Fieldays 2026 was our best yet! Are you up for a recap?
Frosty mornings. Sensational sunny afternoons. New gear. Serious swag. Over 132, 000 through the gates. Legendary brand partnerships on show, and some new ones brewing too… Fieldays 2026 delivered all of the above, and then some!
Between their social media cameos, our Yakima crew were kept busy fielding questions about all our racks and systems, vehicles, partner gear on show and more.
Whether you stopped by to check out the new LockNLoad Platform, take a grand tour of the roomy SkyPeak HD tent, talk shop, or grab some swag, thanks for making it such a great week.
The New LockNLoad Platform Makes Its Official NZ Debut
Fieldays 2026 marked the first major New Zealand event appearance for the new LockNLoad Platform, following its global launch at the Melbourne Motor Show in April.
Designed to be lighter, stronger and more adaptable than ever, it spent the week doing exactly what it was built for – staying strong, withstanding the elements, and turning plenty of heads along the way.
Kia Tasman – The Setup Everyone Wanted to Talk About
Up for cashies. Up for adventure. Up for anything.
Fully kitted out and making its first major event appearance, our new project vehicle courtesy of Kia New Zealand made quite a debut.
Featured racks and gear
- New 2026+ LockNLoad Platform and RuggedLine HD for Tasman
- SkyPeak HD rooftop tent and accessories
-
OverHaul HD tub rack towers with HD Bars, Molle Panel and SideBar
- OverNOut 180 freestanding awning
- RoadShower 15L size – also available in 26L
- FatCat EVO Ski / Snowboard mounts
Shout outs
Thank you to all the collaborators on our Tasman setup including Kia New Zealand, Roof Rack Centre, HSP Ute Lids, Maxxis Tyres and BG World Wheels, Specialized NZ and Cycle Time Hamilton.
This isn't just a show vehicle either. The Tasman is kicking off a year-long adventure across New Zealand, with plenty more events, road trips and giveaways still to come.
Subaru Forester
Small SUV. Big Possibilities.
The Subaru Forester reminded people that you don't need a massive 4WD to get outdoors. Compact, capable and adventure-ready, it showcased how much gear you can carry when your roof rack system is up for it.
Featured racks and gear
- JetStream bars with TimberLine Leg mounts
- GearBox rooftop cargo box
- MOD Drawer System and in-vehicle storage accessories
Shout outs
Thank you to Winger Motors and Winger Hamilton for their support with this setup.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger showed off the versatility of Yakima's heavy-duty systems, balancing work-ready practicality with weekend capability.
Whether you're hauling tools Monday to Friday or heading away once the work's done, this setup demonstrated how easily one vehicle can do both.
Featured racks and gear
- TrimHD aerodynamic, heavy duty crossbars
- TimberLine Legs (roof) and SkyLine Legs (canopy)
- Tradesman accessories – including LoadStop, AceO’Spades, Ratchet Grabs, Ladder Roller.
Shout outs
Thank you to Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty for joining us for the week and bringing the Ranger along too.
Cameos and Crowd Pleasers
Before we wrap this up completely, we should probably address the poll. We asked which Yakima team member people wanted to see more of during Fieldays.
The winner? Jason, the keeper of the free beanie stash!
Although Jason spent most of the event avoiding cameras (with varying success), he was successfully hunted down by many given what hot property those beanies were, so kudos to those who did find him!
Another of the highlights of the week was meeting the local Search and Rescue doggo. Safe to say the dog may have stolen a little attention from our gear for a bit, but we're not even mad about it. In hindsight, maybe he would have been a valuable inclusion in the poll, too…
NZ, are you up for what’s next?
Fieldays might be over for 2026, but we’re already planning to up the ante for next year– and our Kia Tasman's journey is just getting started.
Next stop: Whakapapa for Matariki celebrations. We'll be sharing updates, road trip stories, product setups and a few surprises along the way.
Until next time, take it easy!
