They will be competing in the national Rogaine championships, a sport named for its founders, hence, Ro(d)Gai(l)Ne(il).
The course for the nationals boasts some impressive numbers.
Competitors are likely to travel about 100km on foot during the 24 hours allowed to find as many as possible of about 70 controls, or markers, in an area about 200sq km in size.
Each control is between 1500 and 2500m apart, and the elevation is 700m-1650m.
On Thursday, organisers Terry Davis and Ed Stevens were laying out the course for the event, to be held in the Nevis Valley for the first time on December 6 and 7.
Mr Stevens explained rogaining as ''cross-country strategic navigation'' or ''a king-sized treasure hunt''.
Competitors need to visit as many controls as possible to collect points for an overall score.
Every minute late after the cut-off will lose a team 10 points.
Mr Davis said different controls had different values.
''You have to be strategic about which ones you think you can get to.''
During the event there were other non-championship categories including 12-hour, six-hour and three-hour events.
Mr Stevens said they were trying to make rogaining achievable so anyone, including families, could try it.
The course was embargoed until the competition, and any entrants found on the course would be disqualified.
It was hoped more than 300 people would enter.
The pair said landowner support for the event was important, and they were appreciative of being allowed on private property.
During the event, people would be able to camp in the valley, and the Cromwell Squash Club would be providing catering.
More information is available at www.highlandevents.co.nz.
