After playing host to the Beach Hop Festival since 2001, the coastal Coromandel town of Whangamata is set to host another huge automotive-themed rock festival with the Kickdown Festival in 2022.
Based out of Joe's Farm just 10 minutes north of Whangamata (a few hundred meters from Opoture School), the Kickdown festival is set to bring motorcyclists and rock lovers together for three days from January 20th to 23rd.
Bike events include a ride of the ‘the Loop’ around 230km of the world-famous Coromandel Peninsula coastal roads, a chance to win a $1 Million Dollar Prize draw, and Classic Cover Downtown Bike Show.
The lineup for the rock aspect of the festival includes some of the very best bands in New Zealand Rock, with Shihad, Devilskin, Hello Sailor, Stellar, The Jordan Luck Band, and Goodshirt all locked in to take the stage.
The Kickdown Festival is being likened by organisers to a bite sized, homegrown version of South Dakota’s (in)famous Sturgis Rally.
Event Organiser, Noddy Watts, the man behind the hugely successful ‘Beach Hop Rock’n’Roll Festival’ says the Kickdown Festival will bring something for everyone, not just bikers.
“With a combination of dedicated motorcycle events, including the opportunity to ride the world-famous Coromandel Peninsula, before rocking out to our line-up of legends, there is something for everyone from motorcycle enthusiasts to Coromandel holiday-makers. Attend for the motorcycle culture, the concert or both- this is a summer festival you won’t want to miss!”
Watts was keen to point out that for Friday’s mass ride there are no prizes for coming in first; “It’s all about enjoying the journey and sharing a love of British, American and European motorbikes. Locals can rest assured that we have a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan and range of professionals to ensure we keep riders and spectators safe and disruption to regular traffic is kept to a minimum.
“We think New Zealanders are looking forward to a well-deserved summer break and for a growing number of Kiwis that means leaving their cars at home, grabbing their leathers and jumping on a motorbike to explore New Zealand.”
There will be a variety of events for all ages including a parade (stampede) down Whangamata’s main street for the whole family to enjoy. Those over 18 can then head over to rock out at Joe’s Farm.
A three-night campground will be set-up for registered motorbike entrants who can park up alongside their tents. Camping will also be available to concertgoers who want to soak up the festival atmosphere.
Tickets for the Kickdown Festival are on-sale from Wednesday 22 September. Choose from Friday, Saturday, or concert only options. On-site camping available. R18 Event. Pre-register at www.kickdown.co.nz.
