What is Rogaining?

Below are the answers to some frequently-asked questions about the Rogaine Series. Please contact the series administrator, Rob Garden (rgmg@xtra.co.nz) if you have any further questions.

What is a rogaine?

A rogaine is a form of orienteering in which individuals or teams choose a set of controls (checkpoints) to navigate to within a given time period, with the aim of maximising their score. Participants travel on foot, navigating using a map and compass. Controls may be visited in any order, and are allocated differing points.

Rogaining is a particularly social form of orienteering; unlike typical orienteering events, everyone starts and finishes at the same time. 

A control.		A section of a rogaine map.

How long is each rogaine?

Once maps have been issued, you will have 30 minutes to plan your route. At the end of the planning time, the rogaine will begin and you will have 90 minutes to visit as many controls as you can. You can return early if you wish. Penalty points (20 points per minute or part minute) will be deducted from your score if you return late.

A full timetable for each event will be posted on the News & Updates page in the week leading up the event.

How does the points system work?

There will be a total of 30 controls spread over the competition area. There will be controls suitable for everyone:

• 10 yellow level controls (numbers 30-39, 30 points each), which are suitable for absolute beginners (located near handrails such as tracks or fences).
• 10 orange level controls (numbers 40-49, 40 points each), which are achievable for newer orienteers.
• 10 red level controls (numbers 50-59, 50 points each) which are designed for experienced orienteers.

You may be able to find controls that are beyond your usual abilities, because a lot of people around you will be going to them as well.

What do I need?

You will need:

• A Sport Ident (timing device), to verify that you have visited each control. These can be hired from registration for a fee of $3 each.
• A compass. These can be borrowed from registration at each event.
• A watch, to ensure you are finished on time.
• A pen and / or highlighter, to plan your route.
• Clothes and shoes suitable for hiking / trail running.

What will the map look like?

For some examples of maps, check out the previous maps page. 

Can I get help on the day?

Yes! We will have experienced orienteers available to help with coaching before and after each event. Look out for the people wearing orange vests; they will be happy to help with any questions you have.

Look out for our volunteers wearing orange vests.

Can I bring my dog?

You can bring your dog to most orienteering events, including rogaines. This year (2024), you can bring your dog to Rogaine 2 (at Barlow Road, Riverhead) and Rogaine 3 (at Grass Track Road, Muriwai).