Among the entrants are Queenstown multisport athletes Mark Williams and Matt Wood, making up Team R&R Sport, who have entered because of the "fun element" of the treasure hunt-style event.
Mr Williams said it was a great opportunity to "compete in our own backyard".
"After 18 months of hard, tough competition, it is good to have a change of focus and enter something like the Adventure Quest.
"The course is always interesting and teams can go as fast or as slow as they like.
"There is something for all levels and it is good to have it based out of the Queenstown downtown area this year. It's always a good atmosphere and fun to be part of."
Race director Geoff Hunt said for the first time in six years the race headquarters would be at Earnslaw Park.
"We are pleased to bring the event back into Central Queenstown and disciplines will include walking, running, biking and orienteering.
"It is open to social treasure hunters, elite sports people and orienteering experts."
He said much of the appeal was that family groups and friends and colleagues could form teams and have a go without feeling intimidated.
Clues were hidden at 70 locations along new territory and familiar country.
Teams would be provided with a map and a list of clues, with six hours to complete the event.
"We really want to encourage family groups to take part.
"Last year, we had an 11-year-old competing with her mother and it was a great introduction to adventure racing for her," Mr Hunt said.
"The younger people are also pretty clued up when it comes to the treasure hunt and problem solving."
The TrustPower Adventure Quest involves teams of two competing in serious and social divisions in open, female and mixed categories.
Registration would be at Earnslaw Park at 8.30am on November 13, followed by a briefing 10 minutes before the start of the race.
