System Idle. Enter vehicle specifications to begin identity assignment.
Processing Metadata...
Cheap Cars.
Epic Roads.
Big Hearts.
Join the inaugural Dunga Run Spring 2026.
A 2,800km odyssey through remote NZ to provide 'TimeOut' for families facing incurable illness.
5 / 20 Teams Locked In
15 Spots Remaining
EXPLORE
Join 20 teams of adventurers...
2,900 KMS
of remote and breathtaking roads across the North Island.
As we traverse New Zealand's most remote & breathtaking roads.
From the northern tip to the eastern edge. An odyssey for charity, camaraderie, & unforgettable memories.
8 Days
of adventure. 20-28 Nov
20 teams
15 spots left
$2k Car
max purchase price for your "dunga"
Spring 2026 Route.
Nov 20 – 28, 2026
01.
Nov 20
Orewa
Friday – Kickoff at Orewa Beach
We assemble Friday afternoon at Orewa Beach Holiday Park on Auckland’s northern outskirts. Here you’ll register, meet your buddy group, and be officially welcomed to the event. After introductions, we’ll enjoy a relaxed evening together before the adventure begins in the morning.
02.
Nov 21
Houhora
Saturday – Puhoi to Houhora
We head over the hill to Puhoi and straight into gravel roads through hills and forests, making our way north to Houhora. After a scenic stretch through the Maungakahia Valley, we tackle a gnarly gravel section by the Maungamuka Forest before joining SH10 and SH1 to reach Houhora Heads Holiday Park.
03.
Nov 22
Ahipara
Sunday – Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach
A special day begins with a visit to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand accessible by road. The historic lighthouse, Cape Maria Van Diemen, and the dramatic clashing of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean are unforgettable. Next, we walk up the Te Paki Sand Dunes before dropping tyre pressures for to drive down Te Paki Stream followed by an epic unforgettable 80 km drive down 90 Mile Beach to our camp at Ahipara.
04.
Nov 23
Whangaruru
Monday – Remote Roads & Bay of Islands
Today you’re immersed in rugged remote backroads, a car ferry crossing over the Hokianga Harbour to Rawene, and majestic Kauri forests. We cross west to east over remote roads entering the Bay of Islands via Waikare, visiting an amazing Timeout holiday house at Jacks Bay. Next, we continue through more kauri forest to Oakura Bay, where Doug’s holiday home has hosted over 60 families for memory-making getaways. Tonight, we camp right on the beach at Whangaruru South Campground.
05.
Nov 24
Raglan
Tuesday – Coastal Beauty & Raglan
We start with Mimiwhangata Conservation Park and its pristine white-sand beaches, then weave through highways and gravel roads to reach the iconic west coast village of Raglan.
06.
Nov 25
Whangamomona
Wednesday – Forgotten Highway & Whangamomona
Expect more rural roads, a cruise down SH4, and some incredible hand-dug tunnels before arriving in the legendary Republic of Whangamomona on the Forgotten Highway. Dinner is at the famous Whangamomona Pub, and we camp overnight nearby.
07.
Nov 26
Waikaremoana
Thursday – Geographic Centre & Lake Waikaremoana
Your challenge today; find the geographic centre of the North Island in the Pureora Forest en route to Lake Waikaremoana. The windy gravel road drive in to Waikaremoana is spectacular, through untouched native forest of the Urewera National Park. We camp lakeside at DOC’s stunning Waikaremoana Holiday Park.
08.
Nov 27
Ohope
Friday – Gisborne Hills & Ohope Beach Finale
We traverse Gisborne’s rugged hill country, then take SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge through the Urewera forest, finishing at beautiful Ohope Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Here we celebrate the last night of our rally together.
09.
Nov 28
Otahuhu
Saturday – Homeward Bound
After an unforgettable week, we regroup at Turners Cars Otahuhu to auction our cars (or buy them back), celebrate a great trip and say our good-byes, exhausted but full of incredible memories and new friends.
THE RUN REGULATIONS
The Field Manual.
The Dunga
Your car must be worth less than $2,000. Beat-up, beloved, barely running - that's the spirit.
The 5k Pledge
Each team commits to raising $5,000 for TimeOut Charity. Every dollar gives families precious time together.
