Silver Frond • First Three Days
NZ Silver Frond Rally
The NZ Silver Frond Rally is the first three days of the NZ Silver Fern Event. Same legendary North Island gravel, timing and service parks — in a shorter, concentrated format that lets you experience a marathon-style rally without committing to the full week.
- 3 Days First part of the Silver Fern
- Same Stages As the full event
- 2 Classes 2WD (K) & 4WD (L)
What is the NZ Silver Frond Rally?
The NZ Silver Frond Rally is a three-day rally that runs at the start of the NZ Silver Fern Event. You share the same closed-road special stages, time controls and service parks as the full Silver Fern fields — but your competition finishes after the opening three days.
It’s designed for crews who want the Silver Fern experience with less time away from work and family, or who want a stepping stone toward the full marathon. You still get long stages, a proper multi-day rhythm and classic North Island gravel — just in a more compact package.
- Same gravel stages: You compete on the same special stages as the week-long event.
- Shared infrastructure: Common timing, service parks and rally HQ.
- Three-day format: Start with the full event, then wrap up when the Frond itinerary finishes.
- Own results: Silver Frond has its own results and awards.
Why Choose Silver Frond?
All the flavour of a marathon rally, with a more achievable commitment.
Step Up to Marathon Rallying
Silver Frond gives you the rhythm of a long event — recce (if applicable), multiple days, long stages and shared service — without needing a full week off. It’s a natural step between national rallies and the complete Silver Fern.
Same Roads, Same Atmosphere
You’ll run the same stages as the full event, work alongside the same officials and share service parks with Historic, Challenge, Classic 4WD and Time-Trial entries. The roads and the stories are the same — your event just finishes earlier.
Perfect for Local & International Crews
Whether you’re a local crew testing the waters or an international team shipping a car, three days of Silver Frond can fit more easily around work, holidays and budgets while still delivering a genuine New Zealand gravel adventure.
Silver Frond Classes
Two simple options based on drivetrain and regulations.
Class K — 2WD
NZ Silver Frond Rally (the first three days of the NZ Silver Fern Event) for all two wheel drive vehicles that meet AASA safety regulations.
- All 2WD vehicles compliant with AASA safety regulations.
- Modern and classic 2WD builds welcome.
- Competes only against other 2WD Silver Frond entries.
Class L — 4WD
For four wheel drive vehicles compliant with the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Technical Regulations.
- 4WD rally cars built to the NZ Silver Fern Technical Regulations (2026).
- Classic-style turbo and naturally aspirated 4WDs.
- Runs the same Silver Frond three-day itinerary in a 4WD-only class.
A Typical Silver Frond Day
Silver Frond days follow a proper marathon-rally rhythm: early start, focused stages, well-timed service and time at the end of the day to refuel, repair and reset.
Think: liaison, stage, regroup, repeat. Service in the middle of the day, then back into the afternoon stages before parc fermé, car wash, and planning for tomorrow’s route.
- Morning: Briefing, liaisons and morning stages, then service.
- Afternoon: Further stages and finish control, with time to check the car.
- Evening: Results, stories and route notes for the next day.
Safety & Regulations
Full details are in the published Event & Technical Regulations.
Core Equipment
Typical competition requirements include:
- Certified roll cage, FIA seats & belts
- Helmet with head-restraint posts & HANS/Simpson device
- FIA fire-retardant suit, underwear, balaclava, boots & gloves
- Extinguisher, 2× safety triangles, first aid kit
- Tow rope, RallySafe wiring kit, window breaker / belt cutter
RallySafe
All divisions, including Silver Frond, use RallySafe GPS.
- Stage timing and tracking
- Speed and position monitoring
- Emergency alerts direct to control
Scrutineering
Full scrutineering occurs before competition, with additional checks during the event to ensure cars remain compliant and safe.
Official Documents
The official Event & Technical Regulations are the final word on eligibility, safety and vehicle specification for Silver Frond entries.
Questions about the Silver Frond?
We’re happy to talk through the format, route and which class your car belongs in.