Silver Fern Rally car charging across New Zealand gravel with dramatic scenery

‘The World’s Best Marathon Gravel Rally’

NZ Silver Fern Rally — 27 Nov – 4 Dec 2026

From Rotorua to the East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, the Central Plateau and back again — 1,054 km of special stages through spectacular North Island scenery.

Enter 2026 / EOI Watch event highlights
  • 1,054.1 kmSpecial Stages
  • 1,648.7 kmTouring
  • 7 DaysMarathon Rally

2026 Route — North Island Showcase

Technical, flowing, and wildly scenic. Cost-per-corner heaven.

  1. Fri 27 Nov
    Rotorua
    Documentation in the geothermal heart of Aotearoa.
  2. Sat 28 Nov
    Bay of Plenty ➝ Rotorua
    Iconic gravel stages; fast, flowing coastal hinterland.
  3. Sun 29 Nov
    Rotorua ➝ Gisborne
    To the first city to see the sun — dramatic East Coast vistas.
  4. Mon 30 Nov
    Gisborne Loop
    Best of the East Coast; overnight again in Gisborne.
  5. Tue 1 Dec
    Gisborne ➝ Napier
    Classic Hawke’s Bay gravel and art-deco hospitality.
  6. Wed 2 Dec
    Napier ➝ Palmerston North
    Central region gems; technical and rewarding.
  7. Thu 3 Dec
    Palmerston North ➝ Ohakune
    Ski-town finish via legendary stages of old.
  8. Fri 4 Dec
    Ohakune ➝ Rotorua (Finish)
    Final special stages and prize-giving in Rotorua.

Choose Your Challenge

Five ways to tackle New Zealand’s most scenic gravel marathon.

Historic rally car on New Zealand gravel

Historic Competition (pre-1985 2WD)

Period-perfect pre-1985 heroes: Escorts, AE86s, Starlets, RX-series, E30s, 911s — and more. The overall winner is crowned from this field.

  • Classes A–D by capacity (true cc; 1.5 mm overbore allowance; FI ×1.7; Rotary ×1.8)
  • FIA Historic status or MSNZ CoD (or equivalent)
Enter Historic More info
Modern 2WD rally car on gravel stage

Challenge Trophy (Modern 2WD)

The same epic route and competition format in a more accessible modern 2WD build.

  • Classes E–H by capacity (true cc; 1.5 mm overbore allowance; FI ×1.7; Rotary ×1.8)
  • Cost-effective path to the Silver Fern experience
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Classic 4WD rally car on fast flowing road

Classic 4WD (Pre-1996 4WD)

Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota era — early 4WD icons (no fire-breathing WRCs). FI cars require a 36 mm restrictor.

Enter Classic 4WD More info
Time-trial car with precision target timing

Silver Fern Time-Trial (Average-Speed Time Trial)

‘The World’s Longest Precision Driving Test’ — average-speed targets, RallySafe monitoring, and a 130 kph cap. Big experience, big value.

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Rally cars lined up at service during Silver Fern Rally

Silver Frond Rally (3-Day Intro Event)

A three-day “taster” rally run over the opening legs of the NZ Silver Fern — perfect for new crews, time-poor teams, or cars being shaken down for the full marathon.

  • First three days of the NZ Silver Fern route (North Island gravel)
  • 2WD (Class K) and 4WD (Class L) options available
  • Full AASA safety regulations and RallySafe timing
Enter Silver Frond More info

Rally Days Done Right

Early starts, full focus, maximum smiles. Tour, rally, refuel (you and the car), banter with crews, wash down, Parc Fermé, prep, repeat. Run with military precision so you spend your time doing what you came for — driving New Zealand’s best gravel.

International competitors are a huge part of the Silver Fern story. Whether you’re shipping a Historic Escort from the UK or a modern 2WD from Australia, we can connect you with trusted shipping partners and help you choose the right division.

Enter 2026 / EOI International competitors info Read the FAQ

Required Safety Equipment

Full lists will be confirmed in the published Event Regulations.

Competition (Historic / Challenge / Classic 4WD / Silver Frond)

Core requirements include:

  • Certified Roll Cage, FIA Seats & Belts
  • Helmet w/ head restraint posts & HANS/Simpson
  • FIA fire-retardant suit, underwear, balaclava, boots & gloves (driver)
  • Extinguisher, 2× safety triangles, first aid kit
  • Tow rope, RallySafe wiring kit, window breaker/belt cutter

Time-Trial

Lower barrier to entry:

  • Helmets
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Safety triangle & first aid kit
  • RallySafe wiring kit & tow rope
  • Intercom strongly recommended

Monitoring

All divisions use RallySafe GPS for accuracy and safety.

  • Speed compliance (TT max 130 kph)
  • Stage timing and tracking

Scrutineering

Detailed checks occur before competition, with spot-checks during the event.

Questions or keen to volunteer?

We’d love to hear from you.

Info@urg.co.nz 0800 827 427 +64 9 298 8322