Watch: Pohe Island gets early taste of International Rally of Whangarei

Drivers in the 2018 International Rally of Whangarei got an early look at their opening stage as they completed their shakedown at Pohe Island.

The field of 53 went along to the scene of the opening two stages to get a look at the track as well as giving guests an opportunity to sit alongside one of the drivers as they traversed the track.

Dave Culham Drive, including Te Matau a Pohe bridge, will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from 4pm to 11pm tomorrow for the opening of the International Rally of Whangarei.

Whangarei District Council said a train will also pass through the rail crossing at the intersection of Port Rd and Kioreroa Rd, some time after 4pm tomorrow.

Traffic turning from Port Rd on to Kioreroa Rd will be affected by the train crossing and will cause additional traffic queues for drivers heading south along Port Rd or heading towards Port Rd from Kioreroa Rd.