What is the Beach Hop?
The Beach Hop is New Zealand’s number 1 Nostalgia Festival that celebrates the best of the 50’s & 60’s. It is NOT a “Hip Hop” festival!

When is Sony Xplod Beach Hop 2012?
From Wednesday March 28th to Sunday April 1st

Where is the Beach Hop?
The Beach Hop is held in the beautiful seaside resort of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand

What does it cost to come to the Beach Hop?
Entry to the festival is FREE for the general public although they are strongly encouraged to purchase a festival program for just $5. Car and bike entrants need to register and pay an entry fee BEFORE the festival.

Can I apply to bring my car to the Beach Hop?
Yes – any car made BEFORE 1972 can apply to come to the Beach Hop. Later model USA cars may apply to register however entry is at our discretion and our decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. 

So can I just turn up with my car?
Pre-event registration is limited to 1000 cars. We will offer a Day Entry for Saturday Car Shows only. These cars are NOT able to enter ANY other organised activity including the Thundercruise, Night Cruises and Grand Parade.

Is there a Liquor Ban at Beach Hop 12?
Yes. If you drink alcohol in ANY PUBLIC PLACE from 9am Thursday 29th March until 9am Monday 2nd April you may be arrested. BE WARNED! However we will be providing restricted alcohol areas in the Main Street and some Reserves - please respect this priveledge.

Will there be an increased Police presence at Beach Hop 12?
You bet! There will be over 100 Police on duty during the weekend. Plus security guards courtesy of Waikato Security Services. We work very closely with the Police and have a great relationship. 

Will I lose my car if I do a skid or burnout at the Festival?
Most certainly. Our marshals will be armed with disposable cameras to take photos of any vehicle driving in a dangerous manner. The cameras will be handed to the Police who will confiscate any car caught on film. Any Beach Hop entrant caught doing a skid will be banned from this and future events.

Does my car need a WOF or Rego to enter the Beach Hop?
Yes - all cars must have a legal registration and WOF. The Police have requested that we check all vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy. This due to the small minority of vehicles that have caused problems for the Police in the past – they did not have a rego/wof. 

Do I have to wear a motorcylcle helmet at the Beach Hop?
Yes on all open roads. The only exception is during the Castrol Grande Parade from the Surf Club into the parking spot in the Town Centre when helmets may be carried. Helmets MUST be worn at all other times.

Is there any accommodation left in Whangamata?
All motels, hotels, apartments and motor camps are fully booked. However we have provided some alternative suggestions on the Accommodation page of this site.

Can I have a trade stall at the Beach Hop?
We have a limited number of trade stalls available for the Street Festival on Saturday 30th March 2012. We will try to ensure that there is only 2-3 of each type of stall. You can apply to become a stall holder by sending us an email. We also have site available for the “Nostalgia Fair” held on Sunday 29th March – send us an email to register your interest. We do NOT accept FOOD or COFFEE VENDORS as we restrict these to local community groups.