AmeriCARna Rolls Back into South Taranaki (2026)
AmeriCARna is rolling back into Hāwera and Ōpunakē this month!
On Wednesday 25 February, the AmeriCARna convoy cruises to Ōpunakē Beach at 11.30am. Come along to admire the line-up of vehicles and grab something to eat from local vendors. The cars will depart at 2pm.
On Friday 27 February, the cars travel from Stratford to Hāwera (via Kaponga and Manaia along SH45), filling the CBD for the afternoon. The Town Square will come alive with music, alongside the regular Bizlink Hāwera market day on High Street. Vehicles are expected from 1.15pm, with the event wrapping up at 5.15pm.
The Acceleration event returns to Albion Street from 2.30pm, where cars will be timed over an 80-metre sprint. Spectators are reminded to follow volunteer and staff instructions.
“Nearly 700 cars have registered for the event this year – we’re expecting the beach and streets of South Taranaki to be packed!” says Council’s Events Co-ordinator, Ella Tosland.
Motorists should take care on the road, allow extra travel time, and plan ahead around road closures:
- Wednesday 25 February: Beach Road, Ōpunakē will be closed to all traffic except AmeriCARna vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to park on side streets and walk to the beach.
- Friday 27 February: Cars will be displayed along High Street (Argyle Street to Caledonia Street), Regent Street (High Street to Little Regent Street), part of Union Street (80m from High Street), and the Community Centre carpark. Albion Street (High Street to Rowe Street) will be closed for the Acceleration event.
