Vehicle lovers of all ages descended on Wānaka at the weekend for the Wheels at Wānaka vintage fair.
The crowds were treated to an impressive variety of machines ranging from century-old cars to hydrogen-powered trucks of the future.
Motorsport greats Hayden Paddon, Greg Murphy and Ari Pettigrew were also on hand to wow spectators with their rally driving skills on the dirt display track.
Now in its third year, Wheels at Wānaka has become Australasia’s largest all-vehicle event.
"So far so good. Great crowd, great weather. People from all around New Zealand, and actually all over the world, have come to Wānaka to see this biennial event and I think the turnout is better than expected."
The two-yearly, three-day event takes place on a site of more than 20ha.
Vintage tractors are on parade at Wheels at Wānaka on Saturday. PHOTOS: GREGOR RICHARDSON
One of this year’s drawcards was a massive Cat 789 dump truck, brought to the show by mining company OceanaGold.
Marie Fitchett, of Wānaka, one of more than 300 volunteers on Saturday, guides visitors to parking spaces in the early morning chill.
Other parts of the festivities included motocross competitions, earth-moving displays, food stalls and live music.
A large section of the grounds was dedicated to displaying the vehicles of proud owners who had travelled from across the country to be among like-minded individuals.
OceanaGold’s giant haul truck was a crowd favourite.
In 2021, the weekend attracted 25,000 people.
Media and promotions manager Annabel Roy said the weekend’s crowd had the potential to be their biggest.
Rally hotshot Ari Pettigrew pilots a valuable and rare 1974 Porsche Carrera RS around a dirt display track.
Wheels at Wānaka is expected to return in 2025.
