2021 Events
- TransAlpine to Greymouth
- Banks Peninsula Run (September)
- Noggin & Natter 'Knight Rider' (August)
- Midwinter Spit Roast (July)
- Sunday Run to Oxford (June)
- Saturday Run to Geraldine (May)
- Saturday Run to Flock Hill (April)
- Garage Raid - Tin Rabbit Restorations (April)
- Sunday Run to North Canterbury (March)
- Twilight Run to Orton Bradley (March)
- Overnighter to Greymouth (February)
- Mid week Mountain Run (January)
- North Canterbury Winery Run (January)
Banks Peninsula Run - 12th September
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The Club run to Banks Peninsula had a strong turnout of 16 cars, all keen to take advantage of the first official Club run since the South Island moved down to Covid level 2. The day was fine with some light winds building, but more than suitable for getting the top down and enjoying the first days of Spring.
We left at 9.30 from our meeting place at Princess Margaret Hospital and headed up Dyers Pass on route to the first regrouping point at Teddington. After a couple of stops for the roadworks at the top of the hill, everyone made it safely to Teddington but soon after we lost one car, which headed back home due to a fuel problem, which was not entirely unexpected by its owner. First stop was Morning Tea and a catch-up for all at the Little River Cafe and a quick look around the gallery. Then with everyone suitably refreshed we headed off up the hill and turned left at the Hilltop for a 10km run along the summit admiring the great views of the Peninsula. With Murray stationed at the turnoff down to Little Akaloa to ensure no one missed the turn, we regrouped along the beachfront for a photo-shoot. Some of the locals turned out for a look and a chat and one even managed to move his Tesla into the lineup, perhaps a hint of things to come with the electric car revolution upon us and the new Lotus Evija recently released. |
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Then it was off around the bays to our lunch stop at Okains Bay, where we setup for a picnic lunch and a chance to catch up as a group. After lunch, Club Members had a choice of two optional routes to our next stop in Akaroa, which split the group until everyone joined up again in the main street for coffee and a look around the shops. Those that had to get back to Christchurch left us at the top of the hill and headed home.
About mid afternoon after coffee and ice creams the weather started to deteriorate, so we all bid farewell and headed home at our leisure.
All in all, we had a great day of driving around some of the best driving roads in Canterbury for our cars. A great day was had by all with safe driving and an excellent way to start the new Spring season. Thank you to all who participated.
Murray Walls and Craig Harman
About mid afternoon after coffee and ice creams the weather started to deteriorate, so we all bid farewell and headed home at our leisure.
All in all, we had a great day of driving around some of the best driving roads in Canterbury for our cars. A great day was had by all with safe driving and an excellent way to start the new Spring season. Thank you to all who participated.
Murray Walls and Craig Harman
Noggin 'n' Natter 'Knight Rider' - 11th August
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We had 15 members come along to Two Fat Possums in West Melton, for a drink, a chat and the $15 burger night, which was a great feed. We were also joined by not one, but two replica KITT Trans-Ams, famous from the 80s TV series 'Knight Rider'. Scott and Steven discovered they had similar but separate ventures by chance, teamed up to help each other out, and eventually formed the 'Knights of NZ' to raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation, along with another member in Auckland. These replicas are very impressive, with much of the electronics, LED lighting, sound effects and controls custom made.
As a thanks for sharing their passion, we were happy to donate $100 on behalf of the Southern Lotus Register to the Knights of NZ for their upcoming road-trip to Auckland, where they will be bringing all three of their cars together for a fund-raising event. You can follow their progress on their Facebook page - Knights of NZ. Malcolm. *** Unfortunately, due to the Covid lockdown just a week after this event, the road-trip which was planned for September has had to be postponed. However, Scott assures me they will be rearranging it as soon as restrictions are lifted. Watch out for coverage on TV3 news!*** |
Sunday Run to Oxford - 20th June
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Sunday's run had been organised for quite some time, so it was nice when the day finally arrived, however it was pretty wet and cool. We arrived at Ravenswood wondering how many would turn up, so it was great to have 20 people to visit John and his Saker. The last time we were there was about 18 months ago, and the progress since then is awesome.
