Celebrity Events At Hyundai Day On The Bay

THOUSANDS GATHER FOR CELEBRITY EVENTS AT HYUNDAI DAY ON THE BAY

Some of New Zealand's famous competed against daring members of the public in a number of mad cap events at Saturday's Hyundai Day on the Bay, part of the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival.

Around 2,500 people gathered to watch costumed competitors jump into freezing waters, run 500 metres clothed in nothing but underwear and test their courage in hair-raising jet boat races.

Hyundai Automotive New Zealand (HANZ) general manager Philip Eustace said it was great to see such a large number of famous faces undertaking outrageous and challenging events, which they usually wouldn't attempt, all in the name of fun.

"We're proud to put our name to this event, it has been immense fun for all involved," said Eustace.

The day kicked off with the Resort Radio Birdman competition where a variety of costumed creatures jumped from the jetty into Lake Wakitipu, competing for awards such as furthest jump and biggest splash.

Next on the agenda, teams of one male and one female competed for $1,000 in the Heritage Villas Queenstown Undy 500. Scantily clad participants ran 500 metres in only their smalls to claim the prize, which went to local pair Marian Chick and Steve Lee.

Eddie Smith powered through the icy waters in the Cold Power Splash for Cash, to win first prize of $500, and later celebrities teamed up with local artists at Art in the Park to create their own visions of Queenstown.

A highlight of the day for many was the Hyundai Queenstown Bay Classic, where drivers from local jet boat companies paired up with celebrities in a nail-biting relay race through a spectacular circuit that included rafting, jet-boating and jet-skiing.

Jane Kiely, Barbara Kendall (sponsored by HANZ), Nathan Astle (sponsored by HANZ), Mike Hall and members of the Classic Challenge team vied for first place, with Jane Kiely eventually taking out the top spot.

HANZ have also had a demonstrator tent set up at Ernslaw Park where members of the public can test drive Hyundai vehicles.

"So far our association with the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival has not only been great fun for all involved, but is proving to be a success in a business sense. Public interest in our range of vehicles is high and is already translating into sales. A great result" said Eustace.

The Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival began on Friday 27 June and will conclude on Sunday 6 July.

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