We asked Walk 1200km participants where they suggest visitors go to appreciate the best of their area. Responses range from all-time favourites to lesser-known forest tracks.

Whangārei

Ann Wilde says the trail in AH Reed Park through to Whangārei Falls is “lovely and peaceful among the trees”.

Auckland

Glen Hill-Willis recommends the 4km Milford to Takapuna coastal walk. “There are such appealing views of the gulf, beaches and bays, and frequently people fishing from the rocks. The clincher is the Takapuna Beach Café.

A perfect conclusion!” Donnelle Cheree enjoys the Puhinui Stream Forest Trail which links the Botanic Gardens with Tōtara Park. “There are some steep, slippery parts, but it’s a good length with great views and not as busy as the gardens. An easier walk is Southern Park / Conifer Grove at sunset – you can choose the length of walk, it’s flat, almost all well-paved, and the evening light on the Manukau Harbour is gorgeous.”

Waikato

Amanda Collins recommends the Kauri Loop track at the north end of the Hakarimata Range. “One kauri is huge! On the scale of ‘how many trampers would it take to hug that tree?’ I’d say it’s a five.”

Wellington

Celia Wade Brown says Featherston has a great heritage trail, a new pou marking the Tauherenikau Trail and plenty of cafés and bookshops for refuelling and inspiration. “An hour’s walk around an interesting town is still valuable for mental and physical health,” she says.

Christchurch

Leah King says anywhere on the crater rim walkway in the Port Hills is worth a look. “But Taylor’s Mistake to Godley Head is a favourite of mine.”

Otago

Jenny Christensen has several walks in the Queenstown lakes region that she likes to do. There’s the gold-mining history at Bannockburn Sluicings to investigate and in Queenstown there is Lake Hayes, Bob’s Cove or Moke Lake walks. In Wānaka she recommends the Clutha River Track from Albert Town to the lake. “All have stunning scenery,” she says.

Karen Sortehaug says Dunedin City has lots of wonderful walks for all fitness levels. “An easy one is Ross Creek, which could continue on to McGoun Creek and the Pineapple Track. There are lots of lovely beaches, too.”

Faye Gorman recommends the Huriawa Peninsula Walk in Karitane. “There is a historic pā site, dramatic coast, blow-holes, cliffs, birds and views galore. It’s great for all ages and is a loop track that can be walked at a doddle.