A month out from the event's long-awaited return, work on the final stage of the upcoming Rally New Zealand is nearing completion.
The scenic Jack's Ridge track, south of Auckland will put drivers to the test, while offering fans a special rally experience.
"This is the pinnacle of our rally, this is where our champion will be crowned, and the world champion for 2022, so where better to do it than this," said Rally NZ chief executive Michael Goldstein.
Drivers can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and the landscape of the 6.5km course in Whitford, south-east of Auckland, means fans get close to the action.
"We're fortunate to be a part of it and to have the opportunity again to show New Zealand to the world and this environment," Kiwi rally legend Greg Murphy said.
"Rallying's all about the adventure. You chase the rally, come out to the countryside, but this is a venue that's all enclosed, so that makes it easier for a broader sub-set of fans to come and see the rally," Goldstein added.
The course may be picturesque but it isn't for the faint hearted.
Over 12,000 people are expected to pack Jack's Ridge for the final stage of Rally New Zealand, where some of the best drivers in the world will test their skills on what have been described as some of the best roads in the world.
"This is huge, and to have WRC back in New Zealand, there's a lot of people who deserve a lot of credit for this, and there's a lot of fans out there who are chomping at the bit to see these cars," Murphy said.
After last being staged in New Zealand a decade ago, the wait is almost over. The event gets underway on September 29, and the winner could be decided when it wraps up on October 2.
Watch the video above for the full story
