Rally New Zealand is advising Tauranga residents and business owners of a temporary road closure tonight on The Strand.

The road will be closed between Harrington Street and Devonport Road from 2pm, finishing no later than 10pm.

During this time public will have the chance to join in on promotional activities, and be able to view rally cars up close and mingle with their drivers.

Rally New Zealand clerk of the course Steve Foster says public will have the chance to meet some fantastic drivers.

'Hayden Paddon, our WRC star is in town for the event and we also have a couple of international entries from New Caledonia and Japan.

'If there is anyone parked in this area during the event they will be able to get out,” he says.

Rally cars will arrive for the display between 4.15-5pm with promotional activities taking place from 5. Cars will be driven over the start ramp from 6.15pm at which point they will leave the area.