Seven reasons why you should Walk1200km‭ in 2026

We asked Walk1200km participants why someone they‭ ‬care about should do the challenge in 2026‭. ‬Getting physically healthier, mentally sharper and making new friends are just a few of the seven reasons why you should join Walk1200km today!

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? The inaugural Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship offers up to $1000 for aspiring journalists and photographers.

How stuff works

Why do kauri dieback stations advise walkers to clean only footwear and not all gear like walking poles?

Areas susceptible to kauri dieback usually have boot-cleaning stations designed to make it as simple as possible to clean your shoes. But reader Lynette Morris wrote in to ask why these stations don’t also advise walkers to clean their walking poles.

She says dirt can build up under the basket, which, if not cleaned off, may transport the kauri-killing bacteria to your next walking track.

“We encourage all visitors to arrive clean, and to clean anything that might come into contact with soil, including footwear, walking poles and gear, before and after visiting kauri forests,” DOC’s spokesperson Abigail Monteith confirms.

The stations provide spray bottles and brushes that can be used to clean soil and other organic materials from gear like poles, bags and pram wheels.

“There is a mix of signage in place across the network, and we’re gradually upgrading to new signs that reference cleaning all gear, not just boots,” Monteith says.

Kauri dieback disease is spread primarily through the movement of soil containing the microscopic pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida, which infects kauri through their roots. It restricts a kauri’s ability to transport water and nutrients between its roots and leaves, eventually starving and killing the tree.

The pathogen has so far been found in Northland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel. There is no known cure for the disease, so preventing its spread is essential.

Tramping calendar

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!

17 Jan: Adventurous Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue 

Location: Hamilton Street and Golf Link Track, Te Aroha

This mid-level hike starts at Hamilton Street Track and loops back to the starting point via the golf link track. It involves a minor stream crossing, followed by a gentle forest walk with one steep uphill walk via Tui-Domain Track. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led by several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers. More info.

26 Jan: Hard Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Mt Te Aroha Summit Track, Te Aroha

Suitable for people with a high level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Jeremy, Thalia and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices. More info.

Quiz

Answer A - 48km

Te Paki Coastal Track follows the coastline from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) on the northeastern coast, past Cape Reinga, and finishes at Te Paki Stream on the west coast. At 48 km long, it is a 3-4 day tramp with four campsites situated along the track.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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