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2022
EVENT OVERVIEW The third edition of The Classic Alpine Tour was successfully held in the first few days of April 2022. The regions and districts of Central Otago, Maniototo, and Waitaki were bathed in sunshine and were showing the beginnings of those autumn colours the area is so well known for. The participants were rewarded for making the supreme effort to get to the start line in Dalefield with 3 days of the most wonderful scenery and friendship. The Friday evening cocktail and registration party saw the participants arriving in their specially prepared UK and European sports and GT classics. Twelve new teams were entered and with the returnees bringing their previously entered cars and a good many additional cars not entered before, the overall effect was vibrant and provided a new experience for all. As is tradition the Saturday early morning start from Thurlby Domain had a surprise appearance this year from the Arrowtown Miners Band on the back of their vintage truck. Bathed in early morning sunlight filtering through the 100+ year old trees the old time music was a wonderful start to the day. The Ida Valley looked sensational with a hearty charity lunch provided by the Maniototo Lions club at Naseby. Then the cavalcade travelled via Macraes and Kakanui to Oamaru for a fine dinner at The Loan and Merc. Sunday morning saw the 43 cars on display for the "Elegance on Harbour Street" which attracted a large crowd and saw the mayor of the Waitaki district flag the cars off. Travelling via the Elephant rocks onto Kurow for lunch at Waitaki Braids then on the western side of Lake Aviemore via the Aviemore and Benmore dams. The destination for the evenings festivities was the Lodge at Lake Ohau. Sunday morning was greeted with a airy fog that soon lifted allowing the tour to drive the Ohau and Pukaki canals to Poppies at Twizel for the prize giving lunch. Many prizes were presented - some wanted and some not. The car and team that was awarded the Spirit de la Tour for 2022 was Mary and Lionel Rogers and their wonderful Maserati 3500 Vignale convertible. In summary all those that participated thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get out and spread their wings with the weather providing the all important ingredient for classic car touring. Paul & Jeff email: classicalpinetour@gmail.com www.classicalpinetour.com PO Box 42006 Orakei Auckland 1745 New Zealand |