A broken gearbox from battling some of New Zealand’s most treacherous roads, some new friends and a handful of memories has seen “The Boys from Gunny” return from the trip of a lifetime.
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While their vehicle, a 2007 Daihatsu Sirion named Dora the Explorer didn’t make it to the end of the run, John Chalmers and Jackson Botfield made it home from Shitbox Rally New Zealand with more than $6000 banked for The Cancer Council.
The signature Cancer Council fundraiser saw 150 drivers leave Christchurch in New Zealand on February 25 for a seven-day trip, armed with zip ties, electrical tape, courage and a whole heap of creativity – collectively raising more than $450,000.
They began in Christchurch, headed north to Momorangi near Picton, on to Blackball on the West Coast, down to Albert Town, Te Anau, Beaumont, Tekapo, then back up to Christchurch.
John said they had “a blast”.
“We met some new friends for life. I would recommend this for anyone no matter how old. Unfortunately our car broke the gearbox on day six with only 300 kilometres to go.”
John said the highlight of the trip was making new friends from across the world.
“The highlight was making great friends for life and banding together as a team to get through some of the most treacherous roads NZ has to offer.
“The most memorable moment was swimming in crystal clear water at Whites Bay.”
John and Jackson thanked James and the Shitbox team for the experience and the Gunnedah community for supporting the cause.
