11/05/2026
We’ve been receiving a significant number of enquiries about future Targa events and dates, so I wanted to share where our thinking has landed. Over the past year we’ve been closely monitoring several domestic and international factors that directly affect the viability of running Targa-style events.
Domestically, the current economic climate has reduced discretionary spending, and the New Zealand customer base alone is not large enough to sustain multiple Targa events each year without either relying heavily on international competitors or substantially increasing entry fees. Given how challenging it already is to maintain participation at current pricing levels, I believe increasing fees would only accelerate a decline in entries.
Internationally, the “Targa” brand has become increasingly problematic. Following serious incidents at overseas events, the format is now viewed with caution by insurers and regulators. In Europe particularly, Targa events are considered time trials rather than rallies, and there is a clear global shift in motorsport from what could be described as “Wild to Mild.”
Comparable events illustrate this shift:
Targa Tasmania 2025: approximately 250 km of competitive stages over six days.
Classic Adelaide: approximately 100 km of competitive stages over three days.
These events now cater primarily to Tour or limited-speed participants. While this has satisfied a new “soft participation” market, it has displaced marathon-minded competitors. Importantly, this audience is content with what they have and is unlikely to travel to New Zealand.
This presents us with an opportunity.
Rather than follow this global trend, my thinking is to create a clear point of difference by building on the international reputation of the NZ Silver Fern Rally brand and New Zealand’s status as the Adventure Capital of the world. Not the “Wild West,” but perhaps the last bastion of traditional rallying.
We are introducing the NZ Silver Fern Tarmac Rally, to be run in November on odd-numbered years, alternating with the NZ Silver Fern Gravel Marathon Rally held in even-numbered years. This approach:
Gives local competitors more time to plan and budget.
Avoids cannibalising participation between events.
Creates a clear, internationally recognisable cycle.
We are already receiving strong interest from Europe, Australia, and Asia for this concept, as there is currently nothing else like it worldwide.
Under this structure, Targa NZ would move to a biennial tarmac event, with the next event scheduled for November 2027, officially titled:
NZ Silver Fern Tarmac Rally
The event would run over seven days, with flexible participation options:
2-day Targa Regional (300 km special stages)
5-day Targa NZ (750 km special stages)
7-day NZ Silver Fern Tarmac Rally (1,050 km / 650 miles special stages – FIA marathon status)
The format would be based in the North Island, with documentation on a Friday, competition running from Saturday through to the following Friday. The first two days would form the Regional Targa, with competitors able to continue into the longer formats
Daily competitive distance would be approximately 150 km per day of closed special stages plus touring, striking a balance between endurance, challenge, and safety.
This structure allows us to:
Attract serious international competitors seeking a true marathon rally.
Continue to serve domestic competitors based on appetite, budget, and time.
Protect the long-term viability of Targa-style events in New Zealand.
Regards
Peter Martin
Managing Director
Ultimate Rally Group Limited
M: 0064 - 274 525 643
