More than 500 people, 55 wind turbines and a perfect Tararua day - the Meridian Te Āpiti Whānau Challenge had it all.
With participants from Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu and the United States joining hundreds from Tararua, the day exceeded all expectations for organisers Sport Manawatu and showed the world what Tararua had to offer.
Kerry Stucky was visiting from the US and was thrilled that family had organised participation in the challenge.
"What a treat to be among the turbines," she said of the event held on Sunday last week.
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis met the group of visitors from Kansas and Wisconsin.
"They were so excited. They just loved it," she said.
"The day was incredible. The weather was perfect and after the event people were heading into Woodville to the cafes, so the spin-off was marvellous.
"Sport Manawatu did an outstanding job and people were just buzzing when they came in from the walk."
With perfect weather conditions and awesome scenery, visitors were able to see what Tararua had to offer.
"It was such a spectacular day," Mrs Collis said.
Dannevirke's Rowena Bowie agreed it had been a fabulous day.
The organisers were delighted with the number of children who took part.
"The medals were fantastic and to see the children's eyes lit up when they received their medal, it was like they'd won gold," Mrs Collis said.
Others were also rapt with the unique event.
"It was a fabulous event, monster hills, definitely a challenge, but the views were stunning," Suzanne Saunders said on Facebook.
Sport Manawatu Tararua recreation adviser Natarsha Nikora said the event was a great opportunity for the region.
"It not only put Tararua on the map but gave the rest of the Manawatu the chance to see what a hidden gem it is," she said.
Meridian Energy wind maintenance and development manager Chris More said Meridian had looked forward to welcoming the community to experience the wind farm.
"Te Āpiti Whānau Challenge presented the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with our wind turbines.
"There are 55 turbines at Te Āpiti which generate enough electricity to power 39,000 homes each year. The landscape in the area is stunning."
And Mrs Collis has issued a challenge to her district councillors.
"Get fit and join me tackling the tracks at next year's challenge."