Without the support of the brands on these pages‭, ‬there would be no Walk1200km‭. ‬They are as enthusiastic about the challenge as‭ ‬you are and have been hand-picked to help you reach your goals‭. ‬

Aku

Footwear partner

Aku is an Italian footwear company based in Montebelluna, the heart of the Italian sports footwear region. For more than 40 years it has been making footwear in its own  facilities in Italy and Romania, for people who live, work and spend time in the outdoors. In order to reduce its environmental impact, the brand focuses particular attention on the durability of its products. 

Veteran Kiwi outdoorsman Craig Caigou says Aku footwear offers “everything I rely on to keep me nimble and   confident on my feet”.

“Aku has high-quality, comfortable footwear for all walkers, no matter their experience or where their walks take them. We’re proud to support your Walk1200km goals,   one step at a time.” – Hamish Pirie, Aku distributor

Shop the AKU range 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, keep discovering and 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 get outside more and get fitter. 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 is proud to support Walk1200km.” – Tony Caudwell, general manager 

Find out more about Back Country Cuisine’s range of meals at www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Bridgedale

Sock partner

Bridgedale crafts premium performance socks engineered to keep your feet warm, comfortable and blister-free, no matter how many kilometres you clock up. From walking and hiking to trail running, mountaineering, mountain biking and everyday wear, its range (including fully waterproof options) is built for people who live life outdoors.

“Partnering with Wilderness on Walk1200 has been a no-brainer for us. The challenge aligns perfectly with Bridgedale’s ‘Screens Down #SocksUp’ campaign, which encourages people to improve their health and mental wellbeing by stepping away from their devices – getting active and into the outdoors. And why not do that with comfortable, blister-free feet throughout the entire 1200km!” – Nic Burgess, brand manager 

Find out more about Bridgedale at nz.bridgedale.com

Further Faster

Retail partner

Further Faster has been a go-to outdoor shop in Christchurch for 10 years. People come from all over New Zealand and the world to seek premium gear from local and international brands, along with the knowledge and experience the staff provide. The team comes from a wide range of adventure backgrounds and is excited to help you find the right gear for your Walk1200km journey!

“I am proud of Wilderness for doing this challenge and helping to get more people outside on a daily basis. If you need anything for your mid-week, weekend and longer adventures, do come say hello (in person or online) to the team at Further Faster. We love to hear how you are getting on, and we love kitting folks out with all their tramping gear!” – Julz, co-owner

Visit Further Faster at their Christchurch store or shop online at www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Yum

Breakfast partner

Yum founder Sarah Hedger (pictured at far right with her colleagues) believes in using business to make a positive impact. Her Nelson-based team creates award-winning, nutrient-dense breakfasts that provide energy with a light footprint. Their breakfasts include craft granolas, an epic protein pancake/waffle mix, and Bushline Breakfasts (instant breakfasts for the outdoors in plastic-free packaging), all made from wholefood ingredients and with  gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Sarah has completed Walk1200km herself and wants to support others in their journey. “I have believed in the power of walking from a young age, and being a part of the Walk1200km community really highlighted for me how good it is for everyone. We love supporting others    to feel amazing, healthy and strong through walking. Like walking, a healthy, balanced breakfast can make you feel better immediately. We salute you and are thrilled to be a part of your Walk1200km journey!” – Sarah Hedger, Yum founder

Big Agnes

Equipment partner

Big Agnes started over 20 years ago with the goal to build better gear to help get people outside. Its mission is to inspire people to explore the outdoors and to create innovative, high-quality, sustainable gear.

Big Agnes specialises in making high-quality outdoor equipment, especially tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, packs, camping furniture and accessories. 

Two decades on, the brand’s award-winning gear is changing the sustainability game with solution-dyed tent fabrics. 

“Big Agnes is proud to support participants on their Walk1200km journey. Our equipment is made sustainably and with durability and ease of use in mind. When you use Big Agnes, you can rest assured it will perform and help make your walks and trips more enjoyable.” – Hamish Pirie, Big Agnes distributor

Shop the Big Agnes range at www.bigagnes.nz