Conquerors of the plateau

What would inspire dozens of people to ride 270km over some of the toughest terrain in the North Island - on scooters?

People from all walks of life, and aged 16 to 87, arrived in Wanganui on Saturday for the second Central Plateau Scooter Challenge, a fundraising trip for the Child Cancer Foundation

The gruelling 12-hour trip saw the riders - many in fancy dress - travel up State Highway 1, over the Desert Rd and into Taupo.

It was all worth it, according to organiser Terena Currey, who said this year's ride had raised $20,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.

"Ask them why they put themselves through a 12-hour ride in all weather conditions and the usual answer will be, 'This is hard, but not as hard as what our children and families who deal with cancer have to go through'," Ms Currey said.

She said the scooter riders are special, too.

"They came, they rode in costumes, they conquered and have raised over $20,000 for local kids."

Ms Currey said all the riders had done their own fundraising and had even been able to collect more donations on the ride.

"Who wouldn't give something when confronted by Batman in the middle of the road?"

Ms Currey was inspired to start the Central Plateau Scooter Challenge after hearing about the success of the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari. Created by Jayne and Mike Rattray in 2009, the safari saw riders travelling from Christchurch to Hokitika in support of a friend of Mr Rattray who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Ms Currey said there were many individuals and businesses without whose support the Central Plateau Scooter Challenge would not have been possible, and she wished to thank them for their help.

The next Central Plateau Scooter Challenge will be held in 2015.