An Australian team will feature in the Catlins Coast Rally in what organisers hope is a sign of more to come from across the Tasman.
Queensland driver Keith Callinan is making his second appearance at the Catlins motorsport event.
He competed in the 2005 race.
He and his wife and co-driver, Mary-Anne, are returning to South Otago in a Ford Escort BDA for the August 1 event and aim to "give it our best shot".
The couple have competed in several New Zealand rallies, including this year's Otago Rally and two Silver Fern events.
They say they cannot fault the way events in this country are run and predict more Australians will compete here.
"The package in New Zealand is unbelievable. We don't get the gravel roads in Australia that you have here.
"Not only that, but the rallies are well organised and everyone is smiling. There is so much red tape in Australia - it's in your face. Over here, it is probably there but the competitor doesn't see it."
The rally starts at Owaka Motors at 9am and features eight special stages, finishing in Balclutha about 3.40pm.
It is round three of the Mainland Rally championship.
