Supercheap Auto Americarna runs from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 February 2027 in Taranaki, with registration from Tuesday 23 February. Since 2007 it has celebrated American car culture, from classic and vintage cars to hot rods, pickups and Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Entrants tour Opunake, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera, then the New Plymouth CBD closes on Saturday for a free car show with bands and kids' activities.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 February 2027 (registration from 23 February)
- Where
- New Plymouth plus Opunake, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera
- Big public nights
- Inglewood closed-road event on Thursday; New Plymouth night cruise on Friday
- CBD display
- Saturday 27 February: New Plymouth CBD closed for the cars, with bands and free kids' activities
- Price
- Free to watch; entrants register their vehicles
- Since
- 2007
What it is
Americarna’s first event was in February 2007, and its founding principle is unchanged: celebrate American car culture. Every February, hundreds of American and American-themed vehicles (classic and vintage cars, modern muscle, pickups, hot rods and Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles) tour Taranaki. The 2027 event runs from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 February, with registration from Tuesday 23 February.
What to expect
The week moves around the province:
- Wednesday to Friday: entrants tour towns including Opunake, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera, with locals coming out to see them
- Thursday night, Inglewood: a closed-road event that draws thousands, with food stalls raising money for local schools and organisations
- Friday: the return cruise from Hāwera to New Plymouth along Mangorei Road, lined with residents watching the parade, then the New Plymouth night cruise
- Saturday: the New Plymouth CBD closes for the cars, with bands, a family-friendly atmosphere and free activities for children
- Saturday night: the entrants-only farewell party at TSB Stadium, for about 900 people
Dress-up themes such as rock’n’roll or American heroes and legends add to the fun. Merchandise is sold at TSB Stadium and Inglewood on 25 February and on Brougham Street on 27 February.
Who it suits
Car and motorbike fans, families and anyone who likes a free street party. If you own an eligible vehicle, register as an entrant for the full tour.
Getting there
New Plymouth is about 4 hours’ drive from Hamilton and 4.5 hours from Wellington (estimates), and has an airport with flights from the main centres.
Where to stay
New Plymouth accommodation fills up during Americarna, so book early. Stratford and Inglewood are smaller alternatives.
What to bring
Sunscreen and a hat for a February day in the CBD, and a camp chair for the cruises.
Make a trip of it
Walk the Coastal Walkway, visit the Len Lye Centre and drive around Taranaki Maunga. Taranaki is a west-coast detour from our 10-day North Island road trip.
FAQ
When is Americarna 2027?
Is it free to watch?
Which cars can enter?
Where is the best place to see the cars?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
