Q. Where to stay ? A. Sky City is the official headquarters, it is a casino/hotel in the middle of the Auckland CBD. for half the price you can stay across the road at "The Albion" an intimate mid-1800's hotel where you'll meet "real" locals, or there are many other economy to luxury hotels in close proximity.
Q. Rally spectating packages ? A. See
www.rallynz.org.nz If your wife is a half decent navvie, or a half decent driver on the left side, you are better off doing your own exploring. Carry a gun and lots of ammo, the natives are ruthless. Just kiddin' on the last bit.
Q.Where to best spectate the last two days ? A. In a bar with a large screen TV. oops there I go again. The course isn't set and there is talk that NZ may get an exemption to go back to three service parks as the format this year meant alot of the driver's favorite roads were lost.
Q. Best car rentals ? A. All the major ones plus a few economy ones that will give a good weekly rate and wont even charge for the roll bars. halda and intercom.
Q. Best roads to "explore" ? A. Karangahape Road is the best but don't take your wife!!!!! (it's the Red Light District). Seriously tho', till the course is set it's a mystery but contact me closer to the time and I'll give you some directions along with an invoice......heehee.
As far as marshalling or officiating goes, they have a training program you'll have to attend a few months before the event to be able to work it!!!!!
Good luck, you'll have a blast