Rules

Think of these as the "Guardrails of the Gravel." Designed to keep the adventure high and the chaos manageable, here are the official rules for the Dunga Run Spring 2026

Team & Participant Requirements

  • Team Size: Each team (vehicle) must consist of exactly two people.

  • Age and Licensing: Your teammate must be over 21 and hold a valid driver's licence.

  • Entry Limit: Participation is limited to 20 teams, initially by invitation only, on a first-in-first-accepted basis.

  • Official Entry Only: The rally is for officially entered teams only; friends cannot join for portions of the trip in their own vehicles.

Vehicle Standards

  • The "Dunga" Value: Your vehicle must be worth less than $2,000.

  • Post-Event Donation: At the end of the trip, your car is donated to Timeout Charity for auction. If you can't bear to part with it, you may buy it back for $250.

  • Terminal Breakdowns: If your dunga dies and cannot be fixed, you are responsible for its responsible and legal disposal.

  • Required Equipment: Every vehicle must be equipped with a radio telephone.

Financials & Insurance

  • Entry Fee: A registration fee of NZ$950 must be paid to the Timeout Charitable Trust.

  • Fundraising Goal: Each team is required to raise $5,000 in donations or sponsorship for the charity.

  • Mandatory Insurance: You must have at least 3rd party liability cover for your vehicle and show proof on registration day.

  • Pre-Paid Costs: Camping fees and meals (approximately $195/day per team) must be paid in advance.

Life on the Road

  • No Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the rally or at the campsites.

  • Self-Sufficiency: Teams are responsible for their own fuel and repair parts.

  • Beach Driving Prep: For the 90 Mile Beach stretch, you must deflate your tyres to 20 psi before entering the Te Paki Stream.

© 2026 The Dunga Run. All proceeds support TimeOut Charity.