Annual Cold Kiwi Motorcycle Rally moves to Waiouru

The Cold Kiwi Motorcycle Rally has been run since 1972. Photos/ Bevan Conley

Another year, another location.

A new era for the Cold Kiwi begins this weekend when the annual motorcycle rally gets underway on Friday.

Cold Kiwi will be held at a new site, 2km west of Waiouru, it's fifth location since it was first run on the Desert Rd in 1972.

For the past four years the event organised by the Ruapehu Motorcycle Club has been held at Horopito.

Spokesperson Graeme 'Spyda' Staples said up to 1000 people were expected for the 43rd running of the rally and three bands were on deck as part of the entertainment.

"There's about five hours of motorcycle games on the Saturday, weird and wonderful games," Staples said.

"Quite a few Whanganui people go. There's the odd one comes from overseas even. It's a bit of a tradition now."

Staples said the chill factor was all part of Cold Kiwi.

The Cold Kiwi Motorcycle Rally has moved from its most recent site at Horopito.

"There was snow on the site last weekend. A lot of us hope for a bit of snow. It just adds to the character.

"It's basically about people thumbing their nose at the cold whether and just having a bit of fun regardless."

Online bookings have closed but gate entry is available with the rally kicking off on Friday and running through to Sunday.

For more information visit coldkiwi.co.nz