Ayrburn Classic: through the judge’s lens
by Metropol | February 4, 2026 8:33 am
Excitement doesn’t even begin to cover it, writes Metropol’s motoring expert and now Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring judge Ben Selby.
After a successful first running in 2025, the Ayrburn Classic returns for another year. From 20 to 22 February in the picturesque surroundings of Central Otago’s Wakatipu Basin, Ayrburn, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and hospitality venue will play host to 500 of the best classic and prestige cars that call New Zealand home. While guests and owners mingle, dine and dote on the country’s best in automotive, I’ll be examining each car entry with a fine-toothed comb. Myself, alongside a panel of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable motoring personalities, will determine which British, European, American classic or vintage car will be judged ‘Best in Class’ or even the coveted ‘Best in Show.’ Fellow Cantabrian and owner of Eyrewell Forest Motor Company Andrew Farrow joins me in judging this celebration of motoring.
The Bayley’s Tour De Elegance will see a convoy of rare, classic, and supercars take to the Central Otago tarmac for charity, while the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction, in conjunction with Sunday Drive, puts sought-after pieces of automotive art under the hammer.
Finding myself in the official judging team for the Ayrburn Classic, which is tipped to be one of the greatest motoring events in the Southern Hemisphere, was like a gift from above. The weekend-long event is set to be nothing short of spectacular, filled with world-class entertainment and exclusive experiences, set amongst Ayrburn’s sprawling heritage destination.
You’re invited to this wonderland of classic cars, refined restaurants, bars, gardens and galleries – get your weekend pass now. I’ll see you there.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/ayrburn-classic-through-the-judges-lens/