Just weeks after their successful event, the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally organisers in New Zealand have already set the date for the 2025 rally.

A busy schedule in New Zealand’s South Island means that the rally will be held from April 4 to 6 – a week earlier than in 2024.

As usual, the rally will be based in Dunedin and will continue the tremendous success that has now spanned well over 20 years. 

“Everyone finished this year’s rally on a high and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback,” Otago Rally chairman, Norman Oakley, said.  

“We’ve already started consideration of next year’s route. As always it will be a combination of new and old favourite stages, but we will certainly be focusing on using high-quality roads.”

The earlier date will see the Otago Rally as the first of three big motoring weekends in the lower South Island.

The George Begg Historic Racing Festival will take place the following weekend at Teretonga in nearby Invercargill, while Wheels At Wanaka will be held in Central Otago over Easter.

All three events are major attractions for many Otago Rally followers and will prove a fantastic opportunity for motorsport and motoring enthusiasts to spend an extended period of time in the region.

The 2025 Otago Rally will again be the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship.

Following the success of Irishman Kris Meeke in the 2024 Classic Rally, thoughts are already focussed on guest drivers and initiatives for the 2025 rally.

The event is grateful for the support of Dunedin City’s Premier Event fund.