Join us in this, the fifth year of the Walk1200km challenge, and discover why walking is the best way to improve health, fitness and mind.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of a walking challenge that began as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wilderness, and which has morphed into a life-changing pastime for thousands of people.
More than 7000 people have experienced the benefits of Walk1200km, becoming fitter, healthier and happier by building a daily exercise habit that’s easy to sustain.
Together they’ve walked more than 8.5 million kilometres and 13 billion steps. Along the way they’ve discovered the joy of walking – friendships made and strengthened, the changing seasons, new locations – and the power of regular activity to strengthen the body, boost the brain and improve overall wellbeing.
Now it’s your turn to experience these benefits.
The beauty of this challenge is its flexibility. Walk anywhere, anytime – with the dog, during a lunch break, on the way to work or school, while on holiday, as part of a social outing or to have time to yourself. All you need is comfortable shoes and the determination to take the first step.
When the going gets tough, you’re never alone. The Walk1200km community is there to cheer, celebrate milestones and share encouragement. Meet others at our walking events throughout the year (see the Facebook group for dates). Beginners and seasoned walkers alike find inspiration and friendship in this supportive network – one of the friendliest corners of the internet.
You’ll soon notice the health benefits. Regular walking improves circulation, strengthens muscles and bones, burns fat and lowers the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. It boosts endorphins, helping to reduce stress and lift mood. And with better sleep, a sharper memory and improved balance, you’ll feel the benefits even more over time.
Whether on a stroll through local streets, a wander in a neighbourhood reserve, a Great Walk tramp or a hill climb, every step contributes to your 1200km goal.
What are you waiting for? Step into 2026 with the Walk1200km challenge and discover how regular walking can lead to a lifetime of health, happiness and adventure.
How it works
1. Register – it’s free and will be a statement of intent: you will do this! www.wildernessmag.co.nz/walk1200km
2. Walk the greatest cumulative distance you can in 12 months – 1200km is the target, but any effort above or below that is worth celebrating.
3. Walk an average of 3.3km a day for 12 months. Keep track of your distances on the progress tracker included in this month’s magazine. You can start whenever you like; most people start in January and make a calendar year of it.
4. Walk wherever you want – from home, in local parks or, for best benefit, in nature.
5. It’s not a competition or about who can do it first or walk the greatest distance. It’s an individual challenge, done at your own pace, with the focus on how much healthier and happier you’ll be just by doing it.
6. Walk every day, even if it’s just a few hundred metres.
7. Share your success – if people see you doing it, they will also be more motivated. You’ll make friends and celebrate milestones in the Facebook group. We’ll email newsletters and publish stories of what you get up to along the way.
8. When you’ve finished, you can claim your medal and certificate!
How to keep track
Use a device to track your distances, and log each walk on your Walk1200km progress tracker.
To record the length and duration of your walks, download a free app such as Strava or MapMyWalk to your smartphone. There are also wearable activity trackers available, such as smartwatches or step counters with GPS recording capabilities.
For one place to log your daily distances, the free progress tracker with this magazine is your best bet. It’s available on the Wilderness website, too, and displays your accumulated weekly and monthly totals. Stick it in a place where you see it often so you are reminded of your goal.
Gear to help you walk more this month
This gear from Walk1200km partners will get you off to a flying start
Montane Alhena T-Shirt $89
A performance merino blend tee that wicks away moisture and regulates temperature. Its Polygenie odour treatment keeps you feeling fresh.
Aku Flyrock GTX $384.99
This waterproof hiking shoe is for off-road adventures where traction, protection and high cushioning are required. 744g (m).
Back Country Cuisine Pasta Vegetariano from $12.99
Just add boiling water to enjoy pasta, beans, tomatoes and olives in a tasty Italian-style sauce. Vegan.
Bushline Raspberry Apple Bircher $11.99
Start your walk on the right foot with this ready-to-eat bircher breakfast. With a combination of nuts, seeds, raspberries and Nelson apples.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Hyperbead $1499.99
Log serious kilometres on an overnight camping trip with the award-winning Copper Spur, now with Hyperbead fabric, making it stronger and more waterproof.
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight Merino Performance Boot Length $54.99
A lightweight technical sock forwarm weather walks. With targeted padding and moisture-wicking, it will keep feet comfortable and dry.
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