International Competitors
Plan Your 2026 NZ Silver Fern & Silver Frond Rally
A true marathon gravel rally: around 1,050 km of special stages and 1,650 km of touring over seven days, plus a three-day Silver Frond option. Friendly paddock, big scenery, and dedicated support for overseas teams.
International shipping support via G-Force Logistics (Phil Gibbs) with shared-container pricing from Australia, UK & Europe.
What is the NZ Silver Fern Rally?
The NZ Silver Fern Rally is a seven-day gravel marathon run under AASA Standing Regulations for Gravel Rallies, with foreign participation. It is widely regarded as one of the world’s best long-distance gravel events.
- Approx. 1,050 km of special stages and 1,650 km of touring across the North Island.
- Closed-road stages on fast, flowing cambered gravel, mixed with more technical sections and real elevation changes.
- Overnight stops through iconic NZ regions (including Rotorua, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū & the Central Plateau).
- Up to 120 starters across competition and Time-Trial divisions.
Event Formats & Classes
Whether you bring a period-correct Escort, a modern 2WD, a classic 4WD, or a road-registered car for the Time-Trial, there is a place for you at Silver Fern.
Historic Competition
Silver Fern & Silver Frond
The heart of the event — pre-1985 period-correct rally cars. The overall Silver Fern winner is recognised from the Historic Competition.
- FIA Historic spec or Motorsport NZ Certificate of Description (CoD) / equivalent documentation.
- Four capacity classes: A (0–1300 cc), B (1301–1600), C (1601–2000), D (>2001).
Challenge Trophy (Modern 2WD)
Silver Fern & Silver Frond
For modern 2WD cars that don’t fit Historic classes. Same route, same distances, modern hardware.
- Classes E–H by capacity (0–1300, 1301–1600, 1601–2000, >2001 cc).
- Built to AASA safety regulations for gravel rallies.
Classic 4WD
Silver Fern only
Early 4WD rally cars — Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota and similar. No modern WRC machinery, but proper classic four-wheel-drive fun.
- Classes I–J (H6 spec & pre-1996 4WD).
- Forced-induction cars run a 36 mm restrictor (per regulations).
Silver Fern Time-Trial
Silver Fern & Silver Frond
A precision driving Time-Trial run on the same closed roads, aiming to match set times based on average speed rather than all-out pace.
- Road-registered cars, with classic and modern divisions.
- Target times & points system; rally atmosphere without full competition prep.
- Speed is controlled and monitored via RallySafe.
Licensing & Eligibility
The 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally is a National Rally Event with foreign participation, permitted by AASA. All competitors and vehicles must comply with the event Supplementary Regulations, AASA National Competition Rules (NCR), and the AASA Standing Regulations for Gravel Rallies.
| Division | Licence |
|---|---|
| Silver Fern & Silver Frond Competition Historic, Challenge Trophy, Classic 4WD |
AASA National Rally Licence (or equivalent National Rally Licence recognised under AASA NCRs). Drivers and co-drivers must understand and agree to be bound by the AASA rules and event regulations. |
| Silver Fern & Silver Frond Time-Trial |
Full civil driving licence (or recognised overseas equivalent). Crew under 14 years of age may only ride as passengers with specific organiser approval. |
Full licence conditions and any updates are detailed in the Supplementary Regulations and AASA documentation.
Entry Prices – 2026 Events (Excl. GST)
The NZ Silver Fern Rally (7 days) and NZ Silver Frond Rally (3 days) share the same organisational backbone. Standard Entry Fees are supplemented by a Medical Levy, Health & Safety Levy and RallySafe fees.
| Event – NZ Silver Fern Rally (7 days) | Standard Entry | Medical Levy | Health & Safety | RallySafe | Total (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | NZ$7,900 | NZ$500 | NZ$1,000 | NZ$500 | NZ$9,900 |
| Time-Trial | NZ$5,900 | NZ$500 | NZ$1,000 | NZ$500 | NZ$7,900 |
| Event – NZ Silver Frond Rally (3 days) | Standard Entry | Medical Levy | Health & Safety | RallySafe | Total (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | NZ$3,385 | NZ$215 | NZ$430 | NZ$215 | NZ$4,882 |
| Time-Trial | NZ$2,530 | NZ$215 | NZ$430 | NZ$215 | NZ$3,899 |
Fees, tax & payment
- All figures are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and are exclusive of GST (15%).
- Standard Entry Fees are in addition to the Medical Levy, Health & Safety Levy and RallySafe fee shown above.
- Once your entry is accepted, an invoice is issued for a NZ$1,000 + GST deposit and subsequent payments.
- Payment methods:
- Bank transfer (details on invoice).
- Credit card (Visa/Mastercard) — merchant fee 3% (NZ cards), 4% (international cards).
- Monthly payment plans are available on request — contact the office to arrange a plan.
The official Price List and Supplementary Regulations always take precedence. This page is a guide only.
Accommodation package
To simplify logistics, you can book accommodation through the organisers at the nominated official hotels.
- Package based on two twin-share rooms per night (sleeping four people).
- Coverage for the full rally duration at official overnight locations.
- Indicative package price: NZ$7,200 (excl. GST).
Exact nights and hotel allocations are confirmed in your accommodation booking and may vary by year and availability.
