When it comes to being a true petrolhead, nothing stops us from attending the events we love. Even with the sting of the current fuel crisis and the horrendous weather over March 25–29, it didn’t stop the crowds from packing their bags and jumping in their V8s, classic cars, vintage bikes, or caravans to make the pilgrimage to Whangamatā. Instead of hiding in the shed, the town was packed with people who live and breathe the grease and gears of the ’50s and ’60s, all showing up to make sure the 26th Repco Beach Hop was as loud and proud as ever.
The Wednesday Warm-Up in Waihi gave us a bit of a hint of how the week would pan out — damp, but definitely not defeated. In fact, the weather played a major hand in the schedule this year. Safety comes first, and with the elements against us, the traditional cruises to Pauanui and Onemana had to be called off. Instead, the entire festival stayed grounded in Whangamatā, turning Port Road into a permanent parade of steel.
This year felt different, and not just because of the umbrellas. It was a true test of the ‘old school’ spirit. While the town’s population swelled tenfold, there was a fresh face leading the charge. With the legendary Noddy Watts standing down, new president Denis Beaver took the wheel. It proved to be quite the mission given the conditions, but Denis and his team showed the Hop is in steady hands, keeping the gears turning and the music playing even when the forecast went a bit pear-shaped.
There was plenty to keep the crowds entertained throughout the week, rain be damned — whether you were checking out the bikes and caravans, watching the frame-layers at the Slamfest, or drooling over the steel at the Repco Pre-49 and JCD Customs & Marine Classic Pickup Truck Show.
But beyond the chrome and the cams, the Hop is really about the people and the town that hosts us. In these tough economic times, the influx of thousands of visitors provides a massive boost to the Whangamatā community. Every coffee, tank of gas, pint, and pub meal helps support the locals who open their doors to us every year. Looking after your own has never been more important, and the car scene proved once again that we’re more than happy to step up and do exactly that.
Luckily for the weekend warriors, Saturday and Sunday really turned it on. The clouds finally cleared, the umbrellas went back in the boot, and out came the sunnies and the sunblock — just in time for the grand parade and the Top 10 Shootout at Williamson Park.
The Top 10 Shootout featured a mix of machinery this year. On the car side, Steve Salmond’s ’47 Chev pickup took top honours, but not without some serious competition from Patrick Jenden’s ’56 Chev Apache, John Gamble’s ’69 Chevelle, Rex Moyle’s ’48 Custom Packard, and Reece Melville’s ’56 Chev Bel Air.
In the caravan department, Karyn Lambert’s ’74 Anglo Pullman came out on top, with Tony Raffles’ ’48 Tanner close behind. On two wheels, Joel Armstrong’s Harley-Davidson got the nod for Top Bike, rounding out a strong lineup that included Glenn Dyball’s custom chopper and Rangi Lyndon’s Harley-Davidson Road King. Huge congratulations to all the winners!
For those lucky enough to be part of Repco Beach Hop 26, it was another milestone celebration of everything that makes New Zealand’s car culture great. As the rumble of engines fades for another year, one thing is certain: Beach Hop isn’t just here to stay — it’s only getting better. Let’s just hope the sun stays out for the next one, eh!
If you’re keen for a closer look at all the action, keep your eyes peeled for the Repco Beach Hop 26 Official Annual. Packed with the full festival write-up, it’ll be hitting shelves at all the usual bookstores and supermarkets in early May, and entrants should keep an eye on their mailboxes. Grab your copy before they’re all gone!
