Shitbox Rally Goes Global Announcing First Rally in New Zealand in 2016

James Freeman has today announced that Shitbox Rally is expanding with the first international destination confirmed as New Zealand in February 2016. Registrations are open so get in fast at www.shitboxrally.co.nz.

Shitbox NZ kicks off in the North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui) from Auckland where drivers travel through some of the most incredible scenery the Pacific Island has to offer finishing in Wellington 7 days later. The rally starts on Saturday 13th February 2016 and finishes on Saturday 20th February 2016.

In the first year James Freeman is encouraging those keen on crossing the Tasman to get involved by making it as easy as possible. Cars will be sourced by the Box Rallies team with Manheim and auctioned off the day before Shitbox NZ begins, opening up registration for anyone from anywhere to participate. No need to buy your own car - just fly in, bid for one of the shitboxes on offer on Friday 12th February 2016, take 24 hours to decorate your vehicle and drive away when the convoy leaves on Saturday 13th February 2016.

“Unfortunately, many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Shitbox Rally is a different way of bringing together the community to combat the cause, raise awareness and support Cancer Council. And given the incredible uptake in Australia I thought it was time to open up new countries so we are expecting some of our drivers will follow us to New Zealand for our first international adventure. Some locals will jump on board for the inaugural year but I feel that many dedicated drivers from Australia will probably make up the majority of our first rally. Long term I would like to be working with a mix of international and local participants with a New Zealand charity.” says Freeman.

The rally is a reward for all the fundraising the dedicated participants do to help find a cure for cancer and it's a chance to meet like-minded people and be taken out of your comfort zones as teams experience parts of New Zealand they've only dreamt about. Sprawling farmlands, geothermal wonders, ancient redwood forests, glacial valleys, impeding mountains and cosmopolitan cities – from the Bay of Islands to Tongariro Crossing, it's the stuff of Tolkien legend. To qualify to be in Shitbox Rally NZ, supporters must have raised a minimum of $4,500 NZD/$4,000 AUD.

Shitbox Rally NZ is set to bring a new thunderous element to the majestic scenery of the North Island. Founded in 2009 by James Freeman, Shitbox Rally is not a race but rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable: to drive cars worth less than $1,000 AUD ($1700 NZD) across some of the most arduous and deserted roads in the country and New Zealand offers some very exciting unknown dirt road challenges.

Registrations are open now for the inaugural Shitbox New Zealand - it will be the trip of a lifetime for the teams as they discover Middle-earth all while raising much-needed funds for critical cancer prevention and research. But it's not only the extraordinary scenery that will greet the teams around postcard bend. Armed with gaffer tape, courage and a whole lot of creativity, it is a chance for participants to experience New Zealand in a totally unique way.

Shitbox Rally caters to those who crave something different, providing an adventure of a lifetime all in the name of a good cause. To register for 2016 New Zealand Shitbox Rally, or to find out more information, visit http://www.shitboxrally.co.nz.

BOX RALLIES AUSTRALIA

Shitbox Rally is not a race but rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable: to drive cars worth $1000 or less across Australia via some of its most arduous roads - all to raise money for cancer research. Shitbox Rally was founded in 2009 by James Freeman after both of his parents died from cancer within 12 months of each other as a way of raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer – a disease that now affects so many people. Over the last five years, Shitbox Rally has raised over $4.8 million for cancer research, making the rally the largest independent fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

The rally is a reward for all the fundraising the dedicated participants do to help find a cure for cancer and it's a chance to meet like-minded people and see our vast and beautiful country in a totally unique way. To qualify to be in Shitbox Rally, supporters must have raised a minimum of $4,000 AUD.

Since 2010, Shitbox Rally has taken on Perth to Darwin via the Gibb River Road in 2014, Adelaide to Fremantle via Uluru in 2013, Melbourne to Cairns via Innamincka in 2012, Brisbane to Darwin via the Savannah Way in 2011, and Sydney to Alice Springs via the Oodnadatta Track in 2010.

For more details on rally requirements please visit www.shitboxrally.com.au.