Lovebugs for Valentines

Stephen Watt with his 1964 Volkswagen Kombi.

Mount Maunganui will be swarming with Volkswagen lovers this Valentines weekend for the sixth annual Run to the Sun NZ event.

‘Dubbers' will motor into the seaside town on Friday for a weekend of camaraderie, showing off their vehicles, and enjoying a great family weekend away.

Stephen Watt, who is one of the BOP VW Owners club members organising the event has been the recent owner of two Kombis - a 1964 VW bus and a 1964 VW camper.

'I'll be bringing the camper this weekend,” says Stephen. 'As I've just sold the black and white one.”

He has owned five Volkswagens during his life 'but only two classics”.

'They make people smile and are just an iconic vehicle.”

An opportunity for the public to see about 80 shining Kombis and beetles up close will be provided on Saturday at Coronation Park, when the club hosts its popular Show and Shine event from 10am – 2pm. The entry fee is a gold coin donation, with proceeds going to Vadas Angels Animal Rescue.

On site will be the Kombi Love NZ Photo Booth, and this year Farmer AutoVillage who help sponsor the event will bring a Volkswagen Grand California to display. Farmer AutoVillage will also be providing prize packs for the winners of the Show and Shine.

Friday night begins with a barbecue at the Mount Maunganui camping ground where the VW owners and their families will be staying.

'We'll have a drive-in movie for the kids, who are encouraged to come dressed in a painted cardboard Volkswagen campervan or beetle,” says co-organiser Jeremy Longman.

Following the public Show and Shine on Saturday, the Volkswagens will set off on a drive around Mount Maunganui, before returning to the camping ground.

The evening will be spent enjoying an Indian curry night along with prize giving for those who participated in the Show and Shine.

On Sunday morning, a long line of Volkswagens will head off to Omokoroa for a family fun day at the beach, before eventually everyone will happily motor home.

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