Your North Island itinerary for car enthusiasts and petrol heads

 

Crazy about cars? Have a need for speed? If you’re soon to travel the stunning North Island of New Zealand and looking for some automotive adventures, we’ve got you covered. From classic cars to convertibles, rally cars to racetracks, and a splash of adrenaline thrown in for good measure, there’s plenty to fuel your roadie and keep the tank topped up.

Bay of Islands – V8 Thunder Trike Tour

Not your average motorbike tour, these V8 Chevrolet Trikes are an epic way to explore the stunning Bay of Islands with your family, partner or friends. Buckle in and feel the power and adrenaline of the 5.7L 350 Chevrolet Edelbrock motor, as you cruise around the scenic highway and check out all the sights on your choice of five tours. Whether chasing waterfalls, winding along coastal roads, or taking in the view from a lookout, it’s a fresh new perspective on the Bay that you’ll love.

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  Photo Credit: Thunderbikes

Auckland – Stunt Car Driver

Be a stunt driver for a day and feel like you’re a real-life movie star! Get fast and furious with the team at Drive Rush and learn how to perform thrilling stunts, driving techniques, slides and spins. Who knows, you might be called up to star in a future Need for Speed film.

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  Photo Credit: Drive Rush

Rotorua – 4×4 Monster Thrill Ride

Off Road’s series of exhilarating activities are a must-do for all petrolheads! On the 4×4 Monster Thrill Rides, let a skilled driver take the wheel of a massive monster jeep, complete with V6 Holden engine and 37.5” tyres. You’ll be twisting, turning, and hurtling down the thrilling forest course, as you take on obstacles like the Loggers Long Drop, the Widow Maker, and the Roll Me Over. No roof, no doors, no worries! This is an unforgettable experience to share with mates or the whole family.

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Rotorua – 4WD Bush Safari

This time, put yourself in the driver’s seat of a high-performance 4WD Suzuki Jimny and immerse yourself in the stunning off-road landscape of the Mamaku Forest. Not as speedy but just as scenic, you’ll discover the logging history of the area while tackling rugged and remote terrain. Think breath-taking descents, deep muddy holes, a seven-metre-high near-vertical slide, and tight bends – this isn’t your typical Sunday drive!

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Taupō – Single Seater Race Car Driving

Make your formula one dreams come true and strap yourself into a V8 supercar or an open-wheel single seater race car at Taupō Motorsport Park. Gain a behind-the-scenes insight into the F1 and Indycar worlds and get an incredible adrenaline kick at the same time. Rally car hot lap experiences are also on offer to really get the blood pumping.

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  Photo Credit: DriversDay.nz

Napier – Vintage Car Tour

Explore the charming heritage and picture-perfect icons of the Hawkes Bay in a luxury vintage car. Relive the glamour and glory of the 1930’s era, admire the Art Deco buildings and stop for scenic views along the way. Learn about the rebuild of Napier following the devastating earthquake as you snap some awesome photos of the historic architecture.

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Wellington – Southward Car Museum

Tucked away on Wellington’s Kāpiti Coast lies an exhibition hall with a remarkable classic car collection that will leave you spellbound. The legacy of local icon Sir Len Southward, it houses rare and treasured vehicles you just can’t find anywhere else, like an 1895 Benz Velo, a 1915 Stutz Indianapolis race car, a bullet hole-ridden 1950 ‘gangster special’ Cadillac, and a Back To The Future DeLorean. Add in motorcycles, vintage carriages, tractors and tuk-tuks – and you’ll be dreaming of chrome, steel and leather for days after you leave the museum.

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  Photo Credit: Southward Car Museum

Whangamata – Repco Beach Hop

If you have a soft spot for classic cars, then hop on down to the annual Beach Hop event! This Rock’n’Roll festival was established in 2000, held in the stunning seaside resort of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is Aotearoa’s top nostalgic festival and celebrates the best of the 50’s and 60’s. Up to 1,000 motor enthusiasts from all over the country bring their beloved vehicles along for the car show. Throw in the smooth sounds of live music and delicious kai from the food trucks, and it’s an incredible atmosphere that you’ll want to return to, year after year.

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  Photo Credit: Repco Beach Hop

Feeling inspired? Get set to rev your engines and get exploring. Whether you’re into fast cars, classic cars or anything with four wheels – it’s time to pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the road.