KEY POINTS:
A thumb's up from the world governing body has mean this year's Rally of New Zealand will have an unchanged route, organisers said today.
The rally's base was moved to Hamilton last year, with the stages being held in and around the Waikato.
This year's event from August 30 to September 2 will be the 11th round of the World Rally Championship.
It will again be based at the Mystery Creek Events Centre and use roads in the Waitomo, Otorohanga, Raglan and Franklin districts.
Clerk of the course Willard Martin said organisers had been delighted with the reaction from teams, drivers and officials from world body FIA to last year's competition.
It was the first time a central service park was used for the Rally of NZ, allowing for a super special stage, a rally show and general entertainment.
"We were pleased with things first time up, although some pretty awful weather provided a few challenges," Martin said.
"Mystery Creek is a wonderful facility and it's the first time we could showcase our sport right in front of spectators.
"That's something that has not been able to be achieved even on the major European rallies and it's something we're keen to grow."
Martin said there had been excellent feedback on the roads used, with drivers classing them as among the best on the world circuit.
"They certainly enjoyed the roads we presented last year, so much so that we have no real need to make any changes this time around."
The Rally of NZ will have a total of 361km of special stages, with Ford driver Marcus Gronholm of Finland expected back to defend his title.
- NZPA
