Motorists from all over the country and some from overseas converged in Havelock North at the weekend to take part in the Targa rally.
For Sydney-based driver, Heather Worth, the event was special because she has strong roots in the area.
In 1893 her great grandmother, Mary Hobbs, camped overnight outside the Havelock North post office so she could be the first woman in the village to vote in the general election on November 28 as soon as the doors opened.
"It's a very special place for me and the people have been so welcoming and friendly."
Ms Worth has been driving a 1968 Volvo 122S Amazon, nicknamed "Xena", with co-driver Glenda Lawrence.
She bought the car with her Auckland-based daughter four years ago and while "Xena" has been in a number of Targa rallies they mainly drive in international endurance races.