Rock & Hop revs up
by Metropol | February 18, 2026 8:33 am
The Caroline Bay Rock & Hop began in 2017 with a dual mission: to raise money for Hospice South Canterbury while giving back to the local community who so generously support the charity. In 2026, it will celebrate 10 years from 19 to 22 March.
The four-day long extravaganza has raised $900,000 since its inception and become one of New Zealand’s premier car show events, only growing on its promise and purpose in the community. It welcomes thousands of people to South Canterbury, promoting the district’s vibrancy and variety, all while continuing to raise crucial funds so that Hospice’s free-of-charge specialist palliative care service for those in need may continue.
It’s become more than a celebration of cars from modern to muscle and everything in between, the Caroline Bay Rock & Hop offers over one hundred stalls to explore, live entertainment to enjoy, on-theme fashion, a $10,000 cash prize, and cruises along South Canterbury roads. Honour the iconic 50s, 60s and 70s in the best way possible, amongst the most passionate community you’ll find.
It’s no easy task, though eight members of the founding organising committee remain in today’s committee – bringing years of experience and setting an example of the strong South Canterbury spirit. Planning for each Rock & Hop begins in May, two months following the previous event. The team is always looking to lift the level, naturally, introducing new experiences annually.
5 things you can’t miss
When you’re in South Canterbury for the Caroline Bay Rock & Hop, mark these can’t-miss experiences on the calendar.
1. Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons, 21 March
A 10-year celebratory special, the Black Falcons return with an exclusive acrobatic display over Caroline Bay at 3pm. Get to the beach early to secure the best viewing spot for this personalised Rock & Hop performance in the sky.
2. Gala Day, 21 March
A crowd favourite, the Caroline Bay Rock & Hop Gala Day offers cars, caravans, and motorbikes immersed with live music and rock ‘n’ roll dancers, over 100 stalls to explore, the best dressed competition, and a licensed bar. At 3.15pm the prize winning vehicles will parade in front of the main stage. Entry is by donation.
3. Casino Night, 20 March
Try your hand at Blackjack, crown and anchor, roulette, heads and tails and more at this entertaining evening at the Caroline Bay Hall. Who will spend all their money in one hit? Who will take the most home? It’s time to find out. Tickets are $30 per person with supper included, from 7pm to 11pm.
4. Best Dressed, 21 March
Love the 50s, 60s and 70s? So does Rock & Hop committee member Mary-Jean, the passionate owner of a few classic cars and many dresses, petticoats, shoes and handbags. She’s also the dedicated organiser behind the coveted Best Dressed competition, where entrants are more impressive year after year. “Each outfit has a story,” Mary-Jean says. Entries close 12pm, 12 March.
5. Sheds on Sunday Cruise, 22 March
Back by popular demand, the Sheds on Sunday Cruise is a self-drive opportunity to see four exceptional local sheds kindly opened up by loyal Rock & Hop regulars. Tickets are $10 per person through the website. Sales will close 1pm Sunday 22nd. No sales available from the properties.
For more details on these exciting events, visit www.carolinebayrockandhop.co.nz
Q&A with classic car-loving couple Dean & Apryl
Multiple-time Rock & Hop winners, and nine-time loyal attendees Dean and Apryl share their favourite memories and classic car moments.
What’s your most memorable Rock and Hop memory?
The first time we rock ‘n’ roll danced on the sprung floor at The Bay Hall. We weren’t expecting how fun that was when the floor was packed.
How many cars do you own and do you have a favourite?
We have four classic cars and a retro caravan. That question is like asking which kid do we like the best! Dean’s is currently the Buick (new to the car family) and Apryl’s will always be the Capri.
Your favourite car shows nationwide?
Muscle Car Madness, Kaikōura Hop, Beach Hop, Hanmer Motorfest, Moutere Hop, Selwyn Motorfest, Geraldine Caravan and Car Show, plus many other local shows. Last year, we went to Viva Las Vegas which is a rockabilly car festival in Vegas!
So what makes Caroline Bay Rock and Hop so special?
We love knowing that all the money raised is going to Hospice and the whole event is incredibly well organised. Both our families have lost loved ones to cancer and we understand how important the support and care Hospice provides is.
What made you purchase your first classic car?
Dean was pretty much born into the Zephyr Car Club and spent lots of time with his father working on cars from a young age. Apryl just loves cars made of metal and the smell of tyres spinning on concrete! We both simply love old school cars and have from a young age. We fell in love with a mutual appreciate for good cars, good music and good times.
Do you belong to a classic car club?
We are both on the committee of the Christchurch Zephyr & Zodiac car club which Dean’s dad founded. The club celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
Describe your favourite car memory?
Not sure if it’s our favourite but it’s certainly memorable! One year, driving home from Caroline Bay Rock & Hop, there was a crazy storm. Our wipers on the Zephyr stopped working and before we knew it water was flooding the car. We were never so pleased to make it home from a car event.
ROCK & HOP TIMETABLE
Thursday 19 March
9am Gates open at Laps at levels
4pm Laps at Levels finishes
4pm Beer & BBQ (sold out)
7pm Movie Night at Movie Max Digital, American Graffiti
Friday 20 March
9am Gates open at Caroline Bay
10am Geraldine NZ cruise leaves Caroline Bay
2pm Geraldine NZ cruise returns to Timaru
3pm Cars begin parking up at Caroline Bay for the Main Street Cruise. Black Vinyl Band starts entertaining
5.30pm Bowden’s Own Main Street Cruise starts
5pm BOOST Temuka ‘Rock & Stop’ street party starts
7pm Rock ‘n’ Roll Clubs Friday night dance, The Scottish Hall, 20 Barnard Street, Timaru
8pm Casino Night (doors open 7pm), Caroline Bay Hall
Saturday 21 March
7.30am Gates open at Caroline Bay for vehicles to park up
10am Band ‘The Groove’ start playing, stalls open. The Gala Day begins
10am Voting for Participant and People’s Choice opens 10am Children’s Scavenger Hunt begins
12pm Funky Fashion Parade
12.30pm Best Dressed Entrants report to the Bay Hall
12.30pm Band ‘The Drama Queens’ perform
1pm Prejudging of the Best Dressed Competition
1.30pm Voting for Participant and People’s Choice closes. Scavenger Hunt Closes
2pm Best Dressed Competition parade and prize giving 2.30pm Cast of upcoming SC Drama League musical ‘Shrek’, entertain
2.45pm Scavenger Hunt Winners announced
2.50pm Mitre 10 Mega Challenge
3pm RNZAF Black Falcons Aerobatic Display
3.15pm Car Winners announced, trophies presented. Vehicles paraded in front of main stage
3pm $10,000 Grand Prize Lucky Ticket draw live
4pm Gala Day finishes
7pm Rock n Roll Clubs Saturday Night dance, The Scottish Hall, 20 Barnard Street, Timaru
8pm ‘Rock Your Socks Off’ party with The Coyotes in the Caroline Bay Hall. Doors open 7.30pm
Sunday 22 March
8.30am Car Boot Sale, grassed area off Marine Parade entrance
8.30am Sunday Breakfast at Harlau House
10am Sheds on Sunday Cruise. Self-driven cruise.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/rock-hop-revs-up/