Engines, Entertainment & Epic Vibes at the Moutere Hop
Let’s go legends, it’s Moutere Hop weekend! Car enthusiasts from across the country are coming to the stunning Moutere valley for what is fast becoming the most popular car show in New Zealand. Yes, the Moutere Hop is on this weekend, from a Friday night cruise followed by a drive-in movie, with a full day’s entertainment on Saturday. This is the ultimate family event and you won’t want to miss it.
Hundreds of Vehicles from Across NZ
One of the things that makes the Moutere Hop truly special is just how far people are willing to travel for it. Vehicles will be arriving from all over New Zealand. Some crossing on the ferry, others making the long haul from as far south as Invercargill, all for a weekend in our little slice of rural paradise.
Expect muscle cars, pickup trucks, hot rods, classic cruisers, JDM-modified wagons, European and British beauties, retro caravans, and everything in between.
Add to that market stalls, live entertainment, mouth-watering food, fun competitions, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, and you’ve got an event that truly has something for everyone. And that’s just for starters. Let’s break it down ...
Friday Night Cruise and Movie
Kicking off on Friday evening, there will be an epic convoy rumbling along the highways, hundreds of vehicles will make their way through Motueka, Ruby Bay, Mapua, along Dominion Road, down Old Coach Road through Mahana and back to the Moutere Hills Community Centre. There will be signposts at all the corners and yes you will hear them coming. Come and be part of it and give them a wave as they drive past. Or, if you would like to be in the Friday Night Cruise, reach out to the organisers, to find out how.
Following the cruise, come to the Moutere Hills Community Centre and join in the fun at a drive-in movie. As the sun sets behind the hills the big screen will come alive with an all-time classic ... yes this year’s film is Back to The Future, because if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?
Better yet, a muscle car isn’t required to watch this film. If you are a bit shy about your ride, park it up in the car park, grab your chilly bin, a picnic blanket and some pillows and stretch out on the grass in front of the big screen, there will be speakers so you won’t miss a word. And the best part, Organisers have planned a big surprise for the night and believe us when we say you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss it.
Movie tickets are just $10 per person, or $20 per car. Kids under 15 years old are free and they also get a free ice cream!
The Ultimate Car Showcase on Saturday
Saturday is where the action truly kicks into high gear! The Moutere Hop comes to life with an incredible array of impressive vehicles, action, entertainment, demonstrations and competitions that will make it a day to remember. Gates open at 7:30am for registered vehicle owners and stallholders, with breakfast starting at 8am, so you can fuel up for the day ahead.
For the general public, gates open at 10am, with entertainment kicking off at 10.30am. From stunning classics and blazing hot rods to custom-built machines that push the limits of creativity, you will be inspired and amazed.
Explore the Stalls – Enter the Competitions
But it’s not just about the vehicles. Saturday’s event is also home to raft of stalls offering everything from retro gear and memorabilia to the latest auto accessories. If you’re looking to take home a piece of the action, be sure to stop by the onsite Moutere Hop Office and pick up some merch. Their exclusive gear sells out fast, so if you’re eyeing a t-shirt or other souvenirs, make sure to grab one as soon as you arrive.
Feeling competitive? Try your hand at the tyre-changing competition, take a guess at how long it’ll take an engine to blow, or show off your flair in one of the retro pageants.
At the end of the day, there will be prizegiving, live music and the bar will be open. So bring your dancing shoes!
A Community Fundraiser with Impact
Beyond the shine, the noise, and the nostalgia, there’s something genuinely special at the heart of the Moutere Hop. This isn’t just a car show, it’s a community fundraiser with real impact.
All proceeds go back into local and national causes, including support for organisations like the Cancer Society. This year, funds raised will go towards a much-needed gym extension at the Moutere Hills Recreation Centre. How good is that?!
A Few Important Reminders
While we want you to have the best time possible, we do have a few reminders to make sure everyone has a good time.
· On-site security will be present throughout the event to ensure everyone’s safety.
· Entrance to the Moutere Hop is just $10, with kids under 15yrs of age free!
· Due to council restrictions, dogs are not allowed at the event. Please leave your furry friends at home.
· And please don’t drink and drive.
Want More Info?
For more details on vehicle registration, event schedules, camping or any other inquiries, head over to www.mouterehop.com. There, you’ll find all the info you need to make the most of your weekend. If you have any questions or need help, the amazing event organizers are happy to assist — just reach out via email at info@mouterehop.com there’s also a dedicated Facebook group, jump online and sign up here.
A huge thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers as well as the organisers who help make this event possible. Your support is what makes the Moutere Hop such a special celebration of community, cars, and good times!
Whether you’re there for the cars, the competitions, or to soak up the atmosphere, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to see you there, it’s going to be all kinds of awesome!
