The Repco Beach Hop is New Zealand’s premier motoring and nostalgia festival, celebrating the vibrant culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
Held annually in the picturesque seaside town of Whangamatā, with pit-stops throughout the Hauraki Coromandel region, the event attracts car enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
This year is 25th anniversary of this iconic festival is scheduled for March 26th to 30th, 2025.
Since its inception in 2000, the Repco Beach Hop has grown exponentially, drawing crowds of up to 100,000 attendees. The festival offers a rich tapestry of events, including:
Classic Car and Hot Rod Shows: Showcasing over 1,200 meticulously restored vehicles, the festival features grand parades and cruises along the stunning coastline, and this year the traditional route remains in place.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Music and Dancing: Live performances by bands from New Zealand and Australia set the stage for dance competitions and street parties, immersing attendees in the era’s vibrant music scene.
Nostalgia-Fueled Activities: From drive-in movies and art competitions to vintage markets and fashion shows, the festival offers a diverse array of family-friendly events that capture the zeitgeist of the ’50s and ’60s.
Organiser Noddy Watts told the HC Post people should expect “Five days of Rock’n’Roll music and dancing plus car and bike shows each day.”
Watts added that programmes for the event will be on sale across Whangamatā from March 10th.
The Repco Beach Hop is more than just a festival; it’s a community-driven event. Past proceeds are donated to local organisations, including the Onemana and Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Clubs and the Whangamatā Volunteer Coastguards, underscoring the festival’s commitment to supporting essential services in the region.
Event Highlights for 2025
The 2025 festival promises an exciting lineup of events across multiple days and locations:
- Wednesday, March 26th: Go Waihi Warm Up Party in Waihi.
- Thursday, March 27th: Repco Power Cruise at the Pauanui Airfield, a new venue for this year’s festivities.
- Friday, March 28th: Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise to Onemana, featuring live music and dancing.
- Saturday and Sunday, March 29th-30th: Main events in Whangamatā, including the Grand Parade, car shows, live bands, and the Nostalgia Fair at Williamson Park.
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re a classic car aficionado, a rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast, or simply looking to experience a unique slice of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, the Repco Beach Hop offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for March 26th to 30th, 2025, and become part of this unforgettable celebration.
For more information and event updates, visit the official Repco Beach Hop website at beachhop.co.nz
