Meet the brands joining you on your Walk1200km 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.

Bridgedale, Sock partner

Bridgedale makes premium socks that’ll keep your feet warm, comfortable and blister-free even after another huge day on the trail. Bridgedale has socks for walking, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, trail running, everyday use, and there are waterproof socks.

“Partnering with Wilderness on Walk1200 has been a no-brainer for us. It offers fantastic synergy with Bridgedale’s ‘Screens Down #SocksUp’ campaign in encouraging people to improve their health and mental wellbeing by getting active and into the outdoors. And why not do that with comfortable, blister-free feet throughout the entire 1200km!” 

– Nic Burgess, brand manager

Samsung, Technology partner

Samsung is a lifestyle brand formed from transformative ideas and technologies, yet with human-driven innovation designed to help people thrive.

Whether it’s mobile phones and wearables, televisions and connected home appliances, the company’s aim is to make sure everyone is more connected to the things and the people they care about.

With the busy and stressful lives people live today, staying active and healthy is more important than ever. Whether it’s a quick jog or a relaxing walk Samsung’s devices – such as the latest Galaxy smartphones, Buds (in-ear headphones) and Watches – will help to de-stress after a long day. 

Samsung’s New Zealand head of brand marketing, Simon Smith said: “Samsung is proud to be partnering with Wilderness and the Walk1200km challenge in 2024. It’s a great activity to be associated with, as Samsung’s range of wearable devices are perfect fitness companions for Kiwis, to help them both track progress and keep motivated along their Walk1200km journey.” 

Find out more about Samsung.

Find out more about Bridgedale at www.ampro.co.nz

Further Faster, Retail partner

Further Faster opened in Christchurch in 2014 and is now the country’s premier independent outdoor store. It stocks a wide range of local and international brands and boasts New Zealand’s largest boot wall. The team are all outdoor enthusiasts – trampers, walkers, trail runners and climbers – who are excited to support Walk1200km and help you find the right gear for your walks.

“Walk1200km is a transformative challenge and a huge accomplishment for those who complete it. It’s also a real celebration of the outdoors and we’re so pleased to support participants every step of the way. We can help you find the perfect gear for your walks, but we’ll also be there to offer encouragement and motivation when you need it. Good luck!” 

– Rocky, co-owner

Visit Rocky and the team in store or shop online at www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Big Agnes, Pack partner

Big Agnes packs include an entire collection from daypacks to large-capacity multi-dayers. The packs are made with a combination of recycled and durable materials and they all feature a modern shape with interior and exterior storage features that can be adapted to a user’s needs. The overnight and multiday packs have a fully integrated suspension system that helps users carry more weight comfortably. 

“Big Agnes is proud to support participants on their Walk1200km journey. Big Agnes packs are made sustainably and with durability and ease of use in mind and will comfortably hold all you need to achieve your distance goals – no matter if you do day walks or multi-day tramps.” 

– Hamish Pirie, Gearshop – Big Agnes distributor

Find out more at www.gearshop.co.nz

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 Back Country Cuisine and Walk1200km are the perfect combination.” 

– Tony Caudwell, sales and marketing manager 

Find out more at www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Panasonic Lumix, Camera partner

Lumix specialises in cameras that are ideal for Walk1200km participants. They are powerful compact cameras with substantial zoom range.  

“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 at www.panasonic.com/nz

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. 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 at www.bobo.co.nz

Rab, Apparel partner

Rab makes innovative, high-performance mountain clothing and equipment designed to provide users with absolute protection, comfort and freedom no matter where they go. 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

Find out more about Rab at www.outfittersstore.nz