Big weekend of rally, rugby and classic cars coming to Whangārei
Published on 16 September 2026
Whangārei will host the Vertex Lubricants International Rally of Whangārei and a Ranfurly Shield defence over one action-packed weekend.
Whangārei is gearing up for an exceptional weekend of sport and motorsport from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026, combining the International Rally of Whangārei with a Ranfurly Shield defence by the Northland Taniwha.
The weekend features a free city centre rally celebration, District-wide rally stages, a Pohe Island car show and Super Special Stage, and a Ranfurly Shield match at Semenoff Stadium.
What’s on
Friday 25 September: Rally celebrations in the city centre
The International Rally of Whangārei weekend begins with the Pohe Island Shakedown from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, followed by the Street Roar in the city centre, driver autograph opportunities and the official opening ceremony and ceremonial start from 3:15pm.
Saturday 26 September: Ranfurly Shield and Pohe Island rally action
The Northland Taniwha host Counties Manukau at Semenoff Stadium in a Ranfurly Shield defence, kicking off at 2:05pm.
From 3:00pm, Pohe Island will host a large display of classic cars, along with food vendors.
Rally action begins from about 5:00pm, with two runs of the Pohe Island Super Special Stage featuring a jump, sweeping corners and bridge section.
Competitive rally stages will also take place across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts. The event includes 18 special stages covering about 264km of gravel-road rallying.
Sunday 27 September: Rally finish
Rally competition continues on roads south of Whangārei before concluding with ceremonial finish and prizegiving activities at Pohe Island.
Plan ahead for parking and traffic on Saturday 26 September
Two major events are taking place on Saturday afternoon and evening, so people are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow event signage.
- Rugby spectators attending the Ranfurly Shield match are encouraged to park on the western side of the city, including Railway Road and central city carparks, and walk to Semenoff Stadium.
- Rally spectators should use parking areas accessible from Riverside Drive and follow event signage and traffic management directions.
- Dave Culham Drive and Te Matau a Pohe bridge will be closed to cars and pedestrians from 2:00pm onwards. Access will be for rally ticket holders only.
- The Loop Walkway will be closed to pedestrians from 2:00pm onwards between Te Matau a Pohe Bridge and the Skate Park end of Pohe Island.
- Please follow directions from event marshals and traffic management staff at all times.
Message for residents
Residents can expect higher-than-normal traffic volumes across the weekend, particularly in the city centre on Friday afternoon, around Semenoff Stadium on Saturday afternoon, around Pohe Island and Riverside Drive on Saturday evening, and on rural rally routes throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Thank you for your patience while Whangārei hosts these nationally significant sporting events.