What is it?

The Bangers to Bluff ® Rally is an annual charity event organised by the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay (Inc).It’s a fun road trip from Auckland to Bluff with a bunch of like-minded adventurers, driving down some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and lesser-known routes. Over the years, tons of lasting friendships have been made – even solo drivers end up joining groups of 4 or 5 (yeah, it’s a bit cramped, but totally worth it!). Ages range from 7 to 91, so it’s all about anyone who’s up for the ride.

The money raised goes to Multiple Sclerosis NZ and community and youth-focused Rotary Charities.

Event Dates:

The 2026 event is happening from Auckland to Bluff, taking 13 days, starting Monday, March 16th and finishing Saturday, March 28th, 2026.

It’s a pretty exclusive gig with only 16 vehicles allowed, and the route takes you on some epic roads through iconic spots, including the East Coast of the North Island and down the South Island’s stunning West Coast. We don’t have the exact route yet, but we’ll be hitting up both islands for sure. We’ll update this page after the organizers wrap up the 2025 event.

If you’re keen to get notified once the route’s set, shoot an email to davidjam12003@yahoo.co.uk to get on the list!

Timing & Events

  • Depart Bucklands Beach on the morning of Monday16th March 2026 and
  • Finish in Bluff/Invercargill on the afternoon of Saturday 28th April 2026.

The Support Vehicle accommodation venues and basic route plan will be announced shortly.

charities & donate

The masthead charity is Multiple Sclerosis NZ together with additional charities selected as beneficiaries by the Board of The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay (Inc).

Banger sponsorship is a key element in raising the funds with which the rally supports Multiple Sclerosis NZ.

Entrants are required to fundraise on behalf of their vehicle/ team, and the funds will be donated to the beneficiaries.

The minimum Donation/Fundraising amount is $1000 and is tax deductible and the alternative Sponsorship amount is $1000 plus GST ( ie $1150). Please note this is not to be confused with the Registration fee, which is $1000. This minimum Fundraised amount has to be paid to the Organisers on or before the 16th February 2026. Note this is 1 month before the departure date of 16th March 2026. It would be appreciated by the organisers that any additional amounts raised after this date and during the Rally be submitted as soon as practicable.

Entrants will be supplied with some promotional decals for their vehicle, although space will still be available on your Banger for your own supporters and sponsors.  Please note that all decals and any other marketing material must be removed at Invercargill before the Auction at 5.00 pm on Saturday 5th April 2026.

There are two levels of Sponsorship:

  • Gold: $1000 – $1500: Display 2 Decals your sponsor’s image on your Banger.
  • Platinum: $2000 – $ 5000 plus GST: Display your sponsor’s logo/image on up to 10 Bangers plus the opportunity to have your decals on all Bangers at an additional cost per decal per Banger.

Donations can be accepted directly by The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay organisers, but to make this easy and transparent, the rally organisers encourage the use of Givealittle for all amounts under $500.

the challEnge

The challenge is to drive a vehicle registered and with a current WOF, costing less than $2000 ( or even “donated” ) from Auckland to Bluff and finish at Invercargill. Whilst the rally is not a driving competition there is a Trophy and several surPrizes. Banger Points are awarded, and will influence the organisers awarding of the Trophy and surPrizes.

The rally is a fun, friendly event and the objective is to gain the most Banger Points with the winner being awarded a “suitable” trophy. Banger Points are awarded for:

  • The “Banger” country of origin: The country of origin is the country that built the car at the time/date of manufacture. eg Skoda up to Dec 1990 is East European and post 1990 is German.
    • Japanese or Korean: Zero Points
    • Australian: 50
    • German: 100 points
    • USA and Canada 100 points
    • Swedish 100 points
    • Chinese 150 points
    • Indian 150 points
    • East German or Russian 200 points
    • British: 250 points
    • Spanish 250 points
    • French and Italian : 275 Points
    • Any country not mentioned above 300 points
  • Purchase price: 10 Banger Points per $50 under $2000. Eg if Purchase price $1500 then 100 Banger Points. If the Banger is “Donated” it will not be awarded any Banger points
  • Peoples’ choice award: 100 Banger Points
    A vote will be held at some point after the start for the Banger Peoples’ Choice.  Your vote will determine which vehicle/team (other than your own), deserves being awarded the 100 Banger Points for: Flair; Style; Desirability, Team that makes the most impact.
  • Various challenges on the way which will carry Banger Points.
  • Temporary breakdowns such as punctures, broken fan belt, overheating etc. will incur 20 penalty Banger Points per hour (or part thereof) for late arrivals after the last able-bodied car at the destination that day. This does not include any other rally car requested to undertake a tow to a destination garage.
  • Terminal breakdowns will incur negative 1000 Banger Points and it is up to the team to hitch a lift to the end of the rally with another team or find their own way back home.
    Disposal or salvage of the vehicle is the sole responsibility of the participant.

