More than just a rally – our 2025 Otago Rally spectator tour

Dunedin is lovingly referred to as the ‘Edinburgh of the south’, where the architecture and historic facades of the city draw direct comparisons to its roots.

Once a year, however, the only architecture that really matters are the smooth lines of AP4 and Rally2 cars, and the far-less refined shapes of Mk2 Escorts and Mazda RX7s.

When the Otago Rally gets underway again on Friday, April 4, not only will a new chapter in the rally’s history take place, but those who have travelled to the event previously will recall some the great battles of years gone by.

It’s no fluke that the rally is regarded as one of the jewels in classic rallying’s crowd. In the modern world news travels quickly, and the glowing superlatives from drivers like Kankkunen, Vatanen, Mouton and McRae can’t be ignored.

Without doubt, the smooth, flowing and cresty roads to the north and south of Dunedin make the rally what it is. Names like Kuri Bush, Waipori Gorge and Whare Flat have become legendary.

But it’s more than that. Much more.

A forward-thinking organisational team make the rally a pleasure to be involved in, regardless of whether you’re a competitor or a spectator.

Access to the stages is available to most, and the distances needing to be travelled are short.

All of which makes it no surprise that our annual spectator tour to the Otago Rally has become such a hit with rally fans over the past 10 years.

Starting with sought-after seats at the Rally With The Stars dinner on Thursday evening, those partaking in the 2025 tour will come away with memories of a lifetime.

Friday is spent taking in the history of Dunedin’s city centre, before 100+ rally cars gather in the beautiful ‘Octagon’ for the official rally show and start.

Come Saturday, you’ll board our tour bus as we head to up to three prime viewing locations where you’ll not only see the best classic rally drivers in action – including former WRC star Kris Meeke – but Hayden Paddon and the best the New Zealand Rally Championship has to offer.

We’re only just warming up though!

On Sunday we’ll repeat the dose as the rally nears its conclusion and those pushing for podium places up the ante on the run to the finish.

Will it be Meeke and Paddon again, or will a new winner etch their name in to the history books?

When the rally’s done and dusted (probably literally), we’ll gather for a final tour dinner to cap off a tremendous few days, before we head our own way on Monday morning with a head full of memories and, more than likely, the desire to return again next year.

For more information on our 2025 Otago Rally VIP Spectator Tour, click HERE.

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