The picturesque fast and flowing gravel roads will present a new challenge to drivers as the event makes it return to the WRC calendar for the first time since 2012. Only three of the current drivers in Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak have competed in New Zealand before.
All eyes will be on the battle for the WRC crown which could be sewn up Down Under as 21-year-old championship leader Rovanpera only needs to extend his 53-point title lead by eight points to become the youngest ever world rally champion.
