A brand-new motoring festival has cruised into Queenstown’s event calendar with style, as the Ayrburn Classic made a roaring debut over the weekend. Around 5000 car lovers flocked to Arrowtown’s hospitality precinct at Ayrburn, where a breathtaking 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith wowed the crowds and secured the coveted ‘Best in Show’ award.
Spanning three days of world-class automobiles, fine dining, and live entertainment, the Ayrburn Classic celebrated the pinnacle of automotive innovation and heritage—perfectly framed by Queenstown’s iconic alpine landscapes. Kicking off with a private launch on Friday, the event opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday, featuring over 250 classic and modern luxury vehicles valued at more than NZD $250 million. Among the head-turners were an $8 million LaFerrari and the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, revealed to New Zealand for the first time.
Chris Meehan—founder and CEO of Ayrburn’s owner, Winton—says the first Ayrburn Classic has set a new standard for motoring events, and he expects it will grow significantly in both size and influence. “It’s as big as any car show on the planet. As the event builds, we’ll see more international visitors, establishing Ayrburn Classic among the world’s premier car shows,” Meehan says.
Meehan also points out that Queenstown is already a hub for noteworthy events such as the New Zealand Golf Open and the Queenstown International Marathon. The Ayrburn Classic aims to take its place among these high-profile occasions, giving automotive enthusiasts yet another compelling reason to visit the region.
A highlight of the festival was the Showcase on the Dell, featuring a parade lap of the most captivating cars before each was presented on stage. Owners shared their stories in interviews hosted by MC Shaun Summerfield (Giltrap Group’s Communication & PR General Manager). Guests enjoying a long lunch were treated to a special appearance by Kiwi rally driver Emma Gilmour, while live music, DJ sets, and exceptional dining experiences from Ayrburn’s restaurants, bars, and food trucks kept the atmosphere buzzing.
Country singer-songwriter Miranda Easten headlined Saturday’s entertainment and even brought her original DeLorean along for the parade. Sunday’s crowd was serenaded by Harriet & the Radiophonics, rounding out a weekend of premium motoring, hospitality, and live performance.
Drawing inspiration from iconic international motoring events in the UK and USA, the inaugural Ayrburn Classic fused the excitement of automotive excellence with high-end cuisine and entertainment. “Ayrburn embodies our commitment to celebrating the stories of the past by giving them a new future,” Meehan adds. “It’s not just a destination but an invitation to experience the best of New Zealand’s food, wine, and hospitality in one of our country’s most picturesque locations.”
Ayrburn Classic 2023: Full List of Winners
