If you are in the market for a rare or classic car - or just like looking at them! - then you need to head along to the Ayrburn Classic on the 20th to 22nd of February next year
Heralded as "New Zealand's premier motoring and hospitality event", organisers say the Ayrburn Classic is a celebration of motoring, lifestyle, and luxury, and is held in Queenstown. Debuting to significant acclaim in 2025, the event brings together rare cars, fine food and wine, and an "unmatched festival atmosphere" at one of New Zealand’s most stunning destinations.
Think of it as our version of the USA's Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance or Italy's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este events.
A central feature of the 2026 event will be what is being billed as "New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious live car auction", scheduled for the Saturday of the event (February 21st).
Held by Auckland-based classic car specialist Sunday Drive, the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction will present a "meticulously curated collection of 40 rare, collectible, and high-performance vehicles" that have been hand-selected for their "exceptional quality and provenance, ensuring a premier offering for discerning buyers."
According to Sunday Drive, the live auction will be led by Robert Tulp, recognised as New Zealand’s number-one rated auctioneer, and prospective buyers will have various options to participate, including in-person attendance, online bidding, telephone bidding, or placing an absentee bid.
Enthusiasts and prospective buyers will have an opportunity to view the cars on offer at the auction during a four-day public preview, running from Wednesday, February 18th, through to Saturday, February 21st at the dedicated Sunday Drive showroom located within the Ayrburn grounds. The main auction event is set to commence at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 21st, at the Dell arena.
"The Ayrburn Classic set a new benchmark for motoring events in New Zealand this year, and we’re building on that momentum by introducing a live auction experience that matches the scale, glamour, and energy of the festival," said Taylor Campbell, director of Sunday Drive.
"This will be the ultimate stage for showcasing truly special cars – and for buyers, it’s an unmissable opportunity."
Beyond the auction, the Ayrburn Classic 2026 will feature a range of must-sees for automotive enthusiasts. Attendees can join the Ayrburn Classic Class, which showcases rare and exceptional cars, meticulously collated by a Chief Car Curator and judged across refined categories by a targeted panel of experts.
Also new for 2026 is the Show Field, styled like a "Coffee & Cars" event, the area offers dedicated spaces for motoring clubs and vehicles displayed across curated areas of Ayrburn and allows car owners to have their vehicles be part of the festival without the pressure of being part of the judged Ayrburn Classic Class, also with the flexibility to drive in and out.
Show Field entries include a special lanyard pass for two people, and all cars in this field will be eligible to win the "Best of the Show Field" award. Weekend Show Field passes are available for $150 per car, while Saturday or Sunday passes are $100 per car.
Sunday Drive was founded by Taylor Campbell in 2020 and has gone on to establish itself as one of New Zealand’s leading consignment and auction platforms, specialising in classic, rare and performance vehicles.
In addition to the prestigious Ayrburn Classic in February, Sunday Drive’s annual auction calendar also includes the Beach Hop Auction in March 2026 and the upcoming Classic and Performance Live Auction that is being held on Sunday the 19th of October this year.
Expressions of interest for vehicle entries into the Ayrburn Classic auction are now open, with full information packs and fee breakdowns available by submitting details via Sunday Drive's website. Further information about the Ayrburn Classic and its offerings can be found at ayrburnclassic.com.