A healthier body and mind are the rewards of the Walk1200km challenge for Jeremy Eade.

“I’ve always been into hiking and I wanted to do more day-to-day walking but didn’t have the motivation,” he says.

With the 1200km target – about 3km a day when divided over a year – even a 20-minute walk from his home or during the lunch hour helps keep him on track.

Jeremy says he is now finding it easier to do longer tramps and he’s not injuring himself as regularly.

That also plays into the mental health benefits, including increased energy levels and improved mood, he says.

“It’s amazing how down and frustrated you get when you are injured and can’t go walking.”

The Auckland geologist has ticked off all the Great Walks except the Paparoa Track after bad weather prevented him doing this one in February.

At Easter, however, he struck spectacular weather on the Rees-Dart Track.

Amid the pandemic, he has been buoyed by the Walk1200km online community, finding inspiration in what other people are up to.

“I really like the Facebook group. Especially during lockdowns, it was nice to post something, and everyone would get behind you.”