Wheels at Wanaka has more than doubled its 2019 results with its second event earlier this year, bringing 25,000 visitors, an estimated $10.6M injection into the local economy, and now giving more than $50,000 in donations to local groups. 

The biennial motor vehicle event features a vintage fair, a classic car, truck and bike show, tractor and farming heritage and earthmoving shows, all held at a 50-acre site at Three Parks.

“Wheels at Wanaka is now a major event for the region, attracting visitors from throughout New Zealand and we look forward to welcoming our international visitors back in 2023,” Wheels at Wanaka Charitable Trust chair Allan Dippie said. 

He said he was delighted with this year’s event, which took place in early April, and how quickly it has grown.

The trust is giving back $53,140 this year, more than twice the amount which followed the 2019 event. 

The biennial event is giving back more than $50K to the community.

A $20,000 donation is going to the Heartland Tractor Trek, a fundraiser for Heart Kids NZ in which a group of people on nine Chamberlain tractors trekked from Taranaki to Wanaka and back.

Wheels at Wanaka is also donating a total of $12,640 between the following groups: Warbirds Over Wanaka flying scholarships, Aspiring Gymsports, Wanaka Swim Club, Wanaka Yacht Club and Rotary Wanaka. 

At the event organisers provided free market space to the Upper Clutha Plunket, Wanaka Lions and Wanaka Rowing Club, and the Wanaka Lions had the busiest weekend in many years, donating $2,000 directly to Heart Kids NZ.

And to show its appreciation of some of its participating clubs, Wheels at Wanaka is donating $5,000 to West Otago Vintage Club and $1,500 each to the Southland Steam and Traction Engine Club, South Canterbury Traction Engine and Transport Museum, Binders Down Under, NZ Vintage Machinery Club, and The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand – Central Otago Branch.

Wheels at Wanaka event director Colleen Nisbet said she was thankful to everyone who made the 2021 event possible, “including our visitors, enthusiasts, event crew, corporate and community trust partners, and especially our wonderful volunteers”.

Planning for the 2023 event is underway.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App