2026 route is taking us from Rotorua to Gisborne, Gisborne to Napier, Napier to Palmerston North, Palmerston North to Ohakune, and Ohakune back to the finish at Rotorua. It is going to be a HUGE week!
2026 route is taking us from Rotorua to Gisborne, Gisborne to Napier, Napier to Palmerston North, Palmerston North to Ohakune, and Ohakune back to the finish at Rotorua. It is going to be a HUGE week!
Whakatane
The fifth round of the Hawkeswood Mining NIRS 2026 calendar will double as the final round of the NZRC 2026 calendar. Starting and finishing in Whakatane, this rally is an enduro special on gravel and forestry roads around Eastern Bay of Plenty districts, with both National and Clubman’s classes.
The final round of the Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series sees drivers return to the hallowed hunting grounds on 14 November 2026. Based in Te Kauwhata, the Maramarua Forest Rally is steeped in rally folklore and has three 40km loops, creating 120kms of fast and smooth forest Special Stages for National permitted competitors (safety notes available from Rally Notes NZ). The Rally is also open to international competitors, plus an 80km Clubman option is available. It is held 2 weeks before the Silver Fern, making it a great shakedown opportunity for those competitors.
