Some of last year’s Walk1200km participants share how far they’ve come, what they’ve gained and offer their tips for others.

Kathi Frasier (featured)
At nine months into Walk1200km, Kathi had walked 750km.

Why Walk1200km?

My husband and I saw Walk1200km as a way to retain a feeling of connection with New Zealand. We live in Colorado but have developed a ‘love affair’ (our children would say obsession!) with New Zealand, especially the laid back attitude of the people we’ve met and the tramping. I also need Walk1200km to motivate me to improve my health.

Where?

Colorado – day walks in the foothills near home, and longer treks when we camp in Rocky Mountain National Park. We so enjoy the ease of backcountry tramping in New Zealand where there are no bears or mountain lions to worry about! This summer our itinerary includes the Milford Track and nights at Mueller and Brewster Huts, from where we’ll hike to Mt Armstrong and Brewster Glacier.

How?

In the US, 3–5km walks several days a week with longer hikes in the mountains. In New Zealand we increase our distances. As well as the planned trips, we do backcountry tramps and also walk with family and friends.

With?

Solo, with my husband and with a walking buddy.

Benefits?

I’m lowering my blood sugar levels, losing weight and becoming healthier. My ‘always goal’ is to make sure I can continue to tramp in New Zealand when we visit!

Tips?

Work on making walking a daily habit. Find a walking buddy!

Sarah Templeton
Sarah’s first year in Walk1200km was 2024. She had done 906km at the time of speaking and was on track to finish.

Why Walk1200km?

Much-needed motivation and community inspiration.

Where?

Mostly in Ōtautahi’s Hagley Park and the Port Hills, plus a couple of Great Walks with the whānau for good measure.

How?

A great start in summer and autumn but a bit haphazard over winter. I’ve set myself a mini-challenge of making 300km of my walks non-urban ‘wild walks’.

With?

Mostly solo at lunchtime, but some weekend walks with friends and whānau.

Benefits?

Time in nature and exercise is great for my wellbeing. At the outset I didn’t realise how much Walk1200km would help me in my role as a councillor. I’m very focused on sustainable transport and now have a deeper appreciation of what it’s like to navigate the city on foot.

Tips?

Be kind to yourself if life gets in the way for a while. Pause, refocus and just get walking, even if it’s only for 20 minutes.

Jess Tresidder
Jess has been doing Walk1200km for three years and had reached 2300km in 2024.

Why Walk1200km?

It’s a personal challenge that makes me accountable and gives me satisfaction. I enjoy the community interaction on the Walk1200km Facebook page.

Where?

Mostly in the Bay of Plenty area.

How?

I consistently walk 3–4km on weekdays, with longer walks on weekends. I set myself additional personal challenges to keep things interesting. Examples are Scenic Sundays – I explore a new walking track every Sunday; and Let’s Play Fridays – I take my preschoolers on a fun outing that incorporates as many steps as possible.

With?

Friends and family or solo.

Benefits?

Helps me relax, provides stress relief, connects me with nature, motivates me to explore new places.

Tips?

Replace short car rides with walks. Set yourself micro-goals. Get suitable walking shoes.

Alison Silcock
Alison was in her third year of the challenge and had walked 2000km in 2024.

Why Walk1200km?

I joined for rehabilitation after a knee injury and to help lose weight. Walking regularly has now become a habit and a way of life. It’s great for dealing with stress and gives me time to myself.

Where?

I mostly walk the streets and in the park near my home. I live close to Queenstown and Wānaka and have an amazing playground and several national parks to explore.

How?

I work from home and have created a 5km round trip that replicates a commute, and I walk at lunchtime and again to end my day. Wednesday is my day off so I aim for a longer walk. I love multi-day walks.

With?

Solo, or with hubby Rob (he’s such a huge supporter) and my loyal fur companions, Moss and Pippa.

Benefits?

Great to de-stress, meet people, give myself a morning smile and see our country.

Tips?

No walk is too small. Find favourite tunes to listen to. Just get out there and have fun!

Ray Salisbury
Ray had been with Walk1200km for 11 months and walked 1500k.

Why Walk1200km?

Five years ago I had triple-bypass heart surgery. Doctor’s orders were to start walking regularly. When my knees developed inflamed patellae, I was forced to stop running and do lots of bush walks. Walk1200km provided the necessary motivation.

Where?

Nelson is blessed with a web of walking and mountain-bike trails. The hilly suburbs have dozens of little walkways that link up, making for interesting new ventures. The three national parks nearby are pretty sweet too.

How?

As a long-standing member of a tramping club, I volunteer to lead day trips into the hills. These rambles enable me to rack up some serious mileage during the weekends in addition to my shorter solo suburban jaunts. After just 11 months, I was surprised to clock up over 1500km!

With?

I exercise alone during weekdays and with the tramping or harrier clubs on weekends, which provides much-needed social interaction. As I discovered more of my neighbourhood, I designed a 10km rogaine that links up various alleyways, secret staircases and off-road trails.

Benefits?

A Victoria University of Wellington study found that Kiwis spend around 70 per cent of their life inside. That’s sobering. As I work from home, regular walks get me away from the computer screen into nature, which is good for the soul. Now that my knees are ‘kneely’ recovered, I’m attending a few harrier club races as well.

Tips?

Join a tramping club or online walking community. Committing to regular events will get you into a weekly routine and make you more accountable.

Gear for your Walk1200km challenge

A selection of gear and food to help you achieve your distances this month.

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. www.yumnz.co.nz

Mountain King TrailBlaze $229

Walk further with these lightweight, easily assembled four-section poles used by some of the world’s best mountain athletes. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Back Country Cuisine Apricot Chicken, from $11.99

A nourishing savoury casserole with freeze-dried chicken and apricots on rice. Gluten Free and no added dairy. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Aku Flyrock Mid GTX $379.99

This boot has dynamic fit technology that increases comfort and stability by adapting the heel tension to a walker’s natural stride. www.gearshop.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Lightweight Merino Performance $54.99

A lightweight sock for day hiking or warm weather walks. Bridgedale construction ensures dry comfortable feet both on and off-trail. www.ampro.co.nz

Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32 $379.99

A large-capacity day pack with a compression-moulded back panel, contoured shoulder straps and a foam-padded hip belt. www.bigagnes.nz