Event: Wheels at Wanaka 2023—South Pac Truck Show

By: Dean Middleton, Photography by: Dean Middleton

1 13 A personal favourite of the truck show, Robin Wildbore’s sensationally�restored K100E Kenworth. A deserved recipient of the Best Kenworth award. 1 13
2 13 International T-lines, an F4870 Eagle, and an Acco — it doesn’t get much better than this�for International fans 2 13
3 13 Two SAR Kenworths, decades apart in age, but both could have come straight off the production at the same time, such was the standard of their presentation 3 13
4 13 SML's stunning brand-new Mack Superliner was on display on the Truckstop’s stand 4 13
5 12 What’s not to love about a T-Series Scania? This recently restored T112 looked resplendent in its original Mogal Freight livery. 5 12
6 12 If a beautifully restored 1973 LW924 Kenworth wasn't enough to get the pulse racing, parking it next to the iconic and recently restored 1984 K124 Kenworth 'Blue Baron' certainly did the job 6 12
7 12 This McNeill Distribution Mack Cruiseliner with the Mack Superliner in tow made for an outstanding combination 7 12
8 12 Another personal favourite of the show was this outstanding R-model rebuild of the original Oxford Transport livery by Frews North Canterbury 8 12
9 12 SML’s interesting reincarnation of the McCarthy and Wiltshire T650 Kenworth 9 12
10 12 The range of restored makes and models was hard to comprehend; this mint F12 Volvo turned up to the event on its 30th birthday year 10 12
11 11 C.A. Balck International T-Line from Takaka, basking in the afternoon Wanaka sun 11 11
12 12 Austin Transport’s cool K100E Kenworth 12 12
13 12 Elite Excavations’ spotless International S-Line restoration 13 12
14 12 South Pac had an impressive line-up of DAFs and showcased the new K220 models 14 12
15 12 G. N. Scally GMC taking no chances with the aftermarket handbrake under the front axle in the form of firewood 15 12
16 12 One of the line-ups typical of the outstanding quality gear on display 16 12
17 12 This superb E-Series ERF was recently restored to its former glory as an iconic truck back in the day 17 12
18 12 Central Machine Hires' contribution to the truck show was even more impressive than the last event; this Mack UltraLiner looked as sharp as the others 18 12
19 12 These three Central Machine Hire Macks stood 'on guard' and looked ominous to the passers-by 19 12
20 1 Heading home: HEB Constructions' impressive Mack Titan, laden with an equally impressive American Wabco Scraper 20 1

Deals on Wheels brings another exciting report from the Wheels at Wanaka event, this time focusing on the South Pac Truck Show

The bi-annual Wheels at Wanaka show held during Easter Weekend is truly world-class and unbelievably manages to keep getting bigger and better.

Touted as the biggest regular ‘wheels’ event in the Southern Hemisphere, the show and the atmosphere have to be experienced in person to be believed.

There was non-stop machinery moving in every direction as working displays or making their way to do laps around the arena and with full commentary over the PA system, only enhanced the delightful smoke and engine noise. 

There’s truly something for everyone at his event and while we managed to make our way around the entire show, our main focus was on the South Pac Truck Show. More than 300 trucks were parked in the huge area set aside for the big rigs.

While the sheer numbers had the enthusiast’s eyes popping out of their heads, the huge array and sensational standard of the gear on display could have had them pinching themselves or rubbing their eyes to ensure what they were seeing was indeed real.

There were the regular classic and newer working truck attendees, however, there was
also a huge number of recently restored trucks that had not yet been seen on display at a big event such as this, which made it that much more impressive.

As a truck enthusiast, this event is a given to mark on the calendar, and if you like anything with wheels (and that makes smoke and noise), it’s s also a must-see and one that has something for the whole family.

The only other thing to remember when getting the calendar out is to book accommodation at the same time, as Wanaka and the surrounding towns are booked solid months out. Such is the size and popularity of the show.  

Award winners

  • Veteran: Ed Solly, Sollys Freight 1978 Ltd, 1926 Chevrolet 30Cwt Pickup
  • Pre-War: 1924 MT Ford Bryan Cossey, Waikato Draught livery
  • Classic: Brayden McKenzie-Coleman, Pro Tranz Ltd (in Mt Cook livery), 1980 Ford D2418
  • Small: Des Grey Motors Ltd,1936 International C1
  • British: Peter Turner, Peter Turner Contracting (in the livery of BA Turner), 1957 Karrier
  • American: Asha Lowes, Riverview Contracting Ltd 2014 Kenworth T409 SAR
  • European: Tom Roberts, (in Mossburn Transport livery), 1968 Mercedes-Benz L1418
  • Kenworth: Robin Wildbore, Tahmac Haulage (in the Lakeview Farms livery), 1989 Kenworth K100E
  • Mack: The Hulk, Bevan Satherley, Satherley Logging Mack Super Liner
  • International: Graeme Maxwell (in Maxwell Bros livery), 1981 International 1910C Acco

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