The Donation
At journey's end, your Dunga is donated for charity auction. Want to keep it? Buy-back for $250.
The Team
Grab a teammate over 21. Both of you must have a valid driver's license. Entries are limited to just 20 teams on a first-in basis.
The Accommodation
Part of the adventure is camping! Stay with your team each night in beautiful, remote holiday spots. Cabins are sometimes available at your own cost.
The Support
We’ll all muck in to keep your dunga running. Experienced "car-guys" and a mechanical triage team are on tour to help with punctures and breakdowns.
THE RUN REGULATIONS
Meet the Teams.
Pasta La Vista
Chris & Callum
1998 Alfa Romeo
Auckland
To raise funds so many many “of the Familia” can take time out and share meaningful experiences together.
Cavallo Vecchio
Chris & Jacinda
Alfa Romeo 156
Auckland
In memory of Dad - a masterclass in enjoying life and making the most of every moment.
The Rust-a-farians
Symon & Anna
Austin Maxi 1800
Auckland
For Dave & the kids.
Raising funds so other families can have the 'timeout' we cherished.
The Identity Lab
Name Your Steed.
Found a $2,000 gem but can't find the right moniker? Describe your mechanical disaster and let our AI technician provide a fitting designation.
Name Suggestions
Financial Briefing
The Investment
Transparent costs for an unforgettable experience.
Registration fee
$950
Covers event logistics, vehicle stickers, rally pack, and event coordination.
Daily Survival
$1,750
Per team for food, camping, and accommodation along the route. ($195/day)
The Mission Pledge
$5,000
Your team's commitment to TimeOut Charity. 100% goes to supporting families.
Total Investment
$7,750
Combined team commitment
All inclusive estimate
Remember: Your car must be worth less than $2,000, and will be donated at the end or you can buy it back at the end for $250.
YOUR CUSTOM FUNDRAISING STRATEGY
System Idle. Enter STRENGTHS specifications to begin FUNDRAISING BRAINSTORM.
Consulting the strategist...
Fundraising Strategy
How Will You Raise $5,000?
Tell what your are good at
The Mission
Because Time is the Ultimate Luxury.
Every year 24,000 New Zealand families face incurable illness
TimeOut Charity provides holiday home breaks at no cost, giving these families precious moments together when they need it most. A chance to step away from hospital visits, treatments, and the weight of their journey. A chance to simply be together.
The Dunga Run exists to give families that time.
Intelligence Brief
FAQ.
Everything you need to know about joining the adventure
What does the registration fee cover?
This covers our costs of running the event. It includes your event stickers, team name sticker and number for your dunga. It pays for the organising volunteer’s accommodation and meals and equipment hire etc. If there is a surplus left over this is donated to Timeout..
What other costs are there?
Camping fees and meals during the rally are supplied for approximately $195/day per team for 3 meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner) paid in advance of the rally.
You need to have a radio telephone. We can advise on options and costs if you don’t have one. You’re responsible for fuel and any parts for repairs for your dunga along the way. Our triage team will help keep your dunga going as part of the event..
Can I arrange my own accommodation?
Part of the fun of the rally is camping alongside each other in our buddy teams. However, if you would like a more comfortable night for a change from your tent, some of the camping grounds have cabins etc, and you can book them at your cost.
What happens if my dunga dies?
If your dunga dies and its terminal, you’re responsible for responsibly and legally disposing of it. We recommend all participants have AA cover so that, if the support team are over capacity, you can request AA to take your car to a nearby town.
You’ll then ride along with other members of your buddy group..
Can I bring my dog?
No, it’s not a place for dogs and we’re going to and staying at places where dogs are not allowed..
What insurance do I need?
You need a minimum of 3rd party liability cover for your dunga. You’ll need to show proof of cover on registration day.
Can friends join for part of the rally in their own car?
No. Everyone that is on the rally has worked hard to raise funds for Timeout Charity so the rally is only for the officially entered teams and supporters..
Our Sponsors
The Support Crew
A huge shout-out to the legendary partners who have joined our 'Founding 20', providing the fuel, grit, and gear to help us reach the East Cape and support TimeOut.
Apply
Now.
Join the Founding 20. Be part of something extraordinary!
© 2026 The Dunga Run. All proceeds support TimeOut Charity.