The old truck movement in New Zealand is certainly blossoming

As many of you know, the magazine and, subsequently, this blog were/are intended to spread the good word on old trucks and buses in Australia AND New Zealand. Of course, being in Australia and sadly not having been to NZ since I was 2 (30 years ago), the majority of stories have naturally been from Australia. Here's a little something from Mike Houghton to re-dress this balance a little.

Not as many trucks as promised turned up for the run to the Blossom Festival in late September due to the adverse weather predicted. This turned out to be very prophetic as after leaving Palmerston and heading up State Highway 85 (The Pig Root) the weather closed in and as we climbed out of Poolburn over the saddle to Omakau we ran into heavy rain and then snow.

This continued as we carried on to Alexandra where we arrived at 10am to assemble at a local carriers yard for a very welcome cuppa. The proposed 11am start to the Blossom Festival was delayed until 1pm so the BBQ was cranked up and all the drivers fed and watered with copious amounts of tea and coffee.

Once things were officially underway all of the local carriers, and some from further afield, formed up for the parade with the oldies (us!) bringing up the rear as usual. Approximately 70 trucks participated and it really did look impressive. The weather cleared but a cold wind remained and the kids on the parade floats managed to avoid freezing by adding thermals under their costumes. There was an amazing turnout with lots of pipe bands and brass bands in the parade between the floats of all the local companies.

The Southern Classic Commercials then went on display beside the showgrounds where the side shows and amusments were running. As usual, a lot of memories came out from the usual old timers looking at the display which, in this writer's opinion, is the best part of all.

By late afternoon we all packed up and departed for Cromwell. We climbed the hill beside the Clyde Dam and headed up the Cromwell Gorge where we crossed the river and arrived at our overnight stop complete with restaurant and bar. Needless to say, a very pleasant evening was had by all and ended with the usual informal meeting called by organiser John Sime to decide on where the Christmas run would be held.

After a hot breakfast on Sunday morning (which was needed owing to there being a very white frost) we all headed off towards Wanaka and from there to the Treble Cone Skifield turnoff where we formed up for the one hour drive into the Matukituki Valley for lunch. This was a rough but beautiful drive through many fords and narrow bluffs on a shingle road. Luckily it had been wet so there was no dust to cover the paintwork.

After lunch and a lot of photos, this writer and co-pilot left for our four-hour drive home while the rest continued back to Wanaka Airfield and the transport museum for scones and a cuppa for afternoon tea. Everone had a marvellous time although Jack Soper who drove the Leyland Comet became ill and was unable to do the Sunday drive. Another of the usual drivers then took the Comet over and put his car on the tray and was able to complete the run. An unexpected bonus for him!

Above: pleasing to see this late '40s/early '50s Chev still in her working clothes and getting out and about. Below: Jack Soper's Comet has lived and worked in Southland for its whole life. Jack also did the South Island Long Lap in October 2007 and the truck ran like a clock. Mike, the author, had trouble keeping up with it in his Ergo-cabbed Beaver!