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About The Classic

The Modern-Day Classic

A celebration of motoring heritage, innovation and hospitality The 2026 Ayrburn Classic turns the volume up on what’s fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most anticipated motoring events. This year’s programme is elevated with exciting new additions, ensuring a weekend of design, innovation, and outstanding hospitality — all set in the breathtaking surrounds of Ayrburn. Saturday welcomes the public through the gates as judging begins across an expanded field of 250 vehicles, divided into two key classes: The Ayrburn Classic Class, featuring rare and exceptional cars curated by a Chief Car Curator and judged across refined categories by an targeted panel of experts. The Show Field Class, a vibrant and diverse display of motoring passion and community with the ease of guests being able to drive in and out daily, but still have their pride and joy as part of the festival. Hospitality is at the heart of the experience, with tailored food and beverage packages available across the Ayrburn Precinct and grounds. Guests can also look forward to enjoying all Ayrburn's hospitality venues, including Ayrburn's latest addition, Billy's

Enter Your Easy Rider

The Original Ayrburn Classic

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Roads are meant for cars. Today, at least. But back in 1915, the accepted wisdom was that roads were meant for more traditional forms of locomotion. Like horses or well-soled feet. This modern contraption called ‘the automobile’ was seen by many as a dangerous fad or a reckless folly. RM Paterson was not one of those people. Just like the loveable Toad in Kenneth Grahame’s *The Wind In The Willows* (published a few years prior) RM was an automotive enthusiast. To say that he enjoyed the practical and recreational rewards that his Buick Tourer afforded him, would be an understatement. However, RM found it impossible to bring his beloved Buick home because Skippers Canyon Road was officially closed to motor vehicles during daylight hours. What to do? Drive the road at night and risk serious injury to himself or – even worse – his car? Or show the local powers that progress forces us to re-assess everything, including the letter of the law. No prizes for guessing which of these roads (pun intended) RM went down. He filled his car with gas, supplies and friends, and set off down the canyon road just as the sun reached its zenith. A joyous drive through stunning scenery and a pointed act of defiance. One that would see him convicted and ordered to pay 7 pounds 12 shillings and 9 pence in fines and court costs. A price worth paying for the thrill of driving this scenic road and seeding the idea that maybe automobiles do belong there after all.

Enter Your Easy Rider