Ferrari’s big Taupō celebration
Gavin and Su Robins are looking forward to hosting more than 70 other Ferraris in Taupō this weekend. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
The Ferrari Owners Club of New Zealand marks its 40th anniversary this weekend with a three-day celebration in Taupō featuring 75 Ferraris — the largest gathering in the club's history.
The club started in 1986 — the same year Ferrari released the iconic F40.
Local organiser Gavin Robins and wife Su both own Ferraris; Gavin with a rare Challenge Series 355 that he restored himself. It is one of only three right-hand drive models remaining worldwide.
Su drives an F8 with an impressive 710hp and capable of 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds.
They will host members from across New Zealand for the annual gathering at the Hilton Lake Taupō, for the club’s ruby anniversary, featuring a public display at Tongariro North Domain on Sunday from 10am-2pm.
"We love to share our passion and we love people to have a look at the cars," Gavin says.
The weekend gets into gear on Friday with registration, the annual general meeting and a charity auction benefiting the Gut Cancer Foundation.
Saturday features a convoy through Kinloch and surrounding areas with a morning tea stop at Marotiri School where the club will present a cheque for reading resources.
Seven Ferraris will transport 12 to 15 students from the school for rides. Children are competing in a Ferrari painting contest for the opportunity.
Saturday evening's gala dinner will feature a soprano performance and mystery guest speaker, with proceeds supporting Camp Quality, a foundation that runs camps for children with cancer.
Volunteers will ask for a gold coin donation for the Gut Cancer Foundation at the open day on Sunday. People will be able to sit in the vehicles.
"I like to share our passion with people, especially the younger people who are our future, really future Ferrari owners," Gavin says.
The club has about 250 members across the country, with about 12 members in Taupō who meet regularly for local runs.
President Jonathan Rankin leads the national organisation, while Auckland branch chair Tim Edmonds heads the anniversary event committee.
Jonathan says seeing and hearing a Ferrari was always “a moment of excitement and wonder” as a child so it was nice they could share the passion with the next generation of Ferrari owners.
Gavin says it’s a special experience driving a Ferrari but recommends new owners get some advanced training before hitting the road, like the Downforce programme at Hampton Downs.
"Normally when you buy one, they invite you along anyway and have that car on the track."
Su says she reached speeds over 200 km/h on Hampton Downs' final straight, requiring immediate instructor intervention.
"The guy with me said, brake, brake, stand on it, because I'd forgotten there was a corner coming and I was going rather fast."
Professional race drivers guide owners through the experience, demonstrating handling techniques and safety protocols for operating vehicles capable of reaching 320 km/h with more than 700 horsepower.