What makes a walk special? We invited Walk1200km participants to share their favourite outings. The brief was simple: describe any walk that has stood out since embarking on the challenge. Their choices reveal some of the many things that make a walk special.

The Pinnacles, Coromandel Forest Park

6hr return, 12km

Chosen by: Karen Murray

I walked to The Pinnacles and back in a morning via Webb Creek Track. I started really early as I wanted solitude. 

I loved the walk because it challenged me, offers superb views and has an interesting history. Part of the track follows an old packhorse route once used by kauri bushmen to haul timber out of the forest. Stone steps cut into the rock at Webb Creek provided sure footing for the horses in the early 1900s, and still do the same for walkers today! 

I’m glad I took my walking poles as I have bad knees and it was muddy. It’s mainly steps all the way and then a ladder climb to The Pinnacles lookout (759m). The weather was perfect. I had morning tea gazing up at the peak and out across the Coromandel Peninsula.

Tarawera Trail, Bay of Plenty

4–6hr, 15km

Chosen by: Jess Tressidur

My favourite walk ever! I’ve walked it six times in three years and taken many friends along. It’s the perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and a rewarding challenge that can be achieved by anyone with reasonable fitness.

The trail runs through lush native forest that has been regenerating since the Mt Tarawera eruption of 1886. After a gradual descent it follows the lake before heading inland and uphill where the views are worth stopping for. The track then drops down to the lake again. There are many fascinating geothermal features on the way and a cold spring to cool off in.

The big reward is a soak in the hot springs at Te Rātā Bay, where there are bookable campsites. I once walked in with my oldest boy – he’s in the backpack in the photo – and family members, and appreciated their help to carry the tents and sleeping bags.

I like that there are options. You can walk there and back in a day, walk one way and water taxi the other, or camp overnight. The boat and tour operators are local whānau who support the area’s economy and care for the environment, and the area has a rich history.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Walks, Dunedin

10km of walking tracks, entry fee applies

Chosen by: Quentin Johnston

While at my friend’s house at Blueskin Bay, I marvelled at the number and variety of birds that were feasting on her fruit and native trees, among them tūī, kākā and kererū. The inquisitive kākā landed on her deck and hopped about. We tried not to interact with them and simply enjoyed watching at close range. My friend explained that Orokonui Ecosanctuary was close by and how the birdlife spills over the predator-proof fence into nearby communities.

The 307ha sanctuary contains 10km of walking tracks through beautiful native forest and other habitats. There are walks for all abilities and they enable observation of native wildlife in their natural environment. Members of some species that are difficult to spot, such as tuatara and gecko, can be viewed in large enclosures. Walking around the sanctuary was amazing. I stopped often to watch kākā, tūī, korimako, kererū, takahē and other creatures. I’m new to Walk1200km and this is my favourite place to walk so far!

Waipū Coastal Walkway, Northland

5km return

Chosen by: Faye Shadrock

My favourite walk skirts the rugged coastline between Waipū Cove and Langs Beach. It offers spectacular views of Bream Bay, the Hen and Chicken Islands and Great and Little Barrier islands. There are photo opportunities around every corner, although I become so mesmerised by what’s in front of me that I often forget about my camera!

A highlight is the limestone pancake rocks close to Waipū Cove. This geological feature exists only here and on the West Coast of the South Island at Punakaiki. I also like that the track is varied, with steps, a little rock climbing, stiles, some elevation and ladders. At low tide you can walk down to the beach; at other times you may have to wade through water at each end. It pays to check the tide before setting out.

Kānuka Track, Central Otago

5hr, 12km loop

Chosen by: Morley Williams

My history and interests are entwined with this track. I’ve walked it many times solo and with our walking group since shifting to Cromwell in 2003.

As a member of the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust since settling here, and a former dedicated Cavalcade Walking Trails participant, I find the area holds special magic. The track passes through the Bendigo Historic Reserve where there are stone hut ruins and other relics, some of which date back to gold mining of the 1860s.The walk feels like a real expedition and there are no river crossings. At the high point there are magnificent views over Lake Dunstan and the Upper Clutha Valley. The descent drops down into a goblin wood before you’re back into good old Central dry again. I like the varied terrain – a mix of footpath, good track and knobbly bits – and all sections are poled. You’re always near a gravel road that can’t be seen, and on the return leg you keep bumping into odd bits of intruding civilisation – do the track to discover!

Camp Creek Hut and Mt Alexander Tops, West Coast

A hard-earned 13km

Chosen by: Dan Lodge

The three standout things I loved about this walk were the stunning West Coast views of the big, gnarly mountains joining the low-level flats to the sea, the remoteness, and how good it felt to chip in and do some track maintenance on the way down.

The track beyond Camp Creek Hut is steep, though not difficult, and once above the bushline are views of the massive rocks on the tops and of Lake Brunner below. I’d carried a cooker, pot and cup with the intention of having a coffee on the tops, but became totally distracted and forgot about it once I started exploring the incredible rock field at around 1400m. There was a lot of snow and I’d have liked to climb higher but decided against it as I was alone and didn’t have my crampons.

The track was in good condition overall, but in places the ferns, hanging vines and fallen branches needed cutting back and I got stuck in. It was the first time I’d taken a pruning saw with me and it kicked off a bit of a mission – to do some track maintenance on every trip. My wife and I put our names on six huts in the FMC Love Our Huts campaign, and for our wedding anniversary we helped give them a spring clean and did track maintenance en route.

Gear to help you walk more this month

Big Agnes Garnet 60 $499.99

Pack lighter and faster with this women’s-specific multi-day pack. It’s been body mapped for women and has curved, contoured shoulder straps and an anatomical hip belt. www.bigagnes.co.nz

Back Country Cuisine Creamy Carbonara from $11.99

This vegetarian pasta dish is light to carry and provides tasty, fast, nourishing food. Served in a creamy Italian-style sauce. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Yum Maple Almond Crunch Granola from $12.99

A moreish oat granola using South Island-grown oats, maple syrup, organic tahini, and cinnamon for delicious crunchy clusters. www.yumnz.co.nz

Aku Alterra Lite Mid GTX $369.99

A lightweight, versatile, waterproof and breathable boot for day hikes on variable terrain. It has additional ankle support and suede leather and fabric upper. www.gearshop.co.nz

Further Faster Injinji Sock $34.95

Toesock with a silhouette of Further Faster’s Rocky and Badger (the dog). www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance $57.99

Enjoy warm, dry and comfortable feet with this award-winning 3-season sock for the regular walker – that’s you! www.ampro.co.nz