Rock around the clock, slip into a poodle skirt, and cruise the streets of Whangamata this weekend with more than 1000 classic cars.
The Sony Xplod Beach Hop 2012 event, which began yesterday and runs until Sunday, is expected to draw a crowd of 100,000. The retro event started in 2001 with 4000 people, 100 cars and 100 bikes.
Now in its 12th year, Beach Hop is organised by 200 local volunteers and is New Zealand's biggest nostalgia event and celebration of Kiwi culture, says event spokesman Noddy Watts.
Cruising through Waihi, Tairua and Onemana Beach before hitting Whangamata tomorrow and Sunday, more than 100,000 people are expected during the four-day festival, a celebration of the 1950s and '60s.
Mr Watts said that after World War Two, New Zealand went through a myriad of changes with cars and fashion. "It modelled New Zealand to what it is today," he said. Next to a house, a car was often a New Zealander's most prized possession. "And when you've got a special car it becomes part of the family even more. It's your pride and joy," said Mr Watts, who owns four classic cars.