Tour d'Elegance

Tour d’Elegance
Presented By Bayleys

Friday 20 February 2026 | Departing from Ayrburn, Arrowtown

The Ayrburn Classic weekend begins in true style with the Tour d’Elegance, a rolling parade of history and horsepower set against the spectacular backdrop of the Whakatipu Basin. Friday afternoon, forty exceptional classic and collector cars will depart from Ayrburn’s vineyard lawns.

The convoy will travel a circular route – down Arrowtown’s historic Buckingham Street, past Arrowtown Primary School, along Malaghans Road, and climbing the winding ascent of Coronet Peak before pausing for a scenic Bayleys Coffee & Scones stop overlooking the basin. From there, the cars descend through Littles Road, gliding past the pastures and tree-lined lanes of Speargrass Flat, before returning to Ayrburn, where the weekend’s celebrations officially commence with the Owners & Exhibitors Welcome Party, Presented by Assurant.

This year, every car in the Tour carries a special passenger - each seat auctioned to the public to raise funds for three local charities: Baskets of Blessing, the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Street Smart. Together, they embody the Ayrburn Classic’s commitment to giving back to the community that welcomes it so warmly. All proceeds from the passenger seat auctions will be divided equally between the three causes and presented on Sunday’s main stage.

Baskets of Blessing – Delivering Kindness

Founded in Queenstown, Baskets of Blessing Charitable Trust has become a quiet but vital force for compassion in the Whakatipu region. What began as a handful of volunteers assembling small care packages has grown into a coordinated network delivering hundreds of gift baskets and thousands of frozen meals to families in crisis - whether facing illness, job loss, or sudden hardship. Each basket is hand-packed with locally donated food, toiletries, and gifts, accompanied by a handwritten note offering encouragement.

Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade – Our Local Lifesavers

Established in 1954, the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade is one of the oldest community services in the district and continues to be entirely volunteer-run. The crew responds not only to fires but to road accidents, medical emergencies, and rescues, often providing first-response assistance well before other units can arrive. Funds raised through the Ayrburn Classic will go directly toward maintaining essential equipment, training, and community education, ensuring this invaluable brigade remains ready to respond when it matters most.

Street Smart – Safer Drivers, Safer Futures

Street Smart is a hands-on driver education programme helping young New Zealanders become safer, more confident drivers. Held in controlled, off-road environments, it gives teens and their parents the chance to practise real-world driving scenarios together. Focusing on decision-making, hazard awareness, and managing distractions, Street Smart empowers young drivers to take charge of their learning. The result is greater confidence, safer habits, and a shared understanding between parents and teens on today’s roads.

The Tour D'Elegance registration is exclusive to Ayrburn Classic Car Entrants - so make sure you're registered in the Ayrburn Classic, prior to registering in the Tour D'Elegance.