Motorsport fans flocked to The Strand to mark the start of the New Zealand Rally Championships tonight.
Hundreds of people of all ages got up close and personal with rally cars and rally stars, ahead of the championships in Tauranga this weekend.
Motorsport commentator Dale Budge said the atmosphere was buzzing.
"It's awesome; there are lots of people all the way down The Strand," he said.
People watched in awe as 53 rally cars lined up on the street and Rally New Zealand crews held a competition of who could change tyres the fastest.