-wheel drive adventure at the same time.

Tourism Activities: 4WD, Offroad and Rally Driving | 4WD and Offroad Tours | Rental 4WDs

New Zealand 4WD, Off Road New Zealand, Rally New Zealand

New Zealand's high country is criss-crossed with rough tracks built to provide access to farms, old mining and timber-milling settlements and less accessible scenic attractions. A combination of neglected old roads, rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions mean a hardy four wheel drive vehicle is often the only way to negotiate these routes. As well as rough hill country, you could also find yourself on a safari through native bush, driving along unpopulated beaches or logging tracks and exploring deep canyons or volcanic terrain.

New Zealand's gravel back roads are often praised by rally drivers as "the best in the world". The gravel is fine on hard bedrock with constantly changing camber that drivers can use to their advantage. As a country with a land area equivalent to the entire United Kingdom, but a population of just over 4 million, there's plenty of room for rally action when you get off the main highways.

Have a go at driving and hire a vehicle or relax and take an organised trip where you can sit back and hold on and enjoy the adventure. Either way be ready for an adrenalin pumping experience!

Rally New Zealand

Rally New Zealand is New Zealand's top international motorsport event and only annual world championship event. Rally New Zealand, celebrating its 35th year in 2005, was first included as a round of the World Rally Championship in 1977. Its status has grown internationally, with the 2001 event being awarded the WRC Rally of the Year.

» Rally Driving Directory

Legs One and Two - Paparoa/Kaipara

The racing action kicks off in the Kaipara region north of Auckland. The Kaipara region is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life in rural New Zealand. Visit Paparoa, previously a bustling shipping and boatbuilding centre, now a settlement filled with character and charm. You will find beautifully restored buildings, a delightful antique shop and a wide variety of guest house accommodation options such as bed and breakfasts, homestays and farmstays.

Be sure to check out the quaint fishing village of Pahi, just a few minutes drive from Paparoa. This picturesque village is an excellent departure point for a leisure fishing trip or cruising the tranquil waters in a houseboat. If you wish to stay in the region for a few days consider taking the Twin Coast Discovery official touring route. This circular touring route is a great way to experience all that Northland has to offer such as swimming with dolphins, big game fishing, picnicking, bushwalking, arts and crafts, as well the region's rich history.

Super Stage - Manakau City

At the end of day two there is an opportunity to see the cars and their drivers at the Super Stage in Manukau City. Manukau is one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities, located just south of Auckland. Manukau's cityscape blends attractively with parks, native bush reserves, green rolling pastureland and picturesque beaches, providing an array of recreational opportunities.

There is nowhere else in New Zealand where you will find such a diverse mix of cultures, than in Manukau. Not only is Manukau home to the largest Pacific Island population in the world, over 150 other ethnic communities reside in this rapidly expanding city. The eclectic mix of cultures has contributed to a profusion of dining options available in the city, as well as a colourful selection of arts and crafts available in local shops and markets.

Leg Three - Raglan/Waikato

On day three the drivers travel south to Raglan for their last shot for the finish podium. This final leg is one of the most spectacular and also gruelling stages of the rally, so anything is possible on the final day.

Raglan is a lively seaside town with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly residents. The Raglan area is famed for having some of the best waves in New Zealand, attracting surfers from all over the world. But even if you aren't into surfing, you will still want to visit Raglan. Safe swimming areas are plentiful and the area has many excellent fishing opportunities.

There is an abundance of native bush walks around the township, including Mount Karioi, the Karamu Track, Te Toto Gorge and the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. However Raglan's assets extend beyond its natural riches. Raglan has an impressive selection of cafes, as well as many local art shops and galleries for you to leisurely browse through. If time allows, venture deeper into the Waikato region. Here you can experience luscious, green landscapes, as well as the underground caverns and glow worm grottoes that lie beneath the surface.

Ceremonial Finish - Waitemata Plaza, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

The ceremonial finish and prize giving will be held at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Redeveloped for the America's Cup Regatta, this area is now the vibrant heart of Auckland City with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Take some time to explore Auckland while you are here. Auckland is a unique city; its urban environment stretches over 48 volcanic cones and encompasses three harbours scattered with over 50 islands. This amazing geographical location aside, Auckland is a cosmopolitan city with outstanding food, wine and shopping. This together with the city's plethora of natural assets has made Auckland a dream destination for all kinds of travellers.

Tourism Activities: 4WD, Offroad and Rally Driving | 4WD and Offroad Tours | Rental 4WDs

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