The first round of the South Island Mainland Winch Challenge Series
drew 24 drivers from Auckland to Invercargill.
The rugged tracks featured slushy holes from which crews often needed to winch their vehicles.
Drivers were penalised for knocking flags or ignoring safety rules.
Central Otago 4WD Club treasurer Brent Wilson said there were a few blown engines and lost winches on the course this year.
''It was probably a little dry and a little easy today, although you wouldn't know it from some of those holes.
''I'd say there were only three or four stages that would have required winching by almost everybody.
''It didn't end up snowing that much this weekend.
''Last year we had a lot more water.''
The competition was organised by Queenstown's Shotover 4WD club and the Central Otago 4WD club.
It was staged in Alexandra for the second time this year, having been previously held in Queenstown.
