
NIRS Round 4 in the King Country — 130km of classic Taumarunui gravel roads not used in championship rallying since 1999. Historic roads, real rally.
The Taumarunui Rally brings the 2026 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series to King Country for a rare and special occasion — the roads used for this round haven't been part of an NZRC calendar since 1999, giving the event an almost mythical quality for rally fans who know their NZ motorsport history. Competitors tackle 130km of classic King Country public gravel roads around Taumarunui, with the wild, undulating terrain producing exactly the kind of old-school rally stage that modern events rarely offer. An 80km Clubmans option opens the event to less experienced competitors, making it one of the most accessible NIRS rounds on the calendar while still attracting top-level Rally2 machinery at the sharp end. Spectators are welcomed along the route with maps and QR codes to stage viewing points available via the NIRS website and Facebook closer to the event.
NIRS Round 4 in the King Country — 130km of classic Taumarunui gravel roads not used in championship rallying since 1999. Historic roads, real rally.