Tractor Spectacular delights Far North bay

Editor. Northland Age·Northern Advocate·

6 Jan, 2025 01:00 AM2 mins to read

There were more than 30 entrants in the Taupō Bay Tractor Spectacular on December 30

It has to be one of the most unique summer events in the country and it’s held right here in the Far North - the quirky Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

Held for the 10th time on December 30 - one year it had to be cancelled due to Covid - the annual event saw more than 30 tractors, and a couple of wannabe tractors, parade through the coastal settlement completing for prizes, including the most loved; best pre-1980s machine; best post-1980s; best decorated and best team effort.

Bob Rouse’s workhorse was voted the Most Loved Tractor at the Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

The event was started to honour the humble workhorse tractor, a vital piece of machinery in any coastal community for getting boats in and out of the water to help provide food for whānau and recreation. Tractors are more than just a piece of machinery though, they are an integral part of life on the coast. But, as organisers said, the beach will eventually eat your tractor so let’s celebrate them.

Being a learner driver didn’t prevent participation in the annual Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

It’s now grown into a popular event that sees tractors come from the surrounding area and hundreds of people beside the bay’s roads to watch the tractors parade. The event also descends into a massive water fight as the tractors' occupants and spectators do battle.