Herding hundreds of Hiluxes

Whenever there’s a world record, there will be people wanting to go one better. 

Up until recently, the heaviest haul of Hiluxes was 495 in South Africa, the record set in 2010. Some Kiwis thought they could do better and recently they did, with 1440 Toyota Hiluxes gathering in Southland last Sunday. 

What makes the new record all the more impressive is that the host of Hiluxes assembled at the bottom of the country. So it more than likely involved mainly Hiluxes from the South Island. One wonders how many Toyota could muster if it tried again around, say, Taupo, roughly the centre of the North Island. Still, that’s for the fiftieth Hilux anniverary perhaps.

The mainlanders should bask in the glory of their ‘unofficial record’ which was set at the Real Country Farm (is there an Unreal one?). It is located just south of Lake Wakatipu apparently.

The organisers clearly picked a good day, as Kiwis ‘from across the country’ gathered to annihilate the existing world record.

The event aimed to celebrate “the enduring legacy of the Hilux while uniting the community of owners who have made it one of the country’s most iconic vehicles”.

Organised by GWD Toyota in association with Real Country Farm, the invitation went out to all Hilux owners of all models and vintages to register for the event.

Glen Rutherford, CEO of GWD Toyota, says that the passion of local Hilux owners has helped to set a new benchmark, one that will be tough to better.

He said “We beat the existing record by 945, which is a reflection of the love and loyalty that Kiwis have for the Hilux. People came all the way from the North Island just to participate. This record now proves that New Zealand has the most passionate Hilux fans.” 

Families, farmers, tradies, and adventurers alike gathered to showcase their Hilux, ranging from classic models to the latest editions, many adorned with modifications and unique personal touches.

Hilux has been on sale for 46 years. The oldest model present was a 1978 example, owned by Riverton’s Kieran Armistead. 

Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President, Susanne Hardy, says community is a huge focus for Toyota. 

“The team at GWD Toyota and Real Country Farm have done the most amazing job in putting this together. Having a vehicle in our line-up that’s led to such loyal supporters, who just love the Hilux brand so much, fills all of us at Toyota with a huge amount of pride.”