Intrepid riders take on challenge

From rabbits to frogs, road cones and aliens, about 120 dressed-up riders fronted the starting line at Stirling Point on Saturday for the Southern Scooter Challenge.

Riders from as far north as Auckland headed to sunny Bluff for the 8.30am start of the 220km journey to Queenstown, to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Southland and Hospice Southland.

Riders Kim and Charlie McLeod had come from Dunedin for the challenge after participating last year.

"Charlie has been diagnosed with prostate cancer so it's very close to our hearts," Mrs McLeod said.

"Our niece, who owned the little vehicle we've got, was 17 and just died from cancer.

"We do all the runs and we've bought new people with us this year."

It was the first year Hospice Southland had been involved as the recipient of the funds raised, and the turnout was "awesome", chief executive Andrew Leys said.

"The event is symbolic for us because the riders will pass by the majority of where our patients are and are covering the whole area of operation."

He said Hospice Southland was "very pleased" to be a part of the PlaceMakers-sponsored event.

Riders had until 3.30pm to make it to Queenstown and complete the challenge.