Salewa makes footwear for all types of walk - from coast to mountain.

Meet the Walk1200km 2023 partners

Walk 1200km

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Alistair Hall

Alistair is the editor and publisher of Wilderness. His favourite tramping ground is Tongariro National Park.

By Alistair Hall

Meet the brands joining you on your 1200km journey. They are as enthusiastic about the challenge as you, and are hand-picked to help enhance your walking and ensure you reach your goals.

Salewa, footwear partner

Salewa is a family-owned company located in the Dolomites

of South Tirol, where it develops technical outdoor footwear and equipment. The brand’s in-depth knowledge of mountain sports is reflected in its pursuit of finding new ways to build better, game-changing footwear.

“All Salewa footwear styles share the same key performance features: precise fit, good protection, superb grip and adaptability – so no matter where your Walk1200km adventures take you, Salewa has the perfect footwear solution for your needs.” – Gary Melhuish, sales manager

Find out more about Salewa.

Read more from

October 2022

Bridgedale, sock partner

Bridgedale makes premium socks that’ll keep your toes warm, comfortable and blister-free even after a huge day on the trail. As well as waterproof socks, it has socks for walking, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, trail running and everyday.

“Bridgedale designs and manufactures the most comfortable socks you’ll ever wear. And because Bridgedale socks are so long-lasting, they’ll keep your feet dry and blister-free for every kilometre of your 1200km challenge.” – Nic Burgess, brand manager

Find out more about Bridgedale.

Plan My Walk can help you find new and interesting places to walk - and to keep safe while doing it.

Plan My Walk, safety partner

Plan your walks with the world-first Plan My Walk app from the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

“For the past year as a Walk1200km partner it has been really encouraging to see more people get out and explore their local parks and the backcountry. That’s why NZ Mountain Safety Council is excited to be back on board this year, supporting the use of the Plan My Walk app, as inspiration for participants to find new places to go and to ensure people are adequately prepared for their adventure. Don’t forget to add your track reviews into Plan My Walk to help others and to showcase what you’ve achieved. See you on the tracks and trails around Aotearoa!” – Nathan Watson, operations manager

Find out more about Plan My Walk.

Rab is known for it's high-performance clothing.

Rab, apparel partner

Rab makes innovative, high-performance mountain clothing and equipment that gives absolute protection, comfort and freedom no matter where your walks take you. It’s gear you would rather repair than replace.

“Rab has been climate neutral since 2020 with the goal of being Carbon Net Zero by 2030. By walking more we can expand our horizons and if it’s an alternative to reduce emissions that can only benefit our environment, that’s why Rab is pleased to get behind Walk1200km.” – Neil Stichbury, director

Get kitted out in Rab.

The team at Further Faster are ready and able to help you clock up your kilometres.

Further Faster, retail partner

Further Faster opened in Christchurch in 2014, and has quickly become the country’s leading independent outdoor store. The team of adventure lovers are not only keen to increase their own walking this year but are excited to get behind Walk1200km and support participants through the challenge.

“We love how Walk1200km has changed so many lives. We are super keen to help out again, to get more people on the trails, walking to work and helping the environment. Badger, our dog, has also loved the extra walks!” – Rocky, co-owner

Visit Rocky and the team in store (57A Buchan Street, Christchurch) or shop online at www.furtherfaster.co.nz.

Back Country Cuisine can help fuel your trips.

Back Country Cuisine, food partner

Wherever your Walk1200km journey takes you, Back Country Cuisine can provide the fuel needed to keep going, to keep discovering, to keep adventuring.

“Getting outdoors and exercising in nature is good for us, especially with our busy modern lives. That’s why Walk1200km is a great initiative – it’s helping people to be more active and to create for themselves more opportunities to get outside. At Back Country Cuisine it’s our mission to make it easier for people to achieve their outdoor goals, and that’s why we and Walk1200km are the perfect combination.” – Tony Caudwell, sales and marketing manager

Shop Back Country Cuisine.

Panasonic Lumix, camera partner

Lumix specialises in producing powerful compact cameras that have substantial zoom range. The cameras are ideal for those undertaking the Walk1200km challenge.

“Many of our cameras are rugged and weather-sealed, and specially designed to go anywhere and work in all conditions – which is why we’re proud to support you on your Walk1200km journey. There is a Lumix model to suit your needs and to capture your journey, and especially your #microchallenge accomplishments, in the highest quality. Good luck to all participants this year.” – Andrew Reid, Panasonic New Zealand Limited

Find out more about Panasonic Lumix.

Whether you're doing day walks or multi-day adventures, there's a Lowe Alpine pack for you.

Lowe Alpine, pack partner

In 1967 Lowe Alpine revolutionised pack design and continues to innovate and develop packs that excel in all conditions. Each pack is ergonomically designed to fit the user, promote freedom of movement and improve carrying comfort.

“Lowe Alpine packs are pioneers and innovators, which is why we’re proud to support Walk1200km. Whether your walks take you around your local park or deep into the mountains, we’ve got a pack that can support your ambitions.” – Neil Stichbury, director

Shop Lowe Alpine.