Spectators who are getting out to see the action on Rally New Zealand can be assured of some prime viewing in safe locations for New Zealand's round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

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.

Clerk of the Course Willard Martin said he is pleased that the stages for this year's event - popular with drivers and fans alike last year - will not only provide a stern test but offer spectators some exciting and safe viewing areas.

``Spectator safety is a major component in planning for the event. Unlike circuit racing we do not have the benefit of Armco barriers, catch fencing and gravel traps. We need to incorporate the natural environment of the route in our planning,'' Martin said.

"Before determining if a location is suitable we need to consider the potential path of the cars and from there we can decide if the area is safe for spectators. We are confident we have achieved this, and provided some fantastic rally action this year.''

Last year Rally New Zealand moved their event to be based at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, which also provides the venue for the highly popular super special stage.

It was so popular that organisers have added it to each day of the rally.

"For general motor sport fans or the family wanting to check out the rally, then everything is there for them at Mystery Creek. They can see teams working on the cars, there's a big screen showing the live action, there's a fantastic super special stage every day and there's lots of other activities.

"I'd recommend it as the ideal stop for people wanting an overview of what rallying is all about."

Tried and proven fans will want to head out on the stages where Rally New Zealand has left no stone unturned in it's safety planning.

Organisers will utilise the services of more than 1000 marshals to ensure that spectators remain within the approved areas.

Martin confirmed that event safety does not end there.

"With 50,000 spectators or more expected, we also utilise the services of special safety advisers, three safety cars that traverse each stage before the rally cars, two safety helicopters who shadow the cars and a fully equipped medical helicopter.

"All of this is in addition to the FIA Safety Delegate who attends each round of the world championship and surveys our safety procedures.''

Rally New Zealand begins with the shakedown at Mystery Creek on Thursday 30 August ahead of the Ceremonial Start in downtown Hamilton on Thursday evening.

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.