Rev Up for the Ayrburn Classic: A Must Attend Festival for Car Enthusiasts

Calling all car lovers, motoring fans, and anyone who simply enjoys a very good day out. In March 2025 a brand new event rolled into Arrowtown: the first ever Ayrburn Classic, a festival of motoring set in one of the most beautiful hospitality precincts in the country.

As fellow car enthusiasts, we will be honest: our rental cars are not a vintage Mustang or a LaFerrari. They are reliable, comfortable and they will get you to the good stuff on time, which on a weekend like this is exactly the job. If you are heading to a motoring event in Queenstown, a car from Evolve Rentals is the dependable co driver that lets you enjoy the machinery everyone else brought.

When was the first Ayrburn Classic?

The inaugural Ayrburn Classic ran from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March 2025, over Otago Anniversary Weekend, at Ayrburn just outside Arrowtown. It was billed as New Zealand's newest motoring festival, and its organisers took their inspiration from the big international motoring events in the United Kingdom and the United States.

What was on at the Ayrburn Classic 2025?

A mix of classic, vintage and modern luxury cars, set alongside food, wine and live entertainment. The weekend was built around a few key moments:

Friday was reserved for entrants, judges and invited guests.

Saturday and Sunday opened to ticket holders, with the Showcase on the Dell as the centrepiece: parade laps and on stage interviews with the owners.

The Kiwi Pioneers segment recognised New Zealand's own automotive heritage, alongside the latest cars from the big international luxury marques.

Country singer songwriter Miranda Easten, herself a car enthusiast, headlined the music, with live sets and DJs through the weekend, lawn games and a best dressed competition.

Ayrburn's restaurants and bars, wine tastings and food trucks kept everyone fed between laps.

Which cars were at the first Ayrburn Classic?

Plenty of serious ones. The first event brought together more than 250 classic and contemporary luxury cars, with a combined value of more than $250 million. The headline was an $8 million LaFerrari, and the line up included the latest Aston Martin Vanquish and cars from Rolls Royce, Bentley and McLaren. Thousands of visitors came from around New Zealand and overseas to see them.

It was the kind of show where even people who could not tell a Bentley from a Rolls Royce had a very good day, and the people who could had an even better one.

Who is behind the Ayrburn Classic?

The event was created at Ayrburn under Chris Meehan, founder and chief executive of Winton, who promised a festival that would feature the best of the local and global classic and luxury motoring scene alongside world class dining and entertainment. Given the size of the first year, it is fair to say that promise was kept.

Where is Ayrburn?

Ayrburn is a multi venue dining and hospitality precinct on Ayr Avenue, just outside Arrowtown and about 20 to 25 minutes' drive from Queenstown. There are two good routes: the back way through Arthurs Point and along Malaghans Road, or the main road past Lake Hayes.

Outside event weekends it is worth a visit in its own right, and in winter the precinct turns into a lights and ice skating festival, covered in our guide to Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland.

How do you make a motoring weekend of it?

Start with Arrowtown, a few minutes down the road. A morning at the cars, lunch in the village and a walk along the Arrow River makes an easy day, and our Arrowtown day trip guide has the details.

If a weekend of looking at fast cars leaves you wanting to drive one, Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell is about an hour away through the Kawarau Gorge. Our post on a day out at Highlands covers what you can do on and off the track.

Tips for a day at a motoring festival

Go on the day that suits you. At the first event Friday was for entrants and invited guests, and the public days were Saturday and Sunday, so check the programme before you plan your trip around it.

Arrive early for the parade laps. The Showcase on the Dell was the heart of the weekend, and a good spot by the arena is worth getting to before the crowd does.

Dress for a best dressed competition and a March sun at the same time, which in Central Otago means something smart, comfortable shoes and a hat.

And decide who is driving before the first wine tasting. A designated driver or a taxi home is the easy answer, and that is all we will say about it.

What came next?

The festival returned for its second year in February 2026, with a Tour d'Elegance, a live car auction and a new Ladies' Day, all covered in our post on the Ayrburn Classic 2026.

Getting the car sorted

In Queenstown, we bring the car to you. Nobody else in Queenstown does that. Someone from our team meets you where you are staying, walks you round the car and hands over the keys, so you arrive at the show relaxed and on time.

It will not be the car that wins Best in Show, but it will be the easiest part of your weekend. Book your car with Evolve Rentals and head for Ayrburn.

FAQs

When was the first Ayrburn Classic?
From Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March 2025, over Otago Anniversary Weekend, at Ayrburn near Arrowtown.

How many cars were at the Ayrburn Classic 2025?
More than 250 classic and contemporary luxury cars, with a combined value of more than $250 million, including an $8 million LaFerrari.

Who performed at the Ayrburn Classic 2025?
Country singer songwriter Miranda Easten headlined, with live music and DJ sets through the weekend.

How far is Ayrburn from Queenstown?
About 20 to 25 minutes by car. Ayrburn is on Ayr Avenue, just outside Arrowtown.