Whilst farmers are the obvious target market for the National Fieldays, the event has a much wider appeal, with something for everyone. The four-wheel-driver is definitely not left out, given the wide use of 4WD vehicles on the farm and that farmers have similar needs for warm and dry outdoor clothing.
Held at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, the annual, four-day event also appeals to small block owners, children because there are lots of cute animals and neat gadgets and even townies who come along to get a taste of New Zealands rural heartland.
NZ4WD magazine is a regular exhibitor and also sets up and operates the 4WD demonstration area. This year, a prime attraction was reality TV star, Cocksy, who was giving the public 4WD rides around the course, in a massive Ford F250 ute.
He had a great big smile on his dial as did many of his younger passengers, especially when he got the tail to hang out, while in 2WD.
Another vehicle to feature was a SWB Land Rover from Forward Specialties, who had a large number of their rebuilt Land Rovers on display. Then there was the Swanndri clothed Ford Courier ute.
Autokrafts well-setup ARB Navara was there too, along with the Farmstruck, a modified Suzuki Carry pickup with balloon tyres and also on-site was our own Project Re-A-Range, Range Rover.
While neither Land Rover nor Jeep exhibited this year, there were still a lot of new 4WDs on show. Hyundai had their new Santa Fe. Ssangyong; the face lifted Rexton II and their new Actyon and Kyron models.
Ford gave us a sneak peak at the Courier replacement, due out later this year (badged Ranger overseas) and Mitsubishi, likewise, had several new Tritons, due in September.
Nissan had Pete Ritchies clever puckerometer, which allows you to see if you can pick when a vehicle is on the point of tipping over, by raising it on a tilting platform. It goes further than you would expect.
Others in attendance were, Suzuki, Holden, Kia and Toyota, via local dealer Waikato Motors.
Accessories were also available from Traction (Superwinch), ARB, Fleetline, and NZ 4WD. All the major safety companies were represented and there were good buys to be had on fire extinguishers, first aid kits and hi-vis vests, amongst others.
There were lots of tool shops, including a favourite, Arthurs Emporium, which has a great range of knives, machetes (for bush clearing), clothing and cheap 100-mph (or duct) tape.
Almost every brand of outdoor clothing and accessories known to man, and a few that previously werent, could be purchased, often at great prices. This included brands such as Swazi (who sponsored the Kiwis at the Outback Challenge), Swanndri, Norsewood and many more.
If you didnt make it this year, then diary the Fieldays for next year and dont forget to come and see us. We also had some great deals on 4WD Videos, NZ4WD clothing and a special, show-only, subscription deal..:
