History 1980s

1983 Rally of New Zealand

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1983 Rally of New Zealand

Date: July 31 – August 3, 1983

Start Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Finish Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Total Distance: Data unavailable

Surface: Gravel

The 1983 Rally of New Zealand brought the WRC to the Southern Hemisphere, featuring flowing gravel roads, rolling countryside, and some of the most scenic rally routes on the calendar. With an emphasis on speed and rhythm, the event demanded sharp focus, smooth driving, and consistent pace over long distances.

Route

North Island Forest Roads: Smooth gravel surfaces with fast, sweeping bends through dense forestry.
Waikato and Rotorua Regions: A mix of farmland and logging roads with occasional cattle grids and river fords.
Elevation Variability: Climbs and descents across rolling hills, with consistent surface grip ideal for high-speed attacks.

Though official stage data is unavailable, the route traditionally included:

The rally’s unique combination of speed and scenery made it a favorite among drivers, with rhythm and flow more critical than brute force.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Audi Quattro
2nd Place
Timo Salonen & Seppo Harjanne · Nissan 240RS
3rd Place
Jimmy McRae & Ian Grindrod · Opel Manta 400

Mikkola’s precise throttle control and ability to maintain momentum on flowing gravel gave Audi yet another impressive victory in the 1983 WRC season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Pace and Flow: Drivers needed to maintain speed through long, sweeping bends with few heavy braking zones.
  • Consistency: Fewer harsh hazards meant time was gained or lost on rhythm and line discipline.
  • Weather Shifts: Sudden rain showers or fog could appear in forest sections, altering grip and visibility.

The 1983 Rally of New Zealand rewarded finesse over aggression—perfectly suiting Mikkola’s methodical driving style and the Quattro’s stable dynamics.

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