We make life eventful
Delivering Classic Events…It’s what we do!
The diverse skills, considerable experience and innovative ideas of our team is what makes our events some of the most loved and iconic events in NZ.
We strive to be the most creative, successful and reliable event company in New Zealand, ensuring we create event experiences that will actively engage your target market and keep you ahead of your competitors.
We currently create, manage and deliver unique and innovative event experiences right around NZ, and we look forward to working with you to work on the perfect event for you, your business or organisation.
Our Events
Christchurch - NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show
If you are in the South Island, Christchurch Arena is where you need to visit to experience everything you love about the outdoor lifestyle and travelling around our gorgeous country.
See your favourite brands of motorhome & Caravans, new products and accessories and talk to the experts under one roof over 2 days, it’s a must see for all Motorhome, Caravan and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lugtons Round the Bridges
The first Round the Bridges race originated back in 1945 and is owned by the Hamilton Harriers Club. This iconic event has now firmly stamped its place as the Waikato’s longest running most-loved mass participation event.
Our community comes out in their thousands each year to be a part of Lugtons Round the Bridges, on a course that runs along the Waikato River, though the Hamilton Gardens and finishes up in the vibrant CBD. We pride ourselves in delivering a safe welcoming event for all ages and abilities that encourages health and wellbeing on a course that celebrates our great city.
Run with us every November!!
Taupo - NZMCA Second - Hand Motorhome & Caravan Show
We know the dream of owning a brand new motorhome or caravan is out of the reach of many, and we also know that the outdoor lifestyle is becoming more and more popular, especially for families.
This is an event for true pre-owned vehicles. They must have had at least 1 owner to qualify to exhibit as a second-hand vehicle. Which makes this the best place for you and your family to find the motorhome or caravan that you have dreamed of, and best suits your needs and your budget!
Hamilton - NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show
Showcasing everything you love about the outdoor lifestyle with massive deals, great food and so much to keep you entertained over 3 days at Mystery Creek!
Our Show in Hamilton hosts all of the major industry players, across two pavilions and two marquees, there are hundreds of exhibitors taking outside space, and we are the home of the largest event park and stay in NZ.
Past Events
Balloons Over Waikato
Balloons over Waikato is New Zealand’s largest event of its kind, with the magic of ballooning attracting thousands of people locally, nationally and internationally. Michele Connell and Classic Events team was proud to deliver this festival to the Waikato community for 20 years.
With a new delivery partner from 2025, we know Balloons over Waikato will continue to the be the most loved event in our region, and the best of its kind in the world.
Classic Events ran Balloons over Waikato from 2005 – 2024
The Great NZ Food Show
The Great NZ Food Show was created in 2014 to showcase the best in food, drink, innovative products and foodie-tainment.
With a huge range of items to shop, visitors could indulge in mouth-watering tastings, learn to cook their favourite dish and experience a delectable range of products from the extensive range of exhibitors. From raw treats to sweet treats, natural and organic, artisan and free range; a full selection of delicious-ness was available to tempt taste buds.
Classic Events sold the Great NZ Food Show in 2021
Off the Beaten Track
Off the Beaten Track offers a selection of gorgeous handpicked rural properties, perfect for a special escape and the best bit is, you won’t find any of them on a main road in New Zealand.
Our places are unique, private and secluded and provide unforgettable memories from the moment you leave your house and come to one of ours. The best holidays and experiences really are Off the Beaten Track!
Classic Events owned and operation OTBT from 2017 - 2024
What people are saying.
Don’t take our word for it, hear from the people we work with.
“Michele Connell’s event management company, Classic Events, does an amazing job of managing Hamilton’s largest iconic event, Balloons Over Waikato. Thanks largely to Classic Event’s efforts in always going the extra mile, we have been voted Best Waikato Event by the public of Hamilton six times and previously won the Best Established Community Event in New Zealand at the NZAEP Awards and the Best Not for Profit at the Westpac Business Excellence Awards.”
ROB HART Chairman
Balloons over Waikato Trust
“I have worked with Michele and her team over the years with Balloons over Waikato, The NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show North and South, The Great NZ Food Show. During this time I have found the team to be an incredibly innovative, organised and fun group to work with, making each show and the Balloons over Waikato Festival a truly iconic Waikato Event. Balloons over Waikato is a jewel in Waikato’s crown, and it is a credit to the team that it has continued to grow and evolve over the many years we have been lucky enough to have it in our region. Classic Events is always open to new ideas, concepts and always encouraging new ways to promote each of their shows and events. NZME looks forward to working with the Classic Events team for every show they run, and hope to further grow our relationship in the future with the many more exciting events this team will put together!”
GLENN ROBERTS
Marketing Consultant, NZME
"The NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show continues to be the benchmark exhibitors measure sales and results, with the Hamilton show easily the biggest and best show in New Zealand. It is an outstanding show, with attendance growing every year and Classic Events continue to provide value for both exhibitors and visitors. We are committed to attending the Hamilton show, as would not miss the opportunity to put our product in front of the biggest motorhome and caravan crowd in the country.”
ROB AXTON
Managing Director, Country Caravans
“We were extremely impressed with the way that the Balloons over Waikato team carefully matched our brand to an appropriate balloon and then helped us to make the most of the event. They were very professional and their enthusiasm was infectious. We found the event fantastic and are already working on plans for next year with the Balloons over Waikato team to continue bringing colour to the sky.”
KAREN WARMAN
Marketing Manager, Resene
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Michele Connell - The Chief Everything Officer
Just as comfy in gumboots as high heels, a farm girl at heart who loves the finer things in life, and seeing people enjoy the events she creates!
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Jenni Muhlmann - PR & Marketing
Only thing she loves more than a BIG idea, is finding those perfect shoes on sale and having them home delivered!
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Wendy Barron - The "Does Everything" Girl
Shoes, sports and wine and not necessarily in that order, are some of Wendy’s passions outside of powering through events.
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Susan Gardiner- The Accounts Lady
Gardening, cooking and walking are some of Susan’s favourite things, as well as budgets and getting receipts without asking!
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Jenny Woodmass - The Sales Queen
When she’s not chatting to exhibitors, you can find Jenny catching up with family and friends over good food or away travelling the country in her campervan.
