Ayrburn Classic to host NZ’s ‘most prestigious’ car auction next year
Sunday Drive has confirmed it will stage what’s tipped to be New Zealand’s ‘most prestigious’ live car auction as part of the 2026 Ayrburn Classic in Queenstown.
The high-profile motoring festival, returning after its debut in 2025, will feature the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction on Saturday, 21 February 2026. Held at the Ayrburn venue in Arrowtown, the auction will showcase 40 prestigious vehicles, offering a unique buying opportunity for collectors, investors and enthusiasts alike.
The auction will be fronted by Robert Tulp, widely regarded as New Zealand’s leading auctioneer, and is designed to attract both local and international attention. Bidders will be able to participate in person, online, by phone or via absentee bids. A four-day public preview from 18–21 February will allow visitors to inspect the vehicles up close at the Ayrburn showroom before they go under the hammer at 5pm on the Saturday evening in The Dell arena.
Taylor Campbell, Director of Sunday Drive, says the addition of a live auction will elevate the Ayrburn Classic.
“The Ayrburn Classic set a new benchmark for motoring events in New Zealand this year. We’re building on that momentum by introducing a live auction experience that matches the scale, glamour, and energy of the festival. This will be the ultimate stage for showcasing truly special cars – and for buyers, it’s an unmissable opportunity.”
The Ayrburn Classic itself blends rare automobiles with fine food, wine, and a luxury festival atmosphere. With the live auction now part of the programme, the 2026 edition is expected to draw record crowds and international bidders.
Event Highlights:
- 40 rare, classic, and high-performance vehicles selected for quality and provenance
- High-energy auction experience with national and international reach
- Multiple bidding formats: in person, online, phone, and absentee
- Four-day public preview at Ayrburn’s Sunday Drive showroom
- Integral feature of the Ayrburn Classic motoring festival weekend
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026
- Venue: Ayrburn, Arrowtown, Queenstown
- Preview Days: 18–21 February 2026
Auction Start: 5:00pm, The Dell arena
