Despite two days of heavy rain and wind, the 26th annual Repco Beach Hop, New Zealand’s premier nostalgic festival, was a resounding success. The weather cleared on Saturday and Sunday, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate the best of the 50s and 60s culture, including Rock ‘n’ Roll music, dance, fashion, cars, and motorcycles.
The event kicked off with the “Go Waihi Warm Up Party” on Wednesday, setting the tone for the week with live music and social events. However, due to intense rainfall and winds, Thursday’s Repco Power Cruise at Pauanui Airfield and Friday’s Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise to Onemana were cancelled, shifting the focus to Whangamatā.
Saturday brought a perfect sunny day and the crowd came out for the main events including:
- The Grand Parade through Whangamatā
- Multiple car shows featuring classic, pre-1949 hot rods, motorcycles, and retro caravan displays
- Fashion events like the Junkyard Fashion Show
- Hop Idol finals, and prize giving
- Continuous live music town-wide
Everyone Benefits From Beach Hop
Sunday showcased a classic cover nostalgic fair with over 100 stalls and the Repco Beach Hop Top Shop competition, where businesses were voted on for their best Rock ‘n’ Roll-themed decor. The event concluded with final prize draws and live music.
For just $5, attendees received a detailed programme filled with descriptions, messages from local officials, sponsors, and organisers, as well as pin-up pictures of featured cars and motorcycles. Sponsors and local businesses showcased their services and Beach Hop offers within the programme.
The festival brought significant income into the town, benefiting various community groups such as Surf Life Saving and sporting clubs. The event required a tremendous amount of community spirit and effort in preparation. Local people were proud to participate as volunteer crew, while visitors from across New Zealand and beyond enjoyed the host of events and activities.
Denis Beaver took over as the new leader this year, following Noddy Watts’ 25-year tenure as director. Repco, with naming rights, continues to support this significant New Zealand event. As I pondered, a thought crossed my mind: what would Beach Hop be like if the classic cars were powered by electricity instead of petrol? A silent car procession of those grand cars and motorcycles might not have the same charm.
I met some great people enjoying Beach Hop 2026
The only show in New Zealand where the public opinion decides the winners.
James Kirkham and Gavin Dougherty served as full-time commentators for the Saturday Beach Hop programme.
Without notes, these two gentleman were able to describe the makes and models and even the drivers of the classic cars and motorcycles burbling along the streets. for the Saturday Grand Parade.
Colleen and Barry Pascoe, devoted Elvis fans, have been attending Beach Hop since 2015. Brian drives a pink Cadillac adorned with an Elvis flag during the car parades.
Greg Overend, a local resident from Turua, embraced the Beach Hop theme with his Route 66 T-shirt and a bright yellow 1932 two-door Chev Confederate.
Jo, Brenda, and Tony, members of a motorcycle ministry called ‘Returned’, have been attending Beach Hop for 17 years. Their special motorcycles are a highlight of the event, with Tony showcasing his Blue 69 Electric Light. They are hosted annually by the Whangamata Baptist Church.
They paused just for a second for this photograph, the team at Soul Burger, led by owners Pip and Doug, provided top-notch service throughout the event. Jess, their first employee, returned after a few years away to serve the crowds with custom, delicious burgers. From left: Jess, Pip, Chris and Brook.
Anders Burford, an 11-year-old photography enthusiast, spent three years focusing on birds and natural settings. Beach Hop presented him with a new challenge – photographing cars, trucks, and people. Anders’ family stayed in one of Whangamata’s fully themed houses during the event.
