The 17-day, four-stage rally runs the length of the country. Each stage takes in a different part of New Zealand and includes timed-tracks days and several closed-road stages. All cars must be registered for the road.
Organiser Roger Phillips said the main objective of the event was to stimulate a nostalgic experience on traffic-free New Zealand roads in the tourism off-peak season.
Seven classic cars dating from 1962 to 2008, including Lotus, Lamborghini, Jaguar and MG, took part in the Queenstown leg of the event.
Coronet Peak Rd and the Crown Range Rd were closed on Sunday so those taking part in the rally could enjoy the spectacular scenery on traffic-free roads.
Mr Phillips said a number of suitable scenic roads had been selected for closed-road stages.
The rally was open to all British and European classic and special-interest vehicles, and provided an economical opportunity for owners to enjoy their vehicles in a social environment, without expensive modification or chequebook racing, he said.
However, he said it was not a competitive road race but seeding places were set for closed-road stages from track lap times, and points were awarded in each class to determine overall and class winners.
The 11 closed-road stages include Waimangu/Rotorua (8km), Kaikoura inland (31km), Akaroa Summit (27km), Macraes Flat (30km), Coronet Peak and reverse (17km) and Cardrona and reverse (38km).
The 5500km-tour costs $2500 a leg, or $8000 for all four stages, and includes jet-boating on the Shotover River, glacier flights and 300km touring a day.
Mr Phillips said the event was a prelude to the Dunlop Targa Ultimate Road Race, which he hoped would be held in the South Island next year.
