The event will travel from Auckland to Taranaki, then through Waikato, Whanganui, Tongariro National Park, Palmerston North and Hastings before heading to Rotorua, Gisborne before arriving in Opotiki and Tauranga ahead of finishing in Auckland on day seven.
Drivers will arrive in the region via the Te Puke Highway before travelling along SH2 and turning on to SH29 at Te Maunga. They will head over the Maungatapu Causeway Bridge, through the Welcome Bay and Pyes Pa roundabouts to the Kaimai Range.
The rally aims to raise money for the Cancer Society of New Zealand. It has already raised more than $6.1 million for cancer research since it began in 2000 in Australia. Next year's event will be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Cancer Society of New Zealand chief executive Claire Austin said it was pleased to be chosen as the partner of the Shitbox Rally NZ.
"Cancer is the leading cause of death in our country and the funds raised will help us to continue our research," she said.
Last year, the Cancer Society, which does not receive government funding, invested more than $1.6 million into scientific research across New Zealand.
ABOVE: Last year's Shitbox Rally in Australia, Broome to Fitzroy Crossing. BELOW: Perth to Meekatharra.PHOTOS/JARRAD SENG
Rally founder James Freeman created the event after losing his parents to cancer.
Ms Austin said Mr Austin's drive to find a cure and his fundraising programme were an inspiration.
Mr Freeman was excited about introducing the rally to New Zealand for its international debut.
Based on how creatively vehicles were traditionally decorated "we will certainly be noticed as we explore the North Island", he said.
"The route will showcase quiet, unsealed back roads that offer the remote and spectacular scenery that New Zealand is famous for. It is going to be a unique and special Shitbox Rally and having a local charity partner in the Cancer Society of New Zealand now means we can help our neighbours in their cancer battle also."
Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, with about 60 people a day diagnosed with the disease.
"We will organise everything to do with the cars, so all teams need to do is arrive, bid on a vehicle, pack and head off for the trip of a lifetime," Mr Freeman said.
- A limited number of spaces on Shitbox Rally NZ are available to New Zealand-based teams. To register your interest for go to www.shitboxrally.co.nz
