Repco Beach Hop 2027

What it is

Repco Beach Hop calls itself New Zealand’s number one nostalgia festival, celebrating the best of the 1950s and 60s (and, organisers stress, “NOT a hip hop festival”). Since 2000 it has brought hundreds of thousands of people to Whangamatā, a small seaside town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Beach Hop 27 runs from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 March 2027.

What to expect

The whole town takes part. Highlights from the festival schedule include:

• Cruises such as the Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise and the Repco Power Cruise
• A rock’n’roll club march and the Grand Parade on Saturday morning
• The Cool Classic Car and Boat Show, the Meguiar’s Main Street Car Show, a pre-1949 hot rod show, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle show and a retro caravan show
• The NZ Petrolhead Vintage Market, a junkyard fashion show and the Hop Idol singing contest
• Rock’n’roll dancing lessons, a rock’n’roll church service and a nostalgia surf fest
• Bands in the clubs, bars and town centre every night

Pick up the $5 festival programme for exact times: it also includes an entry form for the major prize draw, held on Saturday 20 March.

Who it suits

Classic car and hot rod fans, anyone who loves 1950s fashion and music, and families who want a free, lively day at the beach. Dressing up is half the fun.

Bringing a car

Any car made before 1972 can apply, and later-model US cars may be accepted at the organisers’ discretion. Pre-event registration is limited to 1,000 cars and opens at 7 am on 1 October, with Standard and Ultimate five-day passes (the Ultimate is limited to 300). You cannot just turn up with a car, but there is a Saturday-only day entry for the car shows.

Rules

A liquor ban applies in all public places from Wednesday to Monday, and you may be arrested for drinking outside the restricted alcohol areas in the main street and some reserves. More than 100 police are on duty, and organisers work closely with them to keep it a safe family event, so leave the skids for another time.

Getting there

Whangamatā is on the east coast of the Coromandel, about 2 hours’ drive from Auckland and 1.5 hours from Tauranga (estimates). Roads into town are very busy over Beach Hop, so travel early.

Where to stay

Whangamatā’s motels, baches and campgrounds book up months ahead. Nearby towns such as Waihī and Tairua are alternatives. Our Coromandel guide covers the peninsula.

What to bring

Your best 50s outfit, sunscreen, a hat and something to sit on for the parades.

Make a trip of it

Stay on to explore Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and the rest of the peninsula with our Coromandel guide.