KEY POINTS:
SS1 AND 3
Pirongia West - length 24.22km - last used in 2007.
Was 18.31km in 2006 and 2007. Extended 5.91km.
Start to 4.86km is tight, winding uphill, then opens out for 4km before narrowing, downhill, and opens to a flowing finish.
SS2 AND 4
Waitomo - length 43.98km - last used in 2007.
New start point 0.09km before last year's start point.
This stage is wide, fast and flowing mixed with winding, narrow and tight sections with grass growing in the middle of the road. While technically difficult, it is a great road for drivers where car control skills count.
SS5, 9, 16
Mystery Creek - length 3.14km - last used in 2007.
This includes a jump and water splash.
It provides great spectator appeal both live and on television.
SS6
Port Waikato - length 17.22km - last used in 2007.
This stage is narrow at the start but it opens up past Limestone Downs and has a flowing finish.
A variety of conditions makes this a technical stage.
SS7
Possum - length 13.78km - last used 2007.
A tight and narrow 5km uphill climb opens up to winding and flowing roads, tight in places. Similar to the Te Akau stages.
Traditionally used by local clubs, this is a great stage for drivers.
SS8
Franklin - length 31.58km - last used in 2007.
Wide road at the start leads to a variety of road widths, some fast, others tight and winding. Rock surface in places. Similar to the Te Akau stages. This is a technical stage which has caught out many drivers.
SS10
Te Akau South - length 31.92km - last used in 2007.
A traditional stage with good, flowing roads.
A variety of road surfaces provides some opportunities for drivers to attack.
SS11
Te Akau North - length 32.36km - last used 2007.
Another traditional stage similar to SS10 with a tricky downhill section about halfway through.
One kilometre of tarmac on Dixon Road.
Continuing road realignment makes this a more open stage.
SS12 AND 14
Te Hutewai - length 11.23km - last used in 2007.
These are more abrasive gravel roads than in the north but still flow well with a fast finish.
SS13 AND 15
Whaanga Coast - length 29.72km - last used in 2007.
This could be the most photographed stage on the WRC circuit. Starting inland, the stage moves out to the coast with spectacular ocean backdrops before going around the Te Toto Gorge to the finish.
A hard surface but, as shown over the last few years, a driver can win or lose the event over this stage.
