Waihi warms up for party of the year for Beach Hop rock and roll

Kerry Single and his Go Waihi team can't wait to show off Waihi to the rest of the region. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

Thousands of car enthusiasts will swarm into Waihi next week for the first leg of the hugely popular Beach Hop rock and roll extravaganza.

The amount of money and people coming into Waihi for the annual Warm Up Party will be a 'massive bonus to the town', says Go Waihi chairperson Kerry Single.

The party brings in around $300,000-$500,000 to the Hauraki district with more than 12,000 people expected in the town on March 27, Kerry says.

''The visitors not only bring money into Waihi but they also stop in Hauraki district on the way through. Ngātea, and Paeroa are rest stops before coming into Waihi,'' he says.

''While here visitors not only look at the fantastic display of cars but also take a bit of time to see the other things that Waihi has to offer, like the Waihi Museum with its great display of the early days in and around Waihi, the Goldfields Railway, the Discovery Centre, the great walks we have around the Open Mine, the Hauraki Rail Trail starts and ends in Waihi,'' Kerry says.

''A lot of 20th Century New Zealand history began in Waihi. We love to show it off and bring people here for an event such as the OceanaGold and Go Waihi Warm Up Party. Beach Hop 2019 gives them an introduction to what we have so they will come back and explore.''

The warm-up party in Waihi is the first day of the rock and roll event as people make their way up to Whangamatā for another four days of festival fun (March 27-31). Waihi residents and visitors have been experiencing a bit of Beach Hop magic for 11 years.

The warm-up party costs between $12,000-$15,000 to put on.

Mayor John Tregidga says the warm-up really puts Waihi on the map.

"Waihi's Warm-Up Party brings a huge number of visitors to Waihi and it's also a great opportunity for the local community to get together. The economic benefits go well beyond those derived on the day. Waihi is well known for its great hospitality, which ensures people want to come back, and that they want to bring their friends back — not just for next year's Warm-Up Party, but for all the other great things the town has to offer.''

Up to 700 classic cars and hot rods cars are destined for Waihi. Roads around the town centre including School Lane, Seddon St, part of Haszard St, Rosemont Rd, Moresby Rd, Gilmour St and a small part of State Highway 2 close to accommodate the cars and crowds.

Bands will be on the street entertaining, there will be stalls and shops are open.
Parking will be at a premium on the outskirts of the town in the residential streets, Kerry says.

''Walking from there into town will be a must so come prepared for a 5-10 minute walk. It will be worth it.''

Bring rock and roll attire, dancing shoes, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, cameras and spending money. There are prizes for the best looking gal and guy, and best looking lass and lad too. The Gold FM ''drag race'' of mincing men will be on at 12.30pm.

The main Go Waihi Warm Up Party in the town centre from 10.30am-3pm.

Bands include Al and the Wild Kayz (from 11am-2pm) outside 100% Waihi. Tim and the Rockets will be at the pumphouse (11am-2pm) and Gerry Lee will play at Memorial Hall (11am-3pm).