A journey of 1200km includes many milestones and achievements. Here’s what Walk1200km participants shared when we asked them: ‘What’s a walking-related goal you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?’

Making walking a habit

For me the achievement is not so much the kilometres, but developing a regular walking habit. Looking back over my progress tracker I see that, on average, I take a walk 13 days a fortnight. Before I took up the challenge I was only walking once or twice a week. I enjoy the exercise and feel better for it – that’s a win!

– Mike Harniess

More steps, every day

For years my daily step average sat around the 13,000 mark. My goal this year was to raise that number, and since starting this challenge in January my daily average now sits around 16,000. 

That’s pretty cool.

– Katie Wigmore

Never missing a day

At the end of June I completed 1000 days without missing an intentional walk of at least 1km. All thanks to this awesome challenge!

– Jeremy Keane

I’m fitter than ever

Getting up to Leaning Rock (1650m) in the Dunstan Range followed by Isthmus Peak near Wānaka a fortnight later. I’m 70 and have never been so fit or adventurous. I’m so proud of myself!

– Gwenyth Wilson

Carrying on despite setbacks

I broke my ankle in January when hiking. After a long process of hospital stays, surgery, physiotherapy and a bout of self-pity, I am thankful to be able to walk 5km each day. These are slow and sometimes painful walks, but I’m happy to be able to do it.

– Lara Bloxham

Just walking to work and back. Changing my life.

– Claire Macdonald