The ‘affordable’ people’s car, “Volkswagen Beetle” conceived by Adolf Hitler and first produced in 1938, continues to be a global icon even though its 65-year production run ended in 2003.
The ‘Beetlemania’ was still visible at the annual event yesterday. Thanks to the Volkswagen enthusiasts, the resurgence of the Volkswagen – be it Beetles, Kombis, Karmann Ghias, Golfs or any other model the company ever made, is visible even today.
The 2026 NZ Volkswagen Nationals, co-hosted by Auckland and Waikato VW clubs, was held yesterday, 4 April 2026 at Cambridge. The VW Nationals have been a successful event in New Zealand for over 33 years, with attendee numbers growing over the years. It is also perhaps the largest single-make car shows in New Zealand.
The event for VW enthusiasts is run each year by volunteers of the local VW club in the area it takes place and brings together enthusiasts from across the country for a “weekend full of cars, community, and classic Dub culture.”
and the Cambridge event also had the support of Waipa District Council. The Council had sponsored a ‘unforgettable’ free ride (with a mate) in a classic Volkswagen to one lucky winner at the VW Nationals this year.
The VW Nationals event provides the opportunity for people to meet others with a common interest – love for Volkswagen.
The Cambridge event saw hundreds of people turn up to see various classic models of Volkswagen, from Beetles and Kombis to GTIs.
VW nationals -a celebration of all things Volkswagen, are held all around the country and hosted by a a different VW club each year.
