Targa New Zealand — A Living Legacy
From the Sicilian streets of the Targa Florio to New Zealand’s most unforgettable sealed roads, the spirit of Targa has travelled the world and taken root here. This is our story.
Where it all began — the Targa Florio
Modern Targa events across the globe trace their lineage to the original Sicilian classic — the Targa Florio. While today’s Targas are run as rallies with competitive stages on closed public roads, the early greats like the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia were true open-road races, with spectators leaning from windows and lining village streets as the cars thundered past.
First run in 1906, the Targa Florio was the vision of Palermo businessman Vincenzo Florio. Having launched the Coppa Florio in 1900, Florio wanted a definitive test for a revolutionary machine — the motorcar. The word Targa means “plate” in Italian — a nod either to the commemorative bronze trophy plate created by René Lalique, or the license plates hastily affixed to early competitors’ cars in the days before the race. Whatever its origin, the name stuck — and the legend began on the very streets of Sicily.
The Florio quickly earned legendary status: a technically demanding route through Sicilian mountains, punishing on drivers, crews, and machines. In its early years, simply finishing was a triumph. The event ran through the Golden Age of motorsport and, after decades of unforgettable racing, concluded in 1973.
Bringing Targa to New Zealand
Inspired by the Sicilian original, Mike John — founder of Targa New Zealand — set out to create a Targa for our roads and our people. It wasn’t easy. Securing permissions, designing routes, and building a safety-first culture demanded relentless persistence. Backed by a determined group of enthusiasts, the dream became reality in 1995 with the inaugural Targa New Zealand.
That first event crossed the North Island with more than 2,000 km of touring and 38 Special Stages on closed public roads. A distinctive esprit de corps — camaraderie in the heat of competition — defined 1995 and every Targa NZ since. The specialist press called it “the stuff legends are made of.”
Why New Zealand? The Ultimate Road Race
New Zealand delivers scenery found nowhere else — and sealed roads that swing from open and flowing to tight and technical. That variety, paired with our motorsport DNA, makes Targa NZ uniquely special. From vintage sports cars and Kiwi-built specials to Italian exotics and modern four-wheel-drive weapons, Targa New Zealand welcomes them all.
Kiwis bring a proud grassroots tradition and global pedigree in Formula 1, Formula 5000, Can-Am, Supercars, and rallying. It’s the perfect foundation for an event that is as much about community and craft as it is about speed.
Evolution with purpose: more events, greater care
As Targa New Zealand grew, the format expanded: two- and three-day events and single-day sprints joined the annual marquee rally. Each provides a proving ground for drivers and cars ahead of the big one — and a welcoming pathway into the Targa family.
Through it all, we’ve kept a clear focus: safety, operational excellence, and an unforgettable competitor experience. Stage-kilometres per dollar spent remain world-class, and our safety record reflects decades of rigorous planning and continuous improvement.
Passing the torch
In April 2008, Mike passed the torch to Peter, whose emphasis on safety, efficiency, and improved race systems has helped Targa NZ excel on the world stage — blending Kiwi hospitality with the camaraderie of competitors and crews.
If you join us, you’ll find more than a rally. You’ll find a community — and an experience that stays with you long after parc fermé. Come drive Targa New Zealand: The Ultimate Road Race.
Be part of the next chapter
Tell us about you and your car — we’ll help you find your place in Targa NZ.