Waihi's Beach Hop Warm Up party draws thousands into town

Go Waihi Warm Up Party 2019. Photo by Anna Pickett

Anything can be achieved when the community pulls together, says Go Waihi Warm Up Party organisers.

It was petrolhead heaven when 700 classic cars crawled into Waihi's town centre for the Warm Up Party before Beach Hop.

This was the highlight for Go Waihi chairperson Kerry Single.

''The look on peoples faces as the parade of cars just kept coming... they did a circuit of the main street before being guided into parking spaces by the marshals from Beach Hop in a way that made parking to the curb look real easy. The variety of cars of all makes and models that keep turning up from hidden garages, barns and sheds from all around the country and even from Australia was amazing.''

Kerry says special thanks must go to Lions clubs, Māori wardens, OceanaGold, Hauraki District Council staff and especially the Go Waihi committee and volunteers, who all deserved a big pat on the back.

Numbers were down a little this year - usually there's a crowd of between 12,000-15,000 - and this year it looked more like 10,000 but that wasn't surprising with the predicted rain, Kerry says.

About 700 classic cars and hot rods lined the streets and the spillovers went into the adjacent streets and on grass verges.

Kerry says it was great to see like minded people come from all over the country to appreciate hot rods and classic cars.

''The people came and from what I saw were inspecting the cars with critical but admiring eyes. You could see the favourites as they made a beeline for the models they were interested in.

''When you look at the cars and the owners who clearly have a real love affair with their cars, and how those owners and car lovers interact with each other makes you feel real good inside. These are Kiwis from all walks of life being together with a common interest.''

The drag race was a great highlight on the day as abut 36 men donned their partner's bras, makeup and purses and ran like the wind to crowd delight.

Kerry says the Warm Up is the biggest day on the Waihi calendar and feedback was all positive.

''The views from the pumphouse down to the town — with all the people, colour and masses of cars — was fantastic.

''People are proud to live in Waihi and show off their town.''