Tractor Spectacular delights Far North bay

There were more than 30 entrants in the Taupō Bay Tractor Spectacular on December 30

It has to be one of the most unique summer events in the country and it’s held right here in the Far North - the quirky Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

Held for the 10th time on December 30 - one year it had to be cancelled due to Covid - the annual event saw more than 30 tractors, and a couple of wannabe tractors, parade through the coastal settlement completing for prizes, including the most loved; best pre-1980s machine; best post-1980s; best decorated and best team effort.

Bob Rouse’s workhorse was voted the Most Loved Tractor at the Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

The event was started to honour the humble workhorse tractor, a vital piece of machinery in any coastal community for getting boats in and out of the water to help provide food for whānau and recreation. Tractors are more than just a piece of machinery though, they are an integral part of life on the coast. But, as organisers said, the beach will eventually eat your tractor so let’s celebrate them.

Being a learner driver didn’t prevent participation in the annual Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

It’s now grown into a popular event that sees tractors come from the surrounding area and hundreds of people beside the bay’s roads to watch the tractors parade. The event also descends into a massive water fight as the tractors' occupants and spectators do battle.

The water fight is a big part of the Taupō Tractor Spectacular, with these kids locked and loaded and ready to squirt the passing tractors.

Results:

Most Loved tractor: Bob Rouse’s workhorse

Best pre-1980s tractor: The Leyland Marine Edition

Best post-1980s tractor: White Skulls

Best decorated tractor: The Taupō Bay Tiki Bar

Best team effort: Surf’s Up/ Bluey

A Marlin Dr tractor leads the way in the annual Taupo Bay Tractor Spectacular. More than 30 tractors, and a few wannabe tractors, took part in this year’s event on December 30.

Ahoy! The White Skull entrant in the Taupō Tractor Spectacular was voted best team effort.

Previous winner Old Shunter rides again at the Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

This golf buggy self-identified as a tractor for the Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

All lined up and ready to go, contestants in the Taupō Tractor Spectacular.

The free sausage sizzle was popular at the Taupō Tractor Spectacular, with 550 snarlers snaffled up in minutes.

Jaws made a frightening appearance.

To honour visiting German guests this group entered an Oktoberfest tractor in the event.