50 Years of Gravel: Otago Rally Hits Milestone with Bumper International Field

The Otago Rally marks its 50th year with 147 entries and a $4 million economic boost for Dunedin. Explore the history and highlights of this iconic gravel race.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 5:40 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Half a Century of High-Speed Heritage

The Otago Rally reaches a historic milestone in 2026, marking five decades since it first began tearing through the Southern landscape. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s as a "blind" overnight adventure to its current status as a world-renowned fixture, the rally has become a cornerstone of New Zealand motorsport. Organizers and veterans alike credit the classic car division—spearheaded in the 1990s—with saving the event during leaner years, eventually growing it into the international drawcard it is today.

The Challenge: 16 Stages and 280 Kilometres

Competitors this year face a grueling 280-kilometre course split into 16 timed stages. The route between Dunedin and Lawrence is a "driver’s dream," characterized by wide, smooth gravel roads that demand a unique mindset compared to traditional track racing. Unlike circuit drivers who memorize a single corner over a thousand laps, rally drivers see a thousand unique corners exactly once. This "one-shot" nature of the sport puts a premium on precise preparation and the mental fortitude to handle steep, twisty, and loose surfaces at high speeds.

Drivers to Watch: From Legacy to Local Legends

The 2026 field is a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans. Jack Hawkeswood, whose father was a former New Zealand champion, returns to the event seeking another victory. Hawkeswood’s history with the Otago Rally is a testament to the sport's resilience; after rolling his car 11 times during his debut in 2016, he returned to claim his first career win on these very roads. The field also features a strong international contingent, particularly from Europe, where the rally’s reputation for technical excellence and scenic backdrops has created a steady stream of "guest drivers" eager to test the South Island tracks.