1. Hanmer Springs 2007 - officially the first all womens adventure race in the world. The course rafted the Waiau River through the ‘sharks tooth’. The course explored the forests around the thermal resort.

  2. Kaikoura 2008 - the event set another world record, this time the largest participated adventure in the world. The course started with rafting a flooded Clarence River and tracked south to Kaikoura over Mount Fyffe.

  3. Nelson Lakes National Park 2009 - under snow capped peaks, participants rafted across Lake Rotoiti to the Buller River outlet, then into a section of whitewater through Teetotal. The course returned to Lake Rotoiti via Speargrass Station and Mount Robert.

  4. Motueka 2010 - The only time the rafting stage has included 2-rivers, the Wangapeka and the Motueka. Once again a spring flood made for an exciting river raft. It was then exploring the fringes of Kahurangi National Park and Tapawera region.

  5. Marlborough 2011 - Under the peaks of Mount Richmond, the course hopped down the Wairau Valley, blending farmland, vineyards, forestry and Forest Park, to end at Pine Valley Outdoor Camp.

  6. Methven 2012 - The mighty Rakaia Gorge. The course went through the canyon walled gorge, then weaved to Methven under Mount Hutt, through Pudding Hill, finishing along the diversion canals. An abseil was included at Washpen Falls for the long course teams.

  7. Queenstown 2013 - Based in Gibbston Valley, wine and whitewater were the big themes. Rafting the ‘dog leg’ was the biggest whitewater the event has used! Mount Mason and Coal Pit Saddle provided the hiking and biking.

  8. Hokitika 2014 - The famous Hokitika Gorge was the rafting stage, the course made it’s way to Kokatahi, flooding, rain and mud, lots of mud. Wild and remote, with some courses venturing to Lake Kaniere, kayaking and hiking.

  9. Wanaka 2015 - Starting on the shores of Lake Hawea, it was a fast trip down the Hawea River to the Clutha, then onto bikes to journey down the valley. From there teams spread out over the Pisa Range, hiking and biking, before returning to the flats and back to Wanaka.

  10. Golden Bay 2016 - The Aorere River Valley and goldfields was the theme for this event, from mountains to the sea to finish at Tukurua Beach. Not quite flooding, but rain created a lot of mud on sections of the course. All teams kayaked across the Parapara Lagoon to the final beach run.

  11. Geraldine 2017 - Another world record, 600-teams, the worlds biggest adventure race by participants. The Rangitata River provided the water and rapids, then Mount Peel provided the elevation. It was then across the South Canterbury plains to reach the township if Geraldine.

  12. Westport 2018 - The first time a river has been used twice for the Spring Challenge, this time the lower Buller at the delta. A stunning day had the teams around Addisons Flat, Cape Foulwind and Okari Lagoon. The event finished at Carters Beach after an orienteering stage around the local golf course.

  13. Cromwell 2019 - After rafting the Clutha River, it was onto the iconic Bendigo Station. The terrain is big, and the courses were tough. Mining history in the Logantown area and Torumano created an epic course. Expansive views to Lake Dunstan and to the snow covered Pisa Range.

  14. Christchurch 2020 - Finally, one of the South Island’s largest rivers greeted the Spring Challenge, the Waimakariri. From the river, to the lagoon, to the beach. Bottle Lake Forest and Spencer Park offered orienteering challenges, while Adrenalin Forest had some teams in the high ropes course. The Styx river was kayaked to the Waimakariri River mouth.

  15. Greymouth 2021 - based in the Arnold Valley, the rafting started from the historic dam and descended through sections of rapids. The routes then traveled through forestry and wetlands to Moana. Mount Fox was the core biking test, the long course teams exploring Woods Creek. The Lake Brunner foreshore provided a spectacular finish area.

  16. Te Anau 2022 - 1 in a million! The weather delivered the perfect day which showcased the region in all its glory. The course was a Te Anau to Manapouri traverse. Teams biked on the Lake2Lake cycle trail, rafted the Waiau River, hiked the Forest Burn, Hart’s Hill and parts of the Kepler Track. The 9-hour teams kayaked on Lake Manapouri, and hiked in the Hope Arm and Monument areas. This was Spring Challenge at it’s best.

  17. Waitaki 2023 … Snow. Yes, snow! Despite the unexpected wintry element, the Spring Challenge in the charming Kurow unfolded as a truly magnificent event. Participants braved the turbulent waters of the Waitaki River, conquered the exhilarating Alps2Ocean cycle trail, explored the picturesque Awakino Valley, and even ventured to Awakino ski area, Kurow Hill, and Awahokomo. This combination of diverse terrains created an unforgettable and truly unique experience.
    Undoubtedly, the challenge tested the limits of endurance and pushed participants to their fullest potential. It demanded perseverance and grit, but in return, it delivered an abundance of unforgettable moments and personal growth. To Waitaki, we extend our heartfelt thanks for hosting such an extraordinary event.

  18. Tasman 2024 - Back in the Top of the South for the fourth time, the home region of Race Directors Jodie and Nathan Fa'avae. This year's course was set in the Waimea area, made possible by a water release from the newly constructed Waimea Community Dam, which allowed rafting on the Lee River. The course theme, "Hills to Beach," saw teams exploring the surrounding hills and enjoying the region's accessible outdoor activities. Highlights included hiking through historic mining areas, the Silvan Bike Park, the Great Taste Trail, exhilarating rafting, and an epic finish at Rabbit Island Moturoa Beach.