The Penrite Mainland Classic Tour

Classic vehicle and motoring enthusiasts will again be waiting with great anticipation and excitement for the ninth running of the acclaimed "The Mainland Classic Tour", best known for fun and fellowship. The dates of this Mainland Classic Tour are from the 18th to 25th October 2008 in New Zealand’s South Island. Classic motoring at its best!

THE HERITAGE.
November 1992 was the inaugural Mainland Classic Tour which was the first of this type of event in New Zealand. This real kiwi event was inspired by the famous 1980’s European event, then known as the "Classic Marathon", it was a week-long motoring event through many parts of Europe.
The Mainland Classic Tour has passed the test of time and been fully subscribed every year since 1992.
The Mainland Classic Tour is planned to be a relaxing tour with lots of fun and fellowship along the way!

THE PEOPLE.
The Mainland Classic Tour only happens every two years. With eight tours under our belts we have had many hundreds of happy entrants since 1992. This Tour suits those who enjoy getting away with their partners or families on a Classic touring adventure. The memories of which will stay with them for many years. Entrants come from everywhere, local to international. Due to the success of the past Mainland Classic Tours (1992-2006) many have come back for more.

THE VEHICLES.
Eligible vehicles are classic cars and motorcycles ranging from the mid-1920's to 1980. The event encompasses a wide variety of very interesting vehicles. Vehicle marques that have been represented over the years on the tour have included Bentley, Ferrari, Delage, BMW, Leyland, Fiat, Morgan, MG, Lotus, Ford, Chrysler, Rolls Royce, Triumph, Jaguar and Austin Healey to mention just a few. The Tour has in the past, had some of New Zealand's and overseas rarest and beautiful classic and collectable vehicles along. One of the conditions of entry is that cars must be capable of driving 220 miles per 8-hour day.

THE 2008 TOUR AND ROUTE LOCATIONS.
Friday the 17th of October, 2008 will see a Pre–Tour social gathering in Christchurch. Then the 8-day event starts on the 18th in Christchurch with seven days of open road motoring through some of New Zealand’s, in fact the World's, most spectacular and picturesque scenery. Motoring will be on uncluttered roads which are at times almost deserted, something long gone in other parts of the world.
We will be traveling mostly through the northern parts of the South Island and into some of the country’s loveliest scenic spots. Each day the event has organised stops (including many Primary Schools) at local communities and other special locations to show the communities our vehicles and provide the communities with an opportunity to fund raise. There are many highlights during the week, as the organisers have in the past done their best to show off places of interest that even many of “us Kiwis” haven’t seen. The finishing place this time round is planned to be in the City of Dunedin. Stopovers in Nelson (two nights), Hokitika (two nights), Haast and Alexandra during the weeklong event.