Fresh from his victory at the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship, the Respect Yourself Forest Rally, last weekend, Cody Crocker will spend this weekend across the Tasman preparing for his next outing, Rally New Zealand, a round of the World Rally Championship.

Crocker and his crew will spend Sunday testing north of Auckland in the vicinity of some of the stages which will be run on the final day of Rally New Zealand.

He and co driver, Greg Foletta, will then undertake reconnaissance on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with the event getting underway Thursday night, New Zealand time.

Crocker has renewed confidence after his brilliant drive in Western Australia and is looking forward to the international challenge.

"When you have had a great rally like we did last weekend you can't wait to get back in the car again," said Crocker.

"We're very comfortable about the recce. The stages are very similar to those we've done in the past so there should not be too many changes to the notes. You are always more confident using notes that you have raced with before."

While the time gap between the staging of the West Australian and New Zealand events is short, the difference in conditions is vast.

"The New Zealand roads are really unique," said Crocker. "They are a lot smoother than what we get over here, in places a lot faster, and there is far more camber, which makes a big difference."

Possum Bourne will also contest Rally New Zealand, competing for Subaru Production Rally team as part of his Group n World Championship campaign.

Dean Herridge was to drive for Subaru Rally Team Japan, but they have withdrawn, so he will spend his time in the South Island as a very interested spectator.

Rally New Zealand gets underway with a ceremonial start on Thursday April 8, with the real action taking place over the following three days.

Reports will be provided at www.subaru.com.au