Competition in the jigsaw puzzle racing is set to be hot.
The individual puzzling competition filled up within three hours of registrations opening, prompting a second competition being set up — now full as well.
Pickleball is proving popular, registrations for running events are up and ice figure skating has attracted a lot of international entries.
If none of that is quite what people are after, they may try extreme petanque, which is apparently similar to mini golf.
The 37th New Zealand Masters Games will start on January 31 and run until February 8.
The event has been billed as turning Dunedin into the ultimate sporting playground, featuring more than 60 sports, live entertainment and "good vibes galore".
Dunedin hosts the event every two years.
Masters Games manager Vicki Kestila said just under 3500 competitors had entered so far and more than 60% were from outside Dunedin.
Registrations in the lead-up to the Games were similar to where they were before the 2024 event in Dunedin, she said, in line with the event’s budget.
"Having so many competitors coming from outside Dunedin is one of the many benefits of this event," Mrs Kestila said.
"Not only is it a great chance to meet and socialise with people from around the country and overseas, but it provides a fantastic boost for our city’s accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors."
On the organisational side, Mrs Kestila said things were ramping up.
Registrations were still open for most sports.
"We’re expecting to see locals continuing to sign up as the event gets closer to kickoff."
Enterprise Dunedin manager Sian Sutton said the Games showed why large events were so important for the city.
"The Masters Games ... brings people from across New Zealand and overseas to our wonderful city," she said.
"We’re already seeing strong numbers booking accommodation for the event, which is also helping push our projected domestic tourism spend in Dunedin much higher than the same time last year."
Ms Sutton said there would be increased demand for flights in and out of Dunedin, including international travel.
The city’s tourist attractions and hospitality businesses would also get a boost, she said.
