Owaka host town committee secretary Katy Button said the catalyst for the move was an article published by the Otago Daily Times which questioned where the Cavalcade could end up.
She made a few phone calls which created ''much excitement''.
With the help of a ''can-do attitude'', the Cavalcade was confirmed to end in Owaka for the 2018 event.
''I have taken part in Cavalcades and know many locals that are committed Cavalcaders,'' she said.
It was sort of a ''religion'' for many, she said.
Mrs Button said there were several trails in the Cavalcade but all would ultimately end up in Owaka.
There were also plans to cross the Balclutha bridge, which would take some organising, she said.
Some trails may begin in Southland, which would be a first.
Goldfields Trust Cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis said Owaka and the Catlins was very attractive as a destination for the Cavalcade.
''The long beaches have already starred in previous cavalcades and there is a very real link to our goldfields heritage,'' he said.
The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust was ''very excited'' about the announcement.
The 2018 event will begin on February 24 and finish in Owaka on March 3.
The Cavalcade will travel to Omakau for next year's 25th anniversary reunion and jubilee.
The first cavalcade, in 1991, re-enacted the opening of the Dunstan Trail and involved horses, coaches, wagons, carts and buggies.
About 440 took part in the horse trek last year and it was anticipated almost 550 would participate in the jubilee event next year.
