31/12/2025
This is always a highlight on the Whanganui calendar.
Biggest and best Vintage Weekend for Whanganui yet – 16-19 January
It might sound like typical marketing spiel, but it is likely to be true – the 2026 Whanganui Vintage Weekend sponsored by Whanganui Property Brokers and the Whanganui District Council, will be the biggest and best since it started in 2012.
The catalyst for the Vintage Weekend, held over Wellington Anniversary Weekend (Whanganui was part of the Wellington Province back in the late 19th Century) was the International Vintage Car week-long rally based at the Whanganui Racecourse, which attracted 35,000 enthusiasts from around New Zealand.
Bruce Jellyman, who was on the inaugural Whanganui Vintage Weekend Trust and is now its current chair, says, “Originally it was a two-day event attracting 10,000. Now it is a four-day event covering Friday evening and Monday as well as the weekend, attracting over 30,000 people.”
Event Manager Fergus Reid suggests that people from outside of Whanganui need to book accommodation or get in touch with Whanganui family and friends as soon as possible.
It begins with a huge, colourful party with vintage and celebration-themed events, dress-up competitions, special shopping, dancing and more for travellers of any age and interest.
Events include the well-known Caboodle, the Retro Market, the Riverside Shindig, Wheels on Victoria and the Soap Box Derby. These traditional events are still features of the programme along with the Vintage Fair.
New or returning events include:
• The Royal NZ Airforce giving a free, breathtaking aerial display over Castlecliff Beach in their ‘Black Falcons’ planes.
• Vintage Rail Steam trips
• Cruises and entertainment on the Waimarie, as well as shorter trips on the Wairua, including a history cruise going to the Port area.
• A Mary Quant Fashion Talk at the Museum. (The famous British Fashion Designer)
• The Jockey Club’s Vintage Race Day races
• Aero Club Open Day with a wide range of aircraft, including helicopters and military ones. There will be scenic flights available.
• Art Gallery exhibitions and tours at Space and Ministry of Works
• Hooves on Drews – the curious attraction of Hobby Horsing
• A Percy Coleman 100th year exhibition
• Frosty Moons Cake Picnic
• Music extras such as the Shrek Musical and Opera performances
• A Vikings and Medieval village on Ridgway Street.
The weekend comes at a cost to organisers, and while it is generously supported by funding and in kind from local businesses, the organisers would appreciate it if you went to the Donations section of their Facebook to contribute any amount you can. They promised all donations will be used for future upgrades.
For more details, go online or pick up a brochure, which will be available from the i-site and cafés around town.
https://whanganuivintageweekend.nz/
