It’s been a month since we’ve kicked off Walk1200km for 2026. Congratulations on your new walking routine! We hope you’re feeling fitter‭, ‬healthier and happier.

The toughest part is keeping the habit going. If you need a little inspiration, read these stories from walkers who completed last year’s challenge along with their top reasons why you should Walk1200km in 2026.

Haven’t started yet? No worries, you can enter at any time!

Missed Friday’s feature? Paid parking at Aoraki Mount Cook raises $214k in first month, entries Open For 2026 NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, two hikers saved then skipped out on their hotel bill, Taranaki man hopes to break a Guiness World Record by unicycling around the world and more last week’s The World Outdoors.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

Outdoor equipment retailer Gearshop won four categories at the 2025 Most Trusted Business Awards.

Gearshop took out awards for Most Trusted In-Person Store in Nelson, Top 20 Most Trusted In-Person Shop in New Zealand, Most Trusted Online Outdoor/Sports Shop (industry award winner in this category) and Most Trusted Outdoor and Sporting Goods Company in New Zealand (NZ nationwide brand winner in this category).

“Being considered a trustworthy business by our customers means everything to us,” Gearshop owner Hamish Pirie said.

“This is especially significant in the online retail environment where there are many unscrupulous operators. We’re always really mindful of ensuring that all our customers have a great retail experience with us and can feel secure when they are buying from us,” Pirie said.

Now in their tenth year, the awards are based on customers’ online reviews of businesses involved. More than 10,000 reviews were received for over 2500 participating New Zealand businesses in 175 categories.

This week’s photo comes from thru-hiker American Shawn Mahoney. He’s completed many thru-hikes overseas and on each he’s carried a log, unsurprisingly earning him the trail name ‘Log Man.’

In November 2025 he set out from Cape Rēinga to complete Te Araroa. Biosecurity standards prevented Mahoney bringing his trusty Larry the Log to New Zealand, but a local trail angel has gifted him a new one. The piece of ancient kauri is estimated to be 2500 years old and has pāua shell inlay for eyes and kauri gum and pounamu in the mouth.

He says, carrying a log while tramping has its complications. “When I’m climbing steep rock terrain, I can usually put it up on a ledge then grab it once I’m up,” he said. “Any tight spaces like bushwhacking can be tough, but I hold it in front of me, then when I have room, I put it back on my shoulder.”

You can follow his adventures on @larry.the.log.

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