History 1990s

1991 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1991 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Date: June 26–30, 1991

Start Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Finish Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Total Distance: 522.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1991 Rally New Zealand offered sweeping gravel stages, cool winter temperatures, and high-speed rhythm through the North Island’s lush terrain. Armin Schwarz, in only his second full WRC season, capitalized on clean runs and careful tire strategy to earn a career-first win. With Arne Hertz—formerly Hannu Mikkola’s co-driver—at his side, Schwarz managed the event like a veteran and delivered Toyota a hard-earned victory on one of the calendar’s most technically beautiful rallies.

Route

North Island Forests: Wide gravel paths with forgiving surfaces and perfect camber—drivers could push with confidence.
Whangarei and Rotorua Regions: High-speed technical loops, often damp and misty, where traction and throttle modulation were key.
Rolling Farmland Sections: Fast open bends and crests that demanded courage and trust in pacenotes.

New Zealand’s rally roads are famed for their flowing nature, cambered corners, and natural rhythm—ideal for drivers with smooth, committed driving styles:

Dry weather made for ideal conditions, and Toyota's tire strategy allowed Schwarz to maximize stage times with minimal degradation.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Armin Schwarz & Arne Hertz · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Lancia Delta Integrale 16V

Schwarz’s calm and efficient approach earned him a breakthrough win, while Sainz played the long game for championship points in a Toyota 1–2 finish.

Navigation & Challenges

  • High-Speed Rhythm: Staying in sync with New Zealand’s smooth lines was key—any hesitation cost time immediately.
  • Pace Note Trust: Sight lines were often obscured by trees or crests—perfect calls from Hertz helped Schwarz keep momentum.
  • Grip Management: Dry gravel offered excellent grip, but braking zones required careful modulation to prevent overshooting.

The 1991 Rally New Zealand marked a coming-of-age moment for Armin Schwarz, blending clean execution and confidence to achieve a career-defining victory in one of the world’s most revered gravel events.

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