      The winner of the Banger Points award will receive a suitably engraved trophy.

      THE BANGERS

      The Banger must be a vehicle purchased for $2000 dollars or less (all amounts inclusive of GST), including current registration and current warrant of fitness.
      Note any Banger that has been donated ( eg used to be the family car/donated by a friend/car dealer etc) will not be awarded any Banger Points.
      The $2000 does NOT include any monies you decide to spend to dress it up and/or make it more reliable.
      Both the Banger registration and the warrant of fitness must have at least three months to run after the completion of the rally. 
      Each vehicle must also carry a spare tire, a mobile phone and appropriate maps or GPS.

      THE RALLY AND THE SPONSORS!

      This will be progressively updated

      A Support Vehicle will travel with the group and will help with basic repairs, and if necessary call in Major Sponsor AA Roadservice who will endeavour to get the Banger mobile and if not then transport to the nearest Garage. AA Roadservice are providing this service Free of Charge to all Bangers, but the costs of any repairs- remain the responsibility of the Entrant. In the event of a breakdown the rally will continue and it is the responsibility of the “breakdown” Banger, to catch up. During the Rally there will be at least two “rest days”, where we will be staying in the same accommodation.

      How do i enter?

      Registrations are now open for 2026.  You can fill Registration 2026 form or call him on 021 0606378 to register your interest.

      Route and accommodation

      What’s the plan?

      We’re taking the scenic route! Instead of sticking to the usual highways, we’ll be cruising along quieter roads that many of us haven’t explored before. 
      This year this will include :
      • The Nth Islands East Cape
      • The iconic Molesworth Station ( dependent on Weather) There is an alternative route if you don’t feel confident or have done it before.
      • There will be 2 rest days to check out the local attractions. 
      • Each day’s drive is roughly 300–400 km. All up, we’ll be covering a bit under 4000 km.

      Where are we staying?
      Once you’ve registered, and the route is finalised, we’ll email you the accommodation details. We suggest booking at the same places as the rest of the crew — it makes things easier and means you’ll be close by for catch-ups, support, and of course, the daily “Happy Hour”!

      frequently asked questions

      Q: What is the Bank account number for payment of entry fees, sponsorships and large donations?
      (NB Smaller donations ( less than $500 should be made through our 2026 Givealittle page which will be set up nearer the event)?

      A: Westpac Bank Account No 03 0166 0436357 00 Account Name: The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Charitable Trust

      Q: Who pays for the decals on the car?

      A: The Rally Organisers will pay for the official Rally decals on both front doors, they will also pay for any additional decals acknowledging other contributors and sponsors which will be placed by agreement on another available panel.

      You will pay for the decals specific to your team and its sponsors, the Rally Organisers can facilitate the production and provision of these at your cost. In the case of sponsorships, a Gold sponsorship qualifies for decal/s on the car sponsored which must include the cost of the decal. Platinum Sponsorship carries the right to place decals on all cars, and the sponsorship must include the cost of the decals. If there is a conflict of interest with decals the Rally organisers will make a ruling, which will be final.

      Q: What is the difference between sponsorship and donation?

      A: Sponsorship payments raised by the participants are subject to GST as the sponsor receives a benefit/service in the form of exposure, advertising on the car, etc.
      Donations are not subject to GST and the payee qualifies for a 33 cents in the dollar rebate. The organisers prefer donations be made through the Givealittle website with donors noting which team they are supporting. As a registered charity, Give a Little will issue donors with a tax receipt and send us a single payment each month, together with a list of the donors and details of which team they supported. If you prefer to send donations direct to Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Charitable Trust please include full name and address of the donors (and email address if possible). A Tax receipt will be issued.

      Q: What are the arrangements as regards Accommodation?

      A: You are responsible for your accommodation and payment there-of. The Rally Organisers will include recommended venues for each stop in the Rally. This is where the support vehicles will be
      based and the details of these venues will be included in the Rally information, but you are not obligated to stay there, However because “Happy Hour” and fellowship takes place at approximately
      5.00pm each day, and it is easier if we are all accommodated at the same location. This also assists compulsory morning briefings.
      You will be sent an Accommodation list once you have registered and it is highly recommended that you book early…as some of the stops have limited options.

      Q: What happens if my car breaks down?

      A:  In the event that a vehicle cannot be repaired satisfactorily, it is the responsibility of the Entrant to legally “dispose” of it. If the vehicle is “terminal” and depending on when and where the incident occurs, all efforts will be made to either, spread the team and luggage over other vehicles, including the support vehicles. If the vehicle is not “terminal” the “fleet” will continue on its way and it is the responsibility of the entrant to catch up. There are two rest days to facilitate this.

      Q: What happens if I want to keep my Banger?

