NZ Silver Fern Rally — A Gravel Legacy

New Zealand has always loved rallying. Out of that passion grew a week-long gravel marathon that captures the spirit of the sport — long stages, classic machinery, big scenery and bigger camaraderie. This is the story of the NZ Silver Fern Rally.

Origins: Classic Kiwi gravel, marathon spirit

The Silver Fern story is woven from decades of New Zealand’s gravel tradition — long, flowing public roads turned into closed special stages, dedicated volunteers, and communities that treat rally week like a festival. From early marathon concepts to the modern Silver Fern, the aim has been the same: a true driver’s rally that rewards pace, preparation and persistence.

Epic North Island itineraries linking forests, farmland and volcanic plateaus.
Classic cars run alongside period-inspired builds and early 4WD icons.
A culture of mateship in service parks — competitors helping competitors.

Crews and cars preparing for another big day

Evolution: safeguarding the challenge

As the rally matured, so did its systems. Stage selection, safety planning and operations have continually evolved to keep the character of the event while raising standards year after year. Reliability, fairness and a warm welcome are non-negotiable — that’s how Silver Fern keeps crews coming back.

Closed-road mastery

Routes are curated for flow and variety — technical one minute, sweeping the next — to test crews across a full week.

Safety technology

RallySafe GPS timing and tracking deliver precision results and live oversight across the field.

Inclusive classes

Historic Competition remains the heart of the event, with Challenge Trophy (modern 2WD), Classic 4WD (pre-1996) and the Silver Fern Time-Trial welcoming broader participation.

People: the soul of Silver Fern

From landowners and councils to marshals, recovery crews and scrutineers, Silver Fern is a nationwide team effort. Competitors talk about the “service-park family” — the laughs, the late-night fixes, and the shared sense that finishing is a triumph all of its own.

Legendary volunteer crews and stage teams.
International entrants who become part of the furniture by week’s end.
Local hospitality that turns rally week into story time.

Classic heroes attacking a crest on gravel

Elevation, rhythm and commitment on North Island stages

The modern era

Today’s Silver Fern keeps the marathon DNA while embracing tools that make the week run like clockwork: robust timing, smart communications, efficient service windows and friendly but firm procedures. The result is a driver-first event with exceptional stage-kilometres per entry fee and a reputation for fair, fierce competition.

Clear regulations designed to protect parity and reliability.
Emphasis on road-book craft and teamwork between driver and co-driver.
Multiple pathways to take part, from Time-Trial to full competition.

Add your chapter to the Silver Fern story.

Submit your Expression of Interest — we’ll guide you through class selection, safety and next steps.