Bay of Plenty and Waikato rally fans are in for a treat in November when the world's longest special stage rally for 2012 passes through the area.

After three successful biannual rallies in the South Island from 2006-2010, the epay Silver Fern Rally is shifting the week-long marathon rally event to the North Island.

Rally chairman Gary Smith says the decision to shift the event north was prompted by its growing popularity and a strong call from former competitors to give the event a fresh look.

The rally covers over 1050kms in special stages, including many iconic rallying roads from the past, including Manawahe, Motu, Mohaka Coach Rd, Cricklewood, Turakina Valley Rd, Opotiki Rd and Hauturu Rd. The event starts at Auckland's Botany Town Centre on November 10, before overnight stops in Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier, Fielding, Ohakune and Taupo, before finishing at Hamilton's Claueland's Events Centre on November 17. Special stages on day one will include Piakonui (near Morrinsville), before stopping at Baypark for lunch and a car service, then on to stages at Mangatoi Rd, Taumata Rd and special stage Galaxy near TECT Park, as the cars return to Rotorua over Pyes Pa Rd. Organisers plan to return to the South Island for the 2014 rally. Event details: www.silverfernrally.co.nz