Ute fans set unofficial world record

Kiwis have come together to smash the record for the highest number of Toyota Hiluxes in one place.

The event just south of Lake Wakatipu in Southland involved the gathering of 1,440 utes and beat the unofficial world of 495 set in South Africa in 2010.

Organised by GWD Toyota and Real Country Farm, the invitation went out to all Hilux owners of all models and vintages to take part in the event.

Glen Rutherford, chief executive officer of the franchise, says: “We beat the existing record by 945. People came all the way from the North Island just to participate.

“This is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for all Hilux fans in New Zealand.”

The oldest ute at March 2’s event was a 1978 model year, which belongs to Kieran Armistead from Riverton / Aparima, which is 30km west of Invercargill. The newest was the 2024 Hilux Hybrid.

Susanne Hardy, Toyota NZ assistant vice-president, says: “GWD Toyota and Real Country Farm have done the most amazing job in putting this together.”