11 reasons to Walk1200km in 2026

Studies have shown walking to be one of the best ways to stay fit - both physically and mentally. Even a walk around the block can do wonders to clear the mind and stretch the legs.

1200km may sound like a lot, but really it works out at an average of just 3.3km a day, or 100km a month, and meets the Ministry of Health’s recommended guidelines for weekly activity. Along the way, you’ll gain health, happiness, friendship and more.

You’ll be joining thousands of others (7100 in 2025!) who walk because it makes them happy, because it brings joy to their day and their friends closer, it can open treasured time with loved ones or time alone to think and ponder.

But don’t just take our word for it. 11 of 2025’s participants share how they have benefitted from doing Walk1200km‭.‬

Missed yesterday’s feature? Take on ridgelines and scree runs, find two red huts, and discover spots to soak on our top six trips in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

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Quiz

Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see Christmas. If Santa Claus were fly directly to Wellington from the North Pole to start his gifting run, approximately how far would he travel?

• A. 9,500km

• B. 12,200km

• C. 14,600km

• D. 17,100km

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

This week in tramping history

First known ascent of Aoraki Mt Cook by Graham, Clarke and Fyfe

25 December 1894

George Graham, Jack Clarke and Tom Fyfe summited Middle Peak (3717m) in late December 1894. Spurred into action by news that the American climber Edward Fitzgerald and his Swiss-Italian guide Matthias Zurbriggen were travelling to New Zealand to climb Aoraki Mt Cook (3764m), the highest mountain in the colony, the race was on. Leaving their high camp before dawn, the trio donned nailed boots and swags, roped themselves together, grasped ice axes and began climbing the north ridge. Despite freezing wind, after cutting over 100 steps in the hard blue ice of the summit ice cap, the trio shook hands on the top.

Apply for the Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship

At Wilderness, we want to inspire others to get into the outdoors. We also want to encourage people to share their experiences through writing and photography. This was Shaun’s passion, and we recognise the substantial contribution he made to Wilderness and the country’s tramping scene. We’d like to help foster those who want to follow in his footsteps, tread lightly on the environment, explore our wild places and inspire others with a fresh creative lens.

Open to aspiring photojournalists of all ages, the annual scholarship offers up to $1000 to the successful applicant in support of their backcountry adventures and creative development.

Poll results

On Monday we asked Wilderness Daily readers where they will be spending their Christmas.

The results are in: 80% of you will be spending time at home with family, 9% of you will be off on a day mission, 6% of you will be at a hut and 5% will be spending the day alone.

Here is a selection of comments from readers:

“With ladies [at a hut] I met doing the same last year!!”

“Walking in the hills above Akaroa”

“Alone, but for me that's not bah humbug. I'll be visiting my plants and doing more weeding and pest tree cutting, doing art and generally having fun.”

“With family at their home :-). Maybe next year in a hut. Good idea!”

Quiz answer

Answer C - 14,600km

That’s a long way to go, best leave out some cookies and milk for Mr Claus.

Merry Christmas from the Wilderness team! 🎄

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