About 60 axemen gathered at the Cromwell Town and Country Club, for the first day of competition, which included chainsaw races, standing chops and axe throwing.
Competitor Nick Egerton, of Queenstown, has been woodchopping for 20 years and was taking part in his 12th Christmas Circuit.
There was a high calibre of competitors on the circuit, including reigning world champions, Mr Egerton said.
The circuit was great source of improvement, especially for novice axemen.
"This is where you really cut your teeth.
"[By the end] you know you’ve been chopping for six days, that’s for sure, you’re looking forward to a rest."
Whole-body training was the key to preparing for the circuit, he said.
"If you don’t, it’ll catch up on you pretty quickly ... especially when it’s hot."
Axemen ranging in age from 12 to about 70, were competing in the circuit.
They included several international competitors, which was a good sign for the sport, Mr Egerton said.
"It’s always good to see people from Italy and Wales and England ... coming over just to do the Southland circuit."
It was a great way to make connections, Mr Egerton said.
"They look after me as well, so we sort of help each other out."
The circuit continues throughout Southland this weekend, finishing in Tuatapere on New Year’s Day.
