Off-Road

Off-road racing is one of New Zealand's most physically demanding and visually spectacular forms of motorsport. Governed by the Off Road Association of New Zealand (ORANZ) since 1984, the sport brings together purpose-built space-frame buggies, modified production 4×4s, and unlimited class race machines across a national championship series and regional club events. Events range from short course circuit racing — tight, jump-heavy tracks that reward aggression and car control — to long-distance enduro formats run through forests, gravel roads, and open terrain. Iconic events like the Woodhill 100 and the New Zealand Short Course Championship draw the country's fastest off-road racers to venues including Colin Dale Park in Auckland, TECT Park in the Bay of Plenty, and West Melton in Canterbury. Vehicles are divided into 13 national classes covering everything from Class 1 unlimited space-frame cars and Class 8 trucks through to Class 7 standard-spec VW Beetles — making the sport accessible at grassroots level while still catering to serious competitors running full custom builds. Off-road racing is often a family tradition, with multiple generations of racers competing at the same events. NZShift lists off-road racing events from ORANZ-affiliated clubs across both the North and South Island, including Canterbury Offroad Racing Club, Auckland Offroad Racing Club, Waikato Offroad Racing Club, and Otago Offroad Racing Club. Whether you're coming to watch the dirt fly or planning your first race entry, this is your starting point.