      A: You want to keep your reliable old “Banger”. Prior to departing from Auckland, a payment of $2000 will be required for the Banger, and this amount will be paid to the organisers to add to funds
      raised for charity. Alternatively, you can bid for it at the auction along with all the other buyers trying to buy your Banger.

      Q: I want to do the rally but don’t have a car and have other things to get organised before I can pay the registration.

      A: Based on previous events the Rally will be fully subscribed and will have a waiting list. Accordingly, unfortunately we cannot hold any positions pending payment of the registration form. 
      Thus to ensure your position on the Rally we require the registration form with the $1250 deposit. This is refundable up to 31st October 2025.
      If the 2026 Event has to be cancelled, the $1250 will be refunded.

      Q: What happens in the event of a Cancellation

      A: In our current uncertain Covid environment there is the potential for cancellation of the Rally:

      • The Full Rally Fee is refundable by 31st October 2025 if you withdraw by that date.
      • If you withdraw after  31st October 2025 the $1250 can be donated (tax deductible) to the  RCHMBCT or carried over to the following year and offset against the next year’s Rally fees.
      • If Covid restrictions mean the Bangers to Bluff 2026 event is cancelled, (at the discretion of the Organisers), a full refund will be available on request. Alternatively this refund can be changed to a (tax deductible) donation or carried over to the next event.

      In the past we had the issue of being oversubscribed, (Absolute max is 16 Bangers) so we urge you to register and secure your spot, with the understanding of Cancellation as per above.
      So…guarantee your position in the Rally by sending in your Registration Form now.

      Q: Decals. Please explain about Sponsor Decals

      A: Sponsor Decals:

      If you get sponsorship from a company that wants their Logo or acknowledgement on one or a number of vehicles, see the following guidelines.

      • Supplier: The Organisers have a supplier, Grafix Wall Art,(Grafix) , that has provided these for all previous events.
      • Artwork: Can be provided electronically to the Organisers (smaclaren11@gmail.com) in virtually any format eg: JPEG; PDF: PNG. This will be collated and forwarded to Grafix.
      • Material: The provider uses a German decal material that is semi-permanent. This means that when the decals have to be removed at the end of the Event…there is no damage to the paintwork and they are relatively easy to remove.
      • Alternative Supplier: If an Entrant has their own supplier, then it is important that the right material is used. ie easy to remove.
      • Production: To keep costs to a minimum we provide all decal artwork to Grafix 4 weeks before the start date so that they can run the whole lot as a batch, so minimising waste and so keeping costs down.
      • Delivery: The complete set of Decals will then be couriered/delivered to the Entrants.
      • If this production deadline is missed Grafix will still produce the Decal up to a week before departure, with supply on the day of departure. There will be an additional cost for these Decals done as a one off.

      Decal Placement, Size and Cost:

      A guide will be provided showing where certain key decals are to be positioned.

      Placement:

      The “sacred spots” reserved for the Organisers and Event Sponsors are:

      • Top of the Windscreen.
      • Top half of Driver’s and Passenger’s door.
      • Bonnet.

      Size:

      Decals are limited in size to approx. 350 sq cm. These can be virtually any style eg portrait/landscape/ panorama etc.

      Cost:

      Decal cost is $25 each plus Gst when ordered as part of the bulk order and includes Courier cost.

      When ordered individually they will be priced accordingly.= $30 plus Gst.

      Number of Sponsor Decals:

      • Platinum Sponsorship: Over $ 1500 (plus GST) Up to 2 Decals on your Banger plus option to have ( at Sponsor’s cost) 2 decals per Banger.
        • Eg Sponsor A:
          • Chooses $1750 plus GST sponsorship plus 2 Decals for one other vehicle Additional cost 2 x $25 =$50 plus GST.
        • Eg Sponsor B:
          • Chooses $3500 (Plus GST) sponsorship plus 1 decal for every Banger (Currently 20 Bangers) Additional cost to Sponsor = 20 x $25 = $500 plus GST. This will be invoiced separately.
      • Gold Sponsorship $1000 – $1500 includes 2 Decals on your Banger.

      What Happens if I don’t get a Sponsor?

      Don’t worry if you don’t get a major sponsor…your Banger will be adorned by Event and Charity decals plus any Platinum Sponsor decals.

      In the past we had the issue of being oversubscribed, (Absolute max is 18 Bangers) so we urge you to register and secure your spot , with the understanding of Cancellation as per above.

      So…secure your position in the Rally by sending in your Registration Form now.

      Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay

      Address: PO Box 82 243, Highland Park, Auckland 2012
      Contact: David Jamieson, 021 0606378 or davidjam12003@yahoo.co.uk
      “Bangers to Bluff” is a registered Trade Mark of the Rotary Club Of Half Moon Bay Inc.
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