Greg Murphy's in top gear

Every function should start like this. Greg Murphy comes roaring down Federal Street in his new blue Holden, skidding into the entrance of Sky City Grand Hotel… Bond, very Bond.

A particularly apt way to announce that Top Gear is coming to New Zealand with a live show! Yes, the guys from the famous TV show are on a world tour and are stopping in Auckland for four days of breath-taking stunts and live versions of regular formats of the Top Gear programme, all bought to life with stunning stage effects and pyrotechnics. Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond will play host and in the spirit of their 'ambitious but not always successful' Top Gear style, undertake a number of activities. Joining them on stage will be New Zealand's most well-known motor racing personality, NZV8 driver, Greg Murphy (pictured above). Plus, there is a special 'Paddock Pass' ticket add-on for $30 that will allow you to head of the back of the show and see the mechanics of the show and all the vehicles being used on stage.

DJ Ria from LOOP Records played at the launch party

It's been a big week for men in Auckland with a lot of the celebs at the party, like Te Radar and the Shorty St guys, also attending Big Boys Toys, could it be that everyone was 'car'd out? What am I thinking? As if. Personally, I can't think of a better thing to do on Valentine's night than be in the presence of the lovely Richard Hammond. I'm a petrolhead at heart and I can't wait.

In front of an up-turned jeep at the party, Nic van Hattum and Damien Hannah (German Kitchens Ltd) enjoy a drink

It's not all about the boys, Top Gear has plenty of women fans too, including fabulous shoe designer Kathryn Wilson, and Harriet Blomfield.

Top Gear Live is on 12-15 February 2009 at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

Race to www.topgearnz.co.nz or www.ticketek.co.nz for tickets from 9am, 24 November 2008. Prices start at $75 for daytime shows and $85 for evening shows up to around $150 for the best seats. Start your engines.

Photos and story, Rebecca Zwitser