South Taranaki is gearing up for an incredible afternoon on Friday as the AmeriCARna convoy rolls into Hāwera.
With the event growing year on year, the region is ready for a massive influx of American muscle. “Nearly 700 cars have registered for the event this year. We’re expecting the streets of South Taranaki to be packed!” says Council’s Events Co-ordinator, Ella Tosland.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in Hāwera, where to see the action, and how to get there in style.
The cars will travel from Stratford to Hāwera via the scenic route along State Highway 45, passing through Kaponga and Manaia from 1pm. This offers a great experience for local children and families to enjoy the passing convoy.
Vehicles are expected to start arriving in the Hāwera CBD from 1:15pm to 1:45pm, where they will be parked up for public viewing until 5:15pm.
The town centre will be buzzing all afternoon. Cars will be displayed along High Street (from Argyle Street to Caledonia Street), Regent Street (from High Street to Little Regent Street), part of Union Street and the Community Centre carpark.
Adding to the festival atmosphere, the Town Square will come alive with music, running alongside the regular Bizlink Hāwera market day on High Street.
If you love the smell of burning rubber and raw horsepower, you need to be on Albion Street at 2:30pm. The Acceleration event returns, where cars will be timed over an 80-metre sprint. It’s an electrifying showcase of American automotive power.
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving and finding a park? This year, Steam Incorporated is running the “Americarna Cruiser,” allowing you to trail the convoy down to South Taranaki aboard a 1950s Da Class locomotive. Departing the New Plymouth Wind Wand at 10:05am, passengers can choose from three fantastic Friday packages:
- The Need for Speed ($99 Adult | $69 Child): Ride the train straight to Hāwera, giving you plenty of time to check out the cars and secure a great spot for the 2:30pm Acceleration Display.
- Refuel & Refresh ($159 Adult 18+): Disembark in Stratford for a curated gin tasting and lunch at the Fenton St Arts Collective. Afterward, a bus will transfer you to Hāwera to catch the tail end of the Acceleration Display before training home.
- Echoes of the Past ($139 Adult | $89 Child): Disembark in Hāwera and take a bus transfer to the world-class Tawhiti Museum for a couple of hours of history before taking the train back.
