How The Rally Works

How the rally works

Overview

The TT2000 spans a target riding duration of 48 hours within the riding window of 12:00 noon Friday to 12:00 noon Sunday. Entries close near the end of January each year to allow time for t-shirts, badges, and packs to be prepared.

The official slogan is 2,000 km in 48 hours. That’s the traditional challenge, but as a safety feature there’s a buffer of four extra hours, allowing you to arrive back at the finish between 12:00–4:00 pm on Sunday and still be classed as a finisher (though not as completing the official challenge). This time is for emergencies, a puncture, a breakdown, or any other curveball that could stop you making the midday finish.

Step by Step
Report to the start point by 11:30 am Friday, ready for the Rallymaster’s briefing.

Take your starting odometer photo with your rider card visible. (In the South Island you’ll also be told to how to take a second start photo at the briefing.)
You’ll be released before 12:00 pm and handed your rally t-shirt.
Ride away according to your chosen pathway and pre-planned route.
At each checkpoint you visit, take a photo as described in the rules (bike, shirt, and the checkpoint’s name clearly visible).
On Sunday, arrive at the finish checkpoint before 12:00 pm to complete the challenge, or before 4:00 pm to be classed as a finisher.
Take your finishing odometer photo with your rider card and sticker visible. (North Island riders must include a dated fuel receipt at the start and finish.)
Enjoy the camaraderie at the finish, a meal, and a catch-up with other riders.
Within two weeks, upload your photos to your online folder and complete the finishing form. All photos must be submitted by 31 March for your results to be confirmed and your finisher pack sent.

The TT2000 Pathways

The TT2000 is not a single “go from A to B” route — it’s a challenge you shape around the checkpoints. In 2026 there are three ways to complete the rally:

Heritage Trail (South Island)
A prescribed route of 20 compulsory checkpoints. These must be collected in the given order. The route is provided as a GPX file, Google Map, and run sheet, and totals just over 2,000 km. Mystery Checkpoints can also be added if you wish.

Monumental Quest (South Island)
A self-planned route where riders collect checkpoints from five monument categories (War Memorials, Statues, Civic & Historical, Natural & Scenic, and Memory Markers). You must travel at least 2,000 km and collect at least 2,000 points. Mystery Checkpoints and Memory Markers are optional bonuses.

Memorial Path (North Island)
A self-planned route with the same categories as Monumental Quest, starting and finishing at Allied Petroleum, Ashhurst. You must fuel up at the start and finish, taking a dated receipt photo beside your odometer each time. You must travel at least 2,000 km and collect at least 2,000 points. Memory Markers are included, but there are no Mystery Checkpoints in the North Island.

The checkpoints

Heritage Trail riders must visit all 20 compulsory checkpoints in order.
Monumental Quest and Memorial Path riders may choose from the full range of monument categories, planning their own route to meet the distance and points requirements.
Monuments are generally worth 50 points each.
Memory Markers and Mystery Checkpoints have their own requirements and bonus structures (see rules).

Each time you take a photo correctly, you earn the checkpoint’s points. If your points meet or exceed the minimum and your odometer shows 2,000 km+, you’ve successfully completed the TT2000.

The Essence of the TT2000
Most riders aim to just meet the minimum 2,000 km and 2,000 points, but the bonuses and mastery challenges offer extra incentive for those who want to push further.

At its heart, the TT2000 is about rider responsibility, planning your own weekend to suit your stamina, style, and interests. It’s a long ride through incredible scenery, and more than likely down roads you’ve never ridden before.