This event has finished.
The 2027 edition runs 17 to 21 March.
Why You Should Go
A five-day rock and roll festival drawing 40,000 to Whangamata's streets.
Format
5-day festival
Crowd
40k-80k (2025) · families & petrolheads
Vibe
Festival, Family-friendly
About This Event
New Zealand's biggest 1950s and 60s nostalgia festival, held since 2000 in the Coromandel Peninsula seaside town of Whangamatā. Five days of classic American car shows, cruises and parades along Port Road and through town, with over 1,200 hot rods and customs joined by live rock and roll acts.
1What to Expect
Five-day nostalgia festival celebrating 1950s and 1960s rock 'n' roll culture
More than 1,200 classic cars and hot rods participate in parades
Grand Parade, Classic Car Show, Main Street Car Show, and Repco Power Cruise
Show all 5
Live bands play rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, blues and country with free entry at many venues
Satellite events in nearby towns including Waihi and Onemana
2Best Way to Experience It
- Grand Parade runs from the Surf Club into the town centre on Saturday
- Free shuttle buses run between key venues and parking areas; arrive early on main days to secure parking
About the Venue
While you're in the area
Experiences near Port Road
3Logistics
- Public entry is free
- Festival programmes sold for $5 and donations encouraged at collection points
- Any profit from the festival is donated back to local emergency services
- Parking available for certified self-contained campers at Whangamata Area School
- Accommodation fills quickly; book six to twelve months ahead
4Frequently Asked Questions
- Best fit if you enjoy grassroots car culture: 40,000-80,000 attendees gather for free-entry festival celebrating 1950s-60s hot rods and rock'n'roll, New Zealand's largest nostalgia event, relaxed community atmosphere.
- Best fit if you like beachside festival atmosphere: Port Road street closures transform Whangamata coastal town into five-day festival venue, 1,200+ classic cars cruise public streets, rock'n'roll concerts, multi-generational gathering.
- Best fit if you value cultural celebrations: combines classic car displays with period music, fashion, and lifestyle celebration, post-war automotive and pop culture nostalgia, family-friendly environment with coastguard charity fundraising.
- Not ideal if you prefer structured show competitions: no judging categories, awards, or classes, focuses on cruising and parade participation rather than concours presentation, valued for casual community gathering not vehicle competition.
Tags
Car DisplaysMulti Day EventClosed Public RoadsShoppingFirst TimersLive MusicCruiseStreet Circuitclub stand / car club areaFood and DrinkFan FestivalFamilies
Save this event to your automotive bucket list
Create a free profile and keep every tour, event and experience you want to see, all in one place.