Cruise Martinborough back on road

Some of the sparkling examples of classic American and muscle cars that lined up in South Wairarapa at the inaugural Cruise Martinborough event last year. PHOTO SUPPLIED

CRUISE Martinborough is hitting the road again in Wairarapa.

The inaugural motoring event was held last year and attracted more than 200 classic American and muscle cars and about 1000 drivers and passengers to the South Wairarapa township.

A long weekend of activities was held throughout the region, including a road trip to a riverside party at the Gladstone Inn, the showing of American Graffiti at a drive-in movie, a caravan show and Cruise Parade of vehicles, competitions, and the drawing of an international travel prize to Los Angeles, with food, refreshments and live entertainment throughout.

Organiser Damien Pivac said registrations had opened for the event next year, which would have "a new permanent slot" of Thursday, January 28 to Sunday, January 31.

"There will once again be classic vehicles, American muscle cars, hot rods and, of course, the growing trend of retro caravans," Mr Pivac said.

"Entrants are coming from all over the country to attend the four-day event, which will once again include the drive-in-movie, daily cruise destinations and the chance to win some great prizes."

Mr Pivac said the action-packed event would feature some "new editions to the schedule" including a retro/vintage market "during the biggest day of the event, which sees the Martinborough Square blocked to traffic with hundreds of cars on display".

Martinborough fashion store Jessica's Living Room would also feature a fashion show on the same day, he said, with cruisers also set to visit private car collections and spend an afternoon at the Masterton Motorplex Drag Racing strip.

He said live entertainment would also be available throughout the long weekend eventand would include all-girl band the Hollywoods at The Pukemanu Tavern in Martinborough, and a car display at the Farriers carpark in Masterton.

The drive-in movie would this year be thrown open to the members of the public as well, he said, and "best of all the event is totally free to the public".

Funds from programme sales would be donated to Ronald McDonald House in Wellington, he said, that is a "home away from home" for parents and families with children in treatment at Wellington Hospital.

-For more information or to register see cruisemartinborough.co.nz or fb.com/cruisemartinborough