Shipping Your Car to New Zealand
Silver Fern has long experience with international entries. Our preferred motorsport shipping specialist handles door-to-door transport, customs, and paperwork.
Preferred Logistics Partner
G-Force Logistics
Dedicated motorsport shipping from Australia, UK & Europe to New Zealand.
Phil can quote door-to-door or port-to-port options and advise on Carnet vs Temporary Import Entry (T.I.E.) for your circumstances.
Shared 40 ft container – guide prices
Indicative return pricing per car, based on shared 40 ft containers:
| Origin | Container load | Approx. price per car (return, excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Australia → Auckland → East Coast Australia | 3 cars | NZ$6,000 |
| 2 cars | NZ$9,000 | |
| UK/Rotterdam → Auckland → UK/Rotterdam | 3 cars | NZ$14,000 |
| 2 cars | NZ$19,000 |
These figures are indicative, exclude GST, and can vary with fuel surcharges, exchange rates and port conditions. Always confirm current pricing with G-Force.
Import options: Carnet vs T.I.E.
There are two main pathways for temporarily importing a rally car into New Zealand:
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| ATA/C.D.P. Carnet | Multi-country trips or where a Carnet is already in place. Often the simplest route for road use with fewer temporary registration complications. |
| Temporary Import Entry (T.I.E.) | Single-event use when Carnet fees are prohibitive. May involve NZ GST handling via a guarantor or refund after export. |
- Consumables (oils, cleaners, fluids, etc.) are usually not Carnet-listed and may attract GST/duty that is not refundable.
- Tyres on rims can typically be Carnet-listed but must be exported again with the car.
- Allow at least 12+ weeks before the event to plan shipping, insurance and paperwork.
For detailed guidance on customs, GST and documentation, contact G-Force Logistics or the Silver Fern office: +64 9 298 8322 · info@silverfernrally.co.nz (check actual email/phone on the current contact page).
A Day in the Life at Silver Fern
Expect early starts, big kilometres and a lot of smiles. A typical day might look like:
- 06:00–07:00: Breakfast, car checks, Road Book review.
- Morning: 2–3 gravel stages, then a short service.
- Midday: Touring between regions, refuelling, included lunch for driver & co-driver.
- Afternoon: More stages and a final service/roadside check.
- Late afternoon: Car wash, Parc Ferme or secure overnight park, plan for tomorrow.
Even with the distance, there is always time in the evenings to talk to other crews, share parts and stories, and enjoy the towns that host the event.
Quick Questions for Overseas Competitors
These are short answers based on the 2026 regulations and price list. For full detail, always refer to the official documents.
Do I need a full competition rally licence for Silver Fern?
For the Competition divisions (Historic, Challenge Trophy, Classic 4WD) you need an AASA National Rally Licence or an equivalent National Rally Licence that AASA recognises. The Time-Trial only requires a full civil driving licence (or recognised overseas equivalent).
Roughly how much will it cost to ship my car to New Zealand?
It depends on origin and container sharing. As a guide, a shared 40 ft container:
- From East Coast Australia to Auckland and back is about NZ$6,000 per car with 3 cars in a container (or NZ$9,000 with 2 cars).
- From UK/Rotterdam to Auckland and back is about NZ$14,000 per car with 3 cars (or NZ$19,000 with 2 cars).
All figures are per car, return and excl. GST. Get an up-to-date quote from G-Force Logistics.
What’s the difference between the 7-day Silver Fern and the 3-day Silver Frond?
The Silver Fern Rally runs for seven days, starting and finishing in Rotorua, with overnight stops across the East Coast and lower North Island. The Silver Frond Rally is the opening three days of the same route, starting in Rotorua and finishing in Gisborne, open to 2WD cars in Competition and Time-Trial.
Is this a recce/pacenote event?
The rally is based on a comprehensive Road Book. Stage Notes and drive-through videos are made available before the event. Reconnaissance (recce) is not run in the same way as a short-format WRC event; the emphasis is on endurance, navigation and teamwork over many days. Full detail is set out in the Supplementary Regulations.
Can you help me with accommodation and service logistics?
Yes. You can purchase an official accommodation package covering two twin-share rooms (four people) at the nominated event hotels, and service books and service-park information are released in advance so you can plan crew and support vehicles.
Ready to talk about bringing your car?
Send an Expression of Interest and we’ll help you choose the right division, understand the regulations, and connect you with shipping and accommodation options.
Targa Competition
The full competition regulations for closed-road special stages, eligibility, licensing, service crew responsibilities, safety equipment, penalties, timing, protests and insurance.
Download Competition Terms (PDF) Last updated: October 23, 2025Retro Targa
Minimum stage time format with a points allocation system. Lower risk than full competition, aimed at encouraging classic and older vehicles back onto the stages.
Download Retro Targa Terms (PDF) Last updated: October 23, 2025Targa Tour
Non-competition paced touring on the same stunning roads, in your road-registered vehicle, led by experienced instructors and supported by our safety team.
Download Tour Terms (PDF) Last updated: October 23, 2025Targa Time Trial
Average-speed, precision driving and time-keeping over closed-road stages. Open to NZ road-registered vehicles (commonly 30+ years) with strict safety and etiquette rules.
Download Time Trial Terms (PDF) Last updated: October 23, 2025