Peninsula businesses are awaiting arrival of the VINZ Coromandel Gold Rush Rally of NZ, which will bring more than 65 rally cars with 520 people in support crews to the Coromandel.

The rally, based in Whitianga, is round five of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship and sees drivers cover 135km in nine special stages on the Coromandel Peninsula on Saturday, August 23, in the battle to earn national series points.

Also hitting town along with spectators is an organising team of volunteers and two TV3 production crews totalling more than 200 – seeing the event nationally televised –– meaning a huge influx of people into and around Whitianga.

The VINZ Goldrush Rally of NZ is a providing opportunities for our local businesses and the Coromandel to shine.

To celebrate and help a huge influx of visitors have a great weekend in and around Whitianga, Thames-Coromandel District Council is working with the Mercury Bay Business Association to kick-start the event with a Street Party on Friday, August 22.

Whitianga's Blacksmith Lane – the official start gate of the Rally – will be closed to traffic for a period of time on Friday afternoon and evening.

Rally NZ is organising cars and competitors to park, providing everyone the opportunity to get up close and personal with the rally cars and signing session with the stars.

Other road closures to take note of:

Blacksmith Lane, starting at the intersection with Albert St and finishing 250m from Albert St. Period of closure: 3pm-8pm on August 22.

Tapu-Coroglen Rd, starting at 3.9km from State Highway 25 (Tapu end) and finishing at SH25 (Coroglen end). Period of closure: 7.50am-3.50pm on August 23.

The 309 Rd, starting at 1.3km from SH25 (Coromandel end), and finishing at 4.5km from SH 25 (Coromandel end). Period of closure: 6.30am-9.30am on August 23.

The 309 Rd, starting at 4km from SH25 (Coromandel end), and finishing at 21km from SH25 (Coromandel end). Period of closure: 6.30am-4pm on August23

Joan Gaskell Drive, starting at SH25, and finishing 1.2km from SH25.

Period of closure: 1pm-6pm on August 23.

During the proposed periods of closure the following provision will be made for ordinary vehicular traffic, which would otherwise use the roads:

Tapu-Coroglen Rd and the 309 Rd: Detour via SH25 or SH5A (Kopu-Hikuai)

Joan Gaskell Drive: Detour via SH25, Buffalo Beach Rd and Albert St to enter/exit Whitianga.

For more information, click here.