Cold Kiwi FAQ
We get a few questions from time to time. Maybe yours has been already asked below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it snow?
Maybe yeah. Hard to tell. Some years we walk around in t-shirts (CK merch, of course) and others we're digging tracks to get around the site. That's the beauty of a late-winter rally. It's called the Cold Kiwi, not the Moderately Muggy or Slightly Rainy Kiwi.​
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What does it cost?
Prices will change from year to year as costs rise. On 1 June we open the online store for sales of admission tickets and merch like t-shirts, badges and beanies. Online sales close off a week before the rally to give us time to prepare everything.
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On-the-day gate ticket prices will be a higher cost than the online pre-sales as a way of incentivising the early purchase - let's us commit earlier to a better rally experience by booking stuff well in advance.
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Unless there's some sort of catastrophe or pandemic, the rally will run regardless of the weather. As such, we don't offer refunds on tickets unless we cancel the event. Had to do it for covid and it really sucked for everyone.
Is there a bar?
Bro, really? Yeah we run a licensed bar in the big marquee. All normal rules relating to the supply and sale of alcohol apply.
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For 2024 we are running a system of prepaid bar tickets to help streamline service at the bar itself.
Tickets come in two denominations: $20 and $50 and can be purchased with cash or via EFTPOS.
Do I need to bring a bike?
Well that's kinda the point. Scooters to choppers to baggers, we get it all. It's a BIKE rally. That said, some people bring bikes on trailers and that's cool too. We do have a spot prize for Greatest Distance Traveled, just saying.
Do I have to camp?
Again, that's kinda the point. Technically you don't have to but otherwise you are offsite and away from all the shenanigans and who wants that?
When is the rally?
First weekend in September, always. Starts Friday ends Sunday.
What's the site like?
We have found a really great site just west of Waiouru. Grassy paddocks that are well-drained (so no mud bogs) with a view of Ruapehu. Actual flush toilets. Free firewood, as in a mountain of it.
Our relationship with the landowner is really good so we treat the place well and they are happy to let us use it.
Our good friends the Christian Riders provide gate security, breath tests if you want it and generally ensure everyone is able to have a good time. The fundamental rule is: Don't Be A Dick
What's the food like?
We have a great caterer who not-coincidentally loves bike rallies. He and his team are at the grill from start to finish and do a bang-up job serving delicious hot food.
The Ruapehu Motor Cycle Club provide free coffee and tea 24/7
What services are on site?
Aside from the caterer, we run a licensed bar. There is on-site security and gate security. Full-time first aid staff. Flush toilets. Free firewood. Oh, and the mobile signal everywhere is between 3 and 4 bars so you can Snapchat the shit out of your whole rally easily.