Everyone enjoyed the visit, and it was really good to have John explain what he has done, some of the hurdles he has faced and what's next on the agenda. What a cool car, thanks John. From here we went on a drive through the back roads to Ashley Gorge and then onto lunch at The Better Half Kitchen and Bar https://www.betterhalf.co.nz. We had a really nice lunch and catch up, but all too soon it was time to head home. Thanks everyone. AJ |
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Saturday Run to Geraldine - 22nd May
Saturday dawned a fine and cloudless day and as we had a reasonable distance to travel we all met at The Spitfire Square for an 8:30am departure. It was cool with a promise of a clear and sunny day so it was extra good to have coffees available at the Square before we left. We had 32 people register for the run and 18 cars, so it was the makings of a great day out. The further south we went the more we saw of the sun, although around the Rakaia Gorge there was a lot of frost evident and the roads were damp so it was a bit cautionary at times but what great roads for us. There were a few really brave people with their roofs off and so it was a tad cool for them around this area.
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The plan was to stop at Mayfield to pick up 4 cars that were meeting us there and as we were a little behind time for our Auto Restoration visit, a quick call ahead was made and as we drove through Mayfield everyone else joined the procession with a couple having a quick pit stop first. (probably to try and thaw out), mind you Philip and Julie had the roof off and heated seats to help.
We arrived on time and went through Geraldine Auto Restorations, what a great idea to come here as the vehicles that they were doing ranged from early Fords, Buicks, a Datsun 120 SSS through to a 356 Porsche with many others as well, I could hear George asking questions about the black Jag and what they were doing to it (electric power steering). Every vehicle at whatever stage it showed the meticulous craftsmanship that is under taken here, I'd certainly recommend talking to these guys if you have a project in mind as they fabricate and create everything in house. |
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Next it was on to The Valley Brewery and Cafe for lunch, with 32 people to feed and it was a big ask as they were short staffed on the day, the food was great and our hosts were very friendly, I had a chat to the chef afterwards and said we had enjoyed his food, to find out that they now do evening meals and a mean Sunday roast, so if you are in the area, give them a visit.
From here a number went to the new Museum close by and then some of us headed off home in different directions, we went back though the Rakaia and the Waimak Gorges and then a hot chocolate in Oxford. A great day out with lots of great friends and cars to enjoy. Thanks everyone. AJ, Helene & Craig https://www.valleybrewing.co.nz https://www.geraldineautorestorations.co.nz |
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Saturday Run to Flock Hill - 17th April
After some fine warm Autumn days, this was the day the weather decided to start out wet and chilly. However, since we weren't heading away until the afternoon, the weather was on the up when we departed from Spitfire Square to head inland to Flock Hill Station, with a small detour to pick up the better half from Kirwee en route.
It was still a cool day, but the clouds cleared as we descended the other side of Porters Pass, and we had a lovely sunny drive through the twisty bits before arriving at Flock Hill for afternoon tea. Their croissants and scones were just the ticket, and even a couple of the local flock came to join us on the deck!
Malcolm James
It was still a cool day, but the clouds cleared as we descended the other side of Porters Pass, and we had a lovely sunny drive through the twisty bits before arriving at Flock Hill for afternoon tea. Their croissants and scones were just the ticket, and even a couple of the local flock came to join us on the deck!
Malcolm James
Garage Raid to Tin Rabbit Restorations - 14th April
The Club visited “Tin Rabbit Restorations” in Kaiapoi to view their current range of vehicles under restoration. We had 26 Club Members attend and were welcomed by Chris Schouten the business owner, who gave us a rundown on the history of the business and talked us through the work being done on the various vehicles in the workshop. This included, amongst others, a very impressive Holden Monaro which was in the final stages of some extensive modifications. A HT Holden Ute having panel damage repairs, a Datsun 1200 being rebuilt and a Volkswagen Combi Camper being readied for painting. Upstairs we saw an array of Cortinas including Chris’s own Ford Cortina Lotus and a barn find Cortina MK 1 in restorable condition along with a Citroen undergoing extensive restoration.
It was an excellent evening enjoyed by all who attended and great to see such an array of everyday classic vehicles being lovingly restored by their owners and the great work being done by Chris and his Team.
After a thank you to Chris for his hospitality, some of the group headed down to Armadillos for a couple of drinks and a catchup to finish off another excellent night out for the club.
Craig Harman
It was an excellent evening enjoyed by all who attended and great to see such an array of everyday classic vehicles being lovingly restored by their owners and the great work being done by Chris and his Team.
After a thank you to Chris for his hospitality, some of the group headed down to Armadillos for a couple of drinks and a catchup to finish off another excellent night out for the club.
Craig Harman
Sunday Run to North Canterbury - 14th March
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We had a great turnout for the Sunday Lotus North Canterbury run on a spectacular summer day. It was great to be supported by a couple of very cool old MGs and only one MX5 on some great twisting roads.
The team at Fossil point were amazing, even having the Lotus symbol on the chalk board to welcome the Lotus club. And what was even better was that I organised a run without rain.
Alan
The team at Fossil point were amazing, even having the Lotus symbol on the chalk board to welcome the Lotus club. And what was even better was that I organised a run without rain.
Alan
Twilight Run to Orton Bradley - 10th March
We had a good turnout of 24 people to Orton Bradley park cafe. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t so kind so we had to eat indoors in the old colonial cottage. Also the council had decided to reseal the summit road and sprinkle it with marbles, otherwise a fantastic night.
Overnighter to Greymouth - 13th-14th February
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Mid Week Mountain Run - 12th January
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A quick dash up to Porters Pass on a Summer's evening. Definitely a drive of two halves, with cool, cloudy conditions in Christchurch and eventually fog on top of the pass. But after dropping out of the clouds, we left them behind and burst out into the sunshine at Castle Hill, just in time to see the sun set behind the mountains.
After admiring the views it was then back the way we came, stopping in West Melton for a quick drink and natter at the Two Fat Possums before heading our separate ways. |
Saturday Run to 'House of Ball' - 9th January
We’d been counting the days until our Saturday run to The House of Ball Winery. The weather during the week was a bit of a mixed bag with rain on both the Thursday and Friday. Thankfully Saturday morning was dry and this was all we needed for every car to take their roof off and enjoy the run. After a good catch up and a coffee at Ravenswood we headed off through the inland route passing Amberley, up to Greta Valley and then turning towards Waikari and the nice twisty roads through Harwarden. Then back to the main road by the Hurunui Hotel and towards our destination. What a great run it was, beaut weather and these roads are just made for our cars. I know many of us will look forward to this area again.
Following the run the convoy of 8 cars arrived together to be meet by the others who came directly to the venue, giving us a total 21 people. The ‘House of Ball’ is a small family owned and operated vineyard on the western slopes of the Waipara valley with views to die for. After the initial introduction, our host Julian Ball and his wife Lynda treated us to a tasting of their home grown Gruner Veltliner, Rose and a blend called The Merger whilst also explaining their viticulture techniques.
Lunch followed with a spit roast of rolled pork and butterflied lamb, accompanied by salads and sweets bought by everyone to share. The spit roast was superb (thanks to Philip and Julie) It was great to see the clubs’ newer members chatting freely with the established ones.
Following the run the convoy of 8 cars arrived together to be meet by the others who came directly to the venue, giving us a total 21 people. The ‘House of Ball’ is a small family owned and operated vineyard on the western slopes of the Waipara valley with views to die for. After the initial introduction, our host Julian Ball and his wife Lynda treated us to a tasting of their home grown Gruner Veltliner, Rose and a blend called The Merger whilst also explaining their viticulture techniques.
Lunch followed with a spit roast of rolled pork and butterflied lamb, accompanied by salads and sweets bought by everyone to share. The spit roast was superb (thanks to Philip and Julie) It was great to see the clubs’ newer members chatting freely with the established ones.
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We were then given a tour of their compact winery and an opportunity to see Julian’s amazing circa 1934 Alfa Romeo Spyder replica. A Supercharged straight 8 beast and what a sound it makes, now this is a beautiful car.
If the amount of wine purchased following the event is anything to go by, everyone certainly enjoyed their day out in North Canterbury!
If the amount of wine purchased following the event is anything to go by, everyone certainly enjoyed their day out in North Canterbury!
