In the absence of the World Rally Championship landing on Australian shores for 2007, there is a mass exodus of spectators crossing the Tasman for the New Zealand event.

With three Australian crews contesting Rally New Zealand, it is the closest opportunity for the passionate visitors to see their heroes in action.

The 38th Rally New Zealand, which is Round 11 of the FIA World Rally Championship, will be based in Hamilton, heading to the King Country, Waikato and Franklin districts from 30 August to 2 September.

Many in the Tasman crossing group are part of holiday package tours that include adventure diversions to the action provided by WRC Rally New Zealand. 

One is the ‘Ultimate Sportsnet Holidays 7-night Rally New Zealand Adrenalin Rush Tour'.   An eight-day package it also fastens punters in to the Lancer EVO 9 of Melbourne based Scott Pedder for a post-event ride of their life.

"This package is one of the most unique holidays we've ever done," says Daniel Cecconi from Sportsnet Holidays. "It really encapsulates the wow factor of travelling in New Zealand, and the best part is it's not just for the rally enthusiast."

"We've been able to cater for a number of different markets, and provide a package which includes features they won't be able to do anywhere else, and what's even more exciting is that Scott is going to be heavily involved."

This will be the first Rally New Zealand event for Pedder and co-driver Glen Weston, who are joined by Sydney driver John Murray Jnr and co-driver Ben Searcy in their Subaru Impreza.

Another tour is Australia's Rallysport Magazine, bringing its eighth contingent of visitors to New Zealand.  Fronted by motoring journalist Peter Whitten, the group will stay for six days and includes time with Subaru World Rally Team driver and Australian, Chris Atkinson.

Following a two-day reconnaissance of the roads used in the three-day rally the New Zealand flag will wave the Australians on their way on Thursday evening in downtown Hamilton.

The rally proper begins on Friday 31 August in the Otorohanga and Waitomo region, day two is in the Franklin District and northern Waikato and final day in Raglan, with super special stages each day back at the rally headquarters and service park at Mystery Creek.