The Queenstown $10 Challenge was first run in February 1993 and was held every year until 2001.  Up until that time over $250,000 was raised for charity.  

The event started as a fun challenge between two Queenstown locals and was to see who could make the return Queenstown to Auckland trip with no money and no assistance from friends and relatives along the way. Over the years the rules have changed slightly but the principles remain.   Each competitor got a $10 note to survive on throughout his or her travels.

A variety of national sporting, business and media celebrities have also competed over the years with TV3, local radio stations and media supporting it most years.

In 2005 Cure Kids purchased the licence and that year 44 competitors from throughout the country took part and over $194,000 was raised, which was an incredible result. In 2006 the teams raised $315,000 and in 2007, 46 competitors rasied an incredible $396,000 making a total of over $900 000 which has gone to vital medical research for children with life threatening illnesses.

This event is now into its fourth year and will see a further 25 teams of two racing from Auckland to Queenstown with only $10 in their pockets.

Click here for more information on the 2008 challenge