Each month we set three new #microchallenges to add interest and silliness to your kilometres.

These three #microchallenges will help you better appreciate your surroundings and have fun on your walks. Our favourite nine #microchallenge completers receive a Walk1200km badge. The best entry for each challenge receives a prize from our partners. 

#microchallenge37: Gain 300m elevation during a walk

Do a walk that has a total elevation gain of 300m or more. It’s tougher than you think, so plan accordingly. Tell us how much total elevation you climbed, share a photo of the walk and a screen grab from your device to prove you’ve done it! Thanks to participant Curtis Stallworthy for this idea.

#microchallenge37 Partner prize: A pair of Leki Legacy Lite walking poles courtesy of safety partner Plan My Walk by Mountain Safety Council.

#microchallenge38: Photograph a native bird

With spring in full swing, now might be the time to spot an elusive, or common, native bird. Snap a photo and be sure to identify the bird along with a short caption of where the image was taken.

#microchallenge38 Partner prize: A pair of feet-warming Bridgedale Midweight Merino Performance Fit socks

#microchallenge39: Share your walking wallpaper

The most important walking photo is the one you choose as your phone’s wallpaper. Share a screenshot and tell us what it means to you.

#microchallenge39 Partner prize: A $100 voucher from retail partner FurtherFaster

How to enter
Take a photo of yourself (yes, people make a photo more interesting and winnable!) completing the challenge and share it on the Walk1200km Facebook group with a descriptive caption and using the relevant hashtag – e.g. #microchallenge39 – by October 23 (or email entries to walk1200km@lifestylepublishing.co.nz with the relevant hashtag in the subject line and a brief description in the email). Winners will be published in the December 2023 issue of Wilderness.

Got an idea for a challenge? Email walk1200km@lifestylepublishing.co.nz