The Great Scavenger Hunt has returned to Waihi Beach.
For two days, up to 100 teams will race to complete 12 challenges around the village, posting on social media as they finish each task.
Teams who successfully complete all 12 challenges will then be in with a chance to compete in the final event – a dig-off for cash prizes at the beach itself.
Event coordinator Vicki Lambert says the scavenger hunt is an “epic event” that last year drew people from out of the area to participate and explore.
The event was born out of necessity due to COVID, replacing the regular kids-day-out event which usually took place at the end of January.
“We had to think of something that people could do in their bubbles. And that’s how we came up with the scavenger hunt.”
Last year was capped at 50 teams and sold out. This year with no restrictions the team decided to make it bigger and better.
Lambert says the event aims to encourage exploration of the local area.
“I try to take them places that they may not necessarily have known about or been before at the beach.”
And with so many participants, there is the opportunity for a lot of fun.
“Last year one of the funniest [moments] was, we led them up to the soundshell at Waihi Beach. It was really popular in the 50s and 60s for the Miss Waihi Beach and concerts … we sent them up there to recreate their Miss Waihi Beach moment, so we had lots of fun with that, people dressing up – it was really really fun.”
DETAILS
The Great Waihi Beach Scavenger Hunt, January 28-29 at Waihi Beach. Entry is free but participation is capped at 100 teams. Contact Vicki Lambert 021 566 090 or vicki@waihibeachinfo.co.nz for details.
By ALICE PARMINTER, Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air
