Undie 500 Car Rally

FHM magazine in england lists the Undie 500 in the top 100 adventures of the world. This is a great party on wheels heading south from Christchurch to Dunedin and the Otago University, 400km to the south.

The Undie 500 is an annual car rally between Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand, held on the last Friday of the third term. Student members of the Engineering Society purchase used vehicles, spend weeks decorating themselves and their cars and drive the five hour journey south. The vehicles are individually themed and occupants pub crawl over the entire day of driving. The event is characterised by the high level of work performed on entrants cars transforming them from normal motor vehicles into something special.

Cars are understood to meet at least the following:

Have a cost of under NZ$500 (hence the name Undie (under) 500)

Stop at nominated pubs and bars on the drive south

Have a current Warrant of Fitness and Vehicle Registration Be driven by a sober driver

The New Zealand Police accompany the convoy throughout the trip to ensure both the safety of participants and other road users.

Since 2003 the number of vehicles have been limited to 150 in number due to the pubs enroute being unable to handle the burgeoning number of patrons. The annual event continues to attract more than 1,000 participants and thousands of spectators. It is widely reported, attracting national TV news coverage, newspaper, radio and has even featured in Ralph magazine.

The 2007 Undie 500! (Part 1)

The 2007 Undie 500! (Part 2)

Before embarking for Dunedin prizes are awarded for outstanding entries. These include:

Best Car.

Best Dressed Team.

Most Un-Politically Correct.

Best Overall.

Prizes go some way to recovering the cost of the vehicle and keeping participants throat's wetted enroute. Pictured are 2005 and 2006 winning entries.