Southern Muster - National Mustang Convention 2024

Kindly written by Vicki Robb.

This year’s Convention started with a road trip south to Wellington, where we met up with others from BOP travelling across Cook Strait to Picton. The crossing was smooth sailing which we were all grateful for. The scones on board are to die for. Yum!

Staying in Kaikoura the night and meeting up with fellow BOP members that have joined up with us. Waking up to the stunning snow-capped range we headed off again towards Oamaru. With an early morning stop at Moeraki to see the boulders and a beach walk and back at the Café this is where Debra enjoyed a huge whitebait fritter.

Arriving at Invercargill later that day in plenty of time to get cars ready for the show. Southern Mustang treated us with hoses and buckets to clean off all the grit and grime. Thanks Southern. The next day started early and then with cars all polished and shined we loaded them into the stadium ready for show day.

Friday night at registration was a great chance to catch up with friends and other members from other clubs around NZ. Once again the hospitality of Southern and The Ascot Park Hotel was outstanding.

Saturday, Show day, a quick final shine and the cars were displayed and ready for judging then viewing by the public . The cars attracting much attention and admiring comments. Southern also organised a bus trip on show day for those who wanted a day out shopping and visiting the ‘Seriously Good Chocolate Company’ factory. Very entertaining and a delicious stop for morning tea. From there we ambled around the boutiques and the new Mall making our way to the Langlands Hotel for lunch and cocktails at the 360 Bar on the top floor. That night was the ‘Push and Grunt’ trophy competition. A fun night had by all with clubs all showcasing their talents in a lip sync competition. Auckland club won the trophy.

Sunday was the cruise day with 100 odd Mustangs driving through Queens Garden Park and on out to Otautau for a delicious packed lunch. Later a group of us drove down to Bluff for a coffee. I mean you’ve got to right? You came this far, why not? And unbelievably there was no wind! Stunning weather. You could even see Stewart Island.

Up early Monday morning for Southern wrap of the weekend and full breakfast, before hitting the road heading home. First stop was Balclutha via the Caitlin’s. Then across to Wanaka for a Gelato and photos. Carrying on over the Lindis pass heading towards Omarama for the night. Spotting Robbs Garage (no relation) in Roxborough. We had to fill the tanks up there of course. A big day ahead driving to Mt Cook. And yep, the rain once again, prevented us from seeing the mighty Mountain. One day…

Next stop Tekapo before arriving in Ashburton for the night. We all meet up in Grahame and Pauline’s room for a wee drink and nibbles. Murchison was next stop with a delicious roast lamb dinner before heading to Picton for the ferry the next day. Another night in Wellington before heading on another detour through Whanganui where we visited the Durie Hill Elevator Lift and lookout. We all watched the Steamers and the All Black games squished into Paul and Gillian’s room. The next day we were up early. Saying good bye to our travelling companions. We set off on the last leg of our journey home.

Another fantastic Convention adventure. Looking forward to next year’s Convention in Palmerston North.