The Great Scavenger Hunt is back this January for a fun-filled adventure on Wellington’s waterfront

Capital E’s annual waterfront quest is back on Saturday 25 January as part of the Summer City programme and with clues to solve, challenges to complete and a host of fascinating characters along the way, the hunt has all the usual favourites with a few added twists.

Along my shoreline you will hunt today, and if you get lost be sure I’ll know the way. Our waterfront is what I know best, and here your knowledge you can also test.

“Just one of the clues from the new short and long courses we’re introducing this year,” explains event organiser Shannon Brosnahan Inglis. “Each destination now has two difficulty levels so the challenges have something for everyone.”

“Scavengers can expect a day of pop-up surprises, new destinations to explore and the return of the Lunchtime stage Extravaganza.”

Families can picnic under the sails on Queens Wharf from 1pm-2pm and enjoy some top entertainment as Kenny King of The Improvisers takes to the stage as MC, along with the powerful Japanese drumming of Taikoza, and the always spectacular performances of Wellington Youth Circus.

A photo booth, face painting and bonus clue activities will keep even the most serious scavengers busy, while plenty of lunch-time discounts at restaurants and cafes along the route will provide the perfect pit-stops.

The spot-prize for the best fancy dress is up for grabs again and the best nautical costume will win one of three dress-up prizes, with goodies from Costume Cave & the New Zealand Festival!

Regular scavengers might notice something a bit different about the map this year. “The Scavenger Hunt has had a makeover,” Shannon says. “With a new space on Queens Wharf and the National Theatre for Children taking up residence in the Hannah Playhouse in 2014, we felt it was time for a change.”

“The new-look passport map will give everyone a good idea of what to expect when the Queens Wharf space is opened to the public later this year.”

But it won’t all be behind closed doors - participants can pick up their maps from Capital E’s new interim home on the day and find out more about what’s coming up later in the year.

The hunt is on from 10am-4pm and families are recommended to allow at least 60 mins for the short course and 120 mins for the long course. Each scavenger will receive a completion certificate and go in one of the two prize draws for the long or short courses. The prize draw winner will be announced the next day on Facebook/CapitalEforChildren.

To take part, download a clue sheet from www.capitale.org.nz or pick one up from Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf on the day. Entry is by gold coin donation. Alternative wet weather day Sunday 26 January.

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