Day one of Wheels at Wanaka 2021 featured static displays to attract up-close inspections but also the constant throb of motion from motor-bikes to military machines; snowcats to sedans across the decades; 19th century traction engines to 21st century earthmoving - 20 plus hectares of noise, colour and eye-catching automotive history.

The near perfect weather conditions greeted the thousands of exhibitors and visitors, families, friends and fans as the first full day of the event kicked off in Three Parks yesterday (Saturday April 3).

Judging by the congested car parks which overflowed into the wider Three Parks area from the school to the supermarket, the number of people who attended the biennial event exceeded expectations.

The Terra Cat Earthmoving Extravaganza was a sight to behold.

The inaugural event in 2019, with 1600 vehicles on display, attracted 12,000 attendees over the two days. This year’s larger event is spread over three days with the first half day (Good Friday) devoted to a practice day for the Terra Cat Earthmoving giants.

Wanaka Tractor Club members, some who have been driving all their lives and others who were new to tractor driving, proudly paraded New Zealand’s farming heritage to the crowd.

Wheels at Wanaka founding partner Allan Dippie said on Saturday he was “overwhelmed” by the number of people attending this year and the phenomenal range of vehicles on display. 

The EnduroX dirt bike competition was described as “brutal on the body and the bike”.

There were between 500-600 tractors on exhibit alone and 50-60 participated in the tractor parade.

Allan said many of the tractors were family owned and operated, still lovingly maintained by each generation

Cardrona’s snowcats gleamed.

Saturday and Easter Sunday both feature a continuous programme of displays and exhibitions; from 9:00am to 4:30pm the central Highlands Parade Ground has amazing variety, including Stagecoach and horses, steam engines, Macks and Kenworths, classic cars, graders and crawlers, motorbikes and ATVs.

Vintage and classic trucks from 1915-1970 drew squeals of excitement from some young family members.

Simultaneously there’s also action in three other arenas; the Terra Cat Earthmoving extravaganza; the Case IH Tractor and Truck pull event; and the Wanaka Powersports Dirt Pit which features Hayden Paddon carving up a rally track in his electric Hyundai, as well as the Yamaha EnduroX dirt bike competition, and the chance to partake in a demonstration drive in a Polaris.

Vantage points to watch the continuous parade were sought after.

“There’s always something moving; always something more to see,” Allan said.

Military movers.

The public entrance, near car parking off Sir Tim Wallis Drive (Ballantyne Road end), reopens on Sunday at 9:00am. Parking is free but there’s also a Yello bus service available hourly from beside the Dinosaur Park and Pembroke Wines in town which goes to the event and returns to town.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App