FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

The vehicle entry fee for the Variety Bash is $500.00 including GST and is required immediately on registration.

In addition to this you are required to raise a minimum donation of $7,000 to participate (no GST is applicable) which can be raised through events, donations, sponsorship etc. 

There is also a per person entry fee of $500 (including GST) per person to cover the cost of all meals, entertainment, and special activities for the seven days of the Bash. Please note that some of these costs have increased for the 2010 Bash to reflect the longer duration and the inter-island transportation involved.

All payments are to be made payable to Variety – The Children’s Charity, a registered charity.

Are there any other costs?

You will need to cover your own expenses for accommodation, vehicle maintenance, fuel, Insurance, Registration, WOF/COF and beverages.

How do I go about getting that money?

Most entrants approach sponsors or do their own forms of fundraising throughout the year.  Assistance or advice by contacting the Variety office is actively encouraged if required.

How long does the Variety Bash go for?

One week from Saturday to Saturday usually commencing from mid to late March. The Mini Bash is a shortened version of the main Bash and starts on a Friday and finishes on the following Sunday typically in mid September.

Is the Variety Bash a race?

The Bash is not a race, and the winners are not the first to cross the line, but the people who show themselves to be the best at having fun while fundraising forNew Zealand children.  The Bash however is an official rally as certified by Motorsport New Zealand and vehicle drivers will need to apply for a special Motorsport Licence (Variety will provide you with the application form)

How do I enter the Variety Bash?

Download a registration form, complete it and send it and your entry fee to the Variety Office, 290 Great South Road, Greenlane.

What sort of vehicle can I use?

Generally speaking it is preferable that the vehicle is 30 years old at the start of the Bash. However there may be some exceptions to this as long as the vehicle fits within the parameters of a Bash ‘concept’ vehicle.  The final decision regarding this will be at the Bash Operations Manager’s discretion.

Do I need to be able to fix the car myself if something goes wrong on the Bash?

Not necessarily. The Royal New Zealand Air Force provide Mobile Workshops whose job is it to repair Bash vehicles whilst en route. We also have the services of the NZ Automobile Association mechanics who travel with us on the Variety Bash.

How many crew can I take?

This depends on the size of your vehicle. The minimum number of crew is two.

Is there an age limit?

You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the Bash.

Is the route and destination the same each year?

No, the route and destination change each year. The Bash and Route Director try to pick interesting and desirable locations for the route each year. The Variety Bash aims to visit as many New Zealand children and cover as much of the country as possible each year. 

Typically the Bash will cover 4 years within the North Island and 2 years in the South Island which means the general rotation through any one particular area could be approximately 6 years.  The Bash traditionally visits the more remote parts of the New Zealand countryside so transiting along or through unsealed roads is not only commonplace it is in fact encouraged!!

What about safety?

Safety is the primary focus of the Bash Director and Officials. All vehicles are tracked during the day by officials who are in contact via CB radios and broadband communication. The Bash has its own team of paramedics and has full contact with local authorities.

What about accommodation on the Variety Bash?

Accommodation is the responsibility of each Bash Team/Entrant. Bashers must book their own accommodation, however a list of accommodation options is provided by the Variety Office.

What about meals?

Variety organises all catering for the duration of the Bash. You will receive three meals a day on the Bash as well as entry to the Launch and Final night functions. A cash bar operates each night for Bashers to purchase their own drinks.

What other information will I get?

When you are a registered entrant, you will receive regular Bash Bulletins as well as a Bash Pack closer to the start of the Bash.

What is the Variety Mini Bash and how much does it cost to enter?

The Mini Bash has been designed to give those who may be interested in entering the main Bash a taste of what ‘Bashing’ is all about.  The main advantages are that teams do not require a typical ‘Bash’ car to enter, is only a 3 day event running over a weekend and the costs are a lot lower

To enter in the Variety Mini Bash costs $400 (including GST) per person and is payable to Variety – The Children’s Charity. This fee covers your vehicle entry, the cost of all meals, entertainment and special activities for the two and a half days of the Mini Bash. Accommodation costs are the responsibility of each Bash team and are paid by the Bash entrant.