Beach Hop 2026

The 2026 Repco Beach Hop once again transformed the Coromandel Peninsula into a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, running from 25–29 March 2026 in the seaside town of Whangamatā. Widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier nostalgia festival, the event drew tens of thousands of visitors who came together to experience a unique blend of classic cars, rock and roll music, and vintage culture.

Originally established in 2000, Beach Hop has grown into a five-day spectacle celebrating the iconic lifestyle of the 1950s and 1960s, featuring hot rods, motorcycles, live bands, retro fashion, and community events spread across Whangamatā. In 2026, the festival had to change tack due to a large storm, flooding local areas, but the town still embraced the Route 66 theme, and on the main day, Saturday, the sun came out to witness the main cruise, street parades, the BurgerFuel Pin Up competition, Beach Hop Idol, and see who claimed the elusive prize, a 1967 Ford Mustang convertible! Beach Hop also gave one lucky winner a 2026 Harley-Davidson Street Bob for the motorcycle fans.

Adding to the experience, BurgerFuel was on site serving up their signature burgers to festival-goers,. We also showcased three of our iconic classic cars — the 1972 Fairmont XA Coupé, the bold and beautiful 1965 Plymouth GTX, and the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Coupé — giving attendees the chance to get up close with the machines that help define the brand’s love of car culture. We sold out before Saturday night came to and end (in the wee hours of the morning) – we love Beach Hop, and Beach Hop seem to love us!

Photo credit: Octane Fix Online