The 2025 rally

The 2025 Ariel Register Rally in Christchurch

The rally has been and gone. We had slightly lower numbers due to clashes with other events but in fact too many more might have been a bit of an issue for the venue and it ended up being a very convivial rally. Lookig around the common-room everyone was chatting with everyone and for once it was possible to talk to just about all the entrants at the rally. Great to see several partners attending. Most were from the North Island which, given the cost of the ferry and the accommodation being a full rate for partners, the rally was an expensive project. I think this was mitigated by doing some SI touring afterwards.

The stand out feature of the rally was the departure from the normal Canterbury long flat roads. Indeed, this time we never left the peninsular and the roads were straight out of the Andes in South America. The ride presented spectacular views that I did not think existed in NZ. On a motorbike the views were to be taken in only when stopped otherwise you were likely to end up 1000 feet down the hillside possibly into the ocean.

We have run out of space for images but on this run, there was a distinct lack of any barrier on the downhill side. On the windy (and I mean WINDING) single lane parts, the lack of a barrier was somewhat disconcerting. I heard differing reports ranging from “Did not enjoy this stuff” to “Great roads for a motorbike” . Personally, I cannot say I enjoyed the tough bits but thought the views worthwhile and there was a certain satisfaction to make it intact! Also, way better than long flat roads that go on forever!

Our thanks to the Christchurch team, Brad Govan, Alastair Kermode, Ken Robinson and Larry Ross for taking on this rally especially as they have done more rallies than any other group in the register.

The next rally is in Waipukurau which is about 50km south of Hastings in mid-march 2026