Repco Beach Hop has shifted into high gear, bringing tens of thousands of visitors and their classic cars to the Coromandel district for the festival which runs from March 20-24.

Thursday saw dozens of shiny Ford Mustangs convoy into Thames under clear blue skies as part of the retro festival’s ‘Cruise the Loop Drive’.

The high-throttle thrills continued Friday with the ‘Thunder Cruise’ into Onemana and lots of vintage rock and roll fun at the Beach Hop festival home base of Whangamatā.

Established in 2000. Beach Hop has brought hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders together for an annual rock and roll festival. This event is held in the beautiful seaside resort of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Today's programme includes a Rock‘n’Roll Club March at 9.30am and a Grand Parade at 10.15am. Included in today's activites and shows are the Cool Classic Car & Boat Show, Meguiars Main St Car Show, Whanga BooksTot Rod Show, Repco Pre 1949 Hot Rod Show, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Show (Casement Rd), Retro Caravan Show, NZ Petrolhead Vintage Market, Junkyard Fashion Show, Burger Fuel Vintage Show, the Whanga Bar Hop Idol Final, prize giving, a prize draw, and plenty of bands playing all over town, as well as in the clubs, bars and town centre at night

On Sunday, the day includes the Classic Cover Insurance Nostalgia Fair,Rock’n’Roll Church Service at the Baptist Church, Nostalgia Surf Fest, Top 10 Shoot Out, live music, the final prize giving and the entrants draw.

For those who may wonder about the 'hop' in the name of the event. the Beach Hop is New Zealand’s number one nostalgia festival that celebrates the best of the 50s and 60s. It is not a “Hip Hop” festival!

Any car made before 1972 can apply to come to Repco Beach Hop. Later model USA cars may apply to register however entry is at the organiser's discretion and their decision is final.

Pre-event registration is limited to 1000 cars. A Day Entry is available for Saturday Car Shows, but these cars are not able to enter any other organised activity including the Thundercruise and Grand Parade

Entry to the festival is free for the general public although they are strongly encouraged to purchase a festival program for just $5.

For more information go to https://beachhop.co.nz