Southern Scooter Challenge breaks records

Nearly 200 riders took part in this year’s Southern Scooter Challenge, as the long-running fundraising event continued to build momentum and community backing across the region

At 7:30am on 21 March,185 riders gathered at Oreti Beach, light by the rising sun and excited for the day to come. There was a chill in the air at the start line, and one would find it hard to believe that the mercury would hit 21 degrees when riders crossed the finish line around 4pm in Te Anau, after 194km in the saddle.

These 185 souls had joined forces to take on the Southern Scooter Challenge – and between them helped the charity ride record its largest turnout in its nine-year history.

With the average number sitting at 120, 2026’s edition smashed records – in terms of participants and money raised. The 2026 event raised just under $65,000 for local charity The Grace Street Project, which supports young people in Southland by providing practical, local mental health resources and events. This latest effort also takes the total raised across the previous nine events to more than $550,000.

Organisers say the growth reflects sustained support from the construction sector and wider community, with the event having started nine years ago with just 35 scooters.

Scooter Challenge’s dual aims

Trade Support Manager at PlaceMakers Invercargill Tasha Clay said organisers and charity partners remained focused on both fundraising and awareness.

“We and the Grace Street committee are so grateful for this and the awareness that has been spread – now it will help for the future,” she said.

Nick Hamlin of Maxis Projects raised the highest amount for an individual, raising an incredible $2,650! The TOP 10 Te Anau team raised the most as a group, with $2,630 donated.

New route brings fresh challenge

This year’s event introduced a new 194km route, adding an element of uncertainty for returning riders.

Participants gathered at Teretonga Park Raceway early in the morning, completing two laps of the circuit before heading through central Invercargill and onto Riverton and Orepuki.

From there, the convoy continued to Tuatapere, then along the coast to Blackmount, before finishing in Te Anau via Manapouri.

Clay said the revised route had been a success.

“Although this was our ninth time doing this event, and we were excited to be doing a different route it brought a lot of unknowns,” she said.

“In saying that, the route was a success and we will definitely be doing this route again.”

Along the way, local communities played a key role in supporting riders, including hosting morning tea in Orepuki and providing lunch in Tuatapere.

Community support on display

Clay said the atmosphere throughout the day reflected the collaborative nature of the event.

“Everybody gets together and are like minded, the atmosphere is amazing and you just feel good,” she said.

“The communities that we go through and stop at, support us and nothing is a problem – it is so great to be part of such a giving and caring wider community.”

While most riders completed the course without issue, some experienced mechanical problems, with flat tyres the most common setback.

Strong finish in Te Anau

The event concluded in Te Anau, where riders were welcomed by supporters and volunteers at a finish-line celebration organised with Rotary Southland.

“It was pumping,” Clay said.

“The sun was shining and the crowd all come out to support the riders as they rolled in.”

Participants gathered for prizegiving, auctions and raffles, with awards recognising fundraising efforts, costumes and memorable moments from the day.

National reach and industry backing

The event continues to draw participants from across the country, with riders travelling from as far as Thames, Canterbury and Dunedin to take part.

Clay said the challenge would not be possible without support from local businesses and volunteers.

“The event is run and organised by PlaceMakers Southland, but so many other volunteers make the day what it is,” she said.

“Traffic Management Services Southland plays a huge part… and there are many more that can be seen on our Facebook page.”

She also acknowledged the contribution of the Grace Street Project committee, Rotary Southland groups, and event photographer Vanessa Adcock, who donated her time.

As the event concludes its ninth year, Tash says the combination of strong turnout, sustained fundraising and community engagement continues to underpin its success. When asked if there was anything special planned for the 10^th anniversary, she said: “there’s nothing planned yet, but who knows!”