Dubbed "Thriller in the Chiller", a fight night will be hosted in Queenstown, with local and national personalities set to "take one on the chin" for charity on June 27.
Already, fewer than 10 places remain.
Festival director Simon Green said the event would be held under the tight control of the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association, with contenders from all walks of life squaring off in the series of three-round boxing bouts at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Funds raised will go to the festival's official charity, the Wakatipu-based Bruce Grant Youth Trust.
Mr Green said the event had already attracted plenty of interest, and a 1000-strong crowd was expected to attend.
"It'll be a great night out and it's for a good cause.
"We hope to have some fun with it and get a bit of rivalry going between some of Queenstown's businesses.
"It would be great to see the tourism heavyweights go head-to-head, or have a battle of the builders.
"A big drawcard will be the bout between former Kiwi rugby league hero Tawera Nikau and TV2 Lotto presenter Russell Harrison.
"They've got some unfinished business after Tawera's points win in their previous encounter in Rotorua last year.
"We've also got some other celebrities waiting in the wings who will be announced once we confirm other match-ups," Mr Green said.
Contenders would be put through their paces before the event, a four-week boot camp being compulsory, followed by an intense 12-week fitness and training programme, run by Braden Lee and Darryl Giddens, of Fight Science Gym.
Training sessions will be held in Queenstown and Auckland.
Mr Green said the idea was to give anyone the opportunity to participate, regardless of boxing experience.
"We'll be taking every precaution to ensure the bouts are evenly matched and will be keeping a close eye on all contenders during their four months of training.
"This will be a life-changing experience for a lot of the people who participate and it's helping support our local youth achieve their dreams."
Expressions of interest to participate in Thriller in the Chiller close at the end of this month.
Anyone interested in registering or finding out more information can contact Mr Green on 03 441-2453 or email simon@winterfestival.co.nzTickets for the event go on sale in April and ticket prices start at $39.
Corporate tables will be available.
