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- What happens when you walk every day
What happens when you walk every day
Vote: What type tramping conditions would you rather walk in?
When you walk every day, as you do when you join the Walk1200km challwnge, the benefits start in the first week.
Sure, you’ll experience the feeling of excitement and anticipation of beginning the challenge.
But then, as you set off on walks, your immune system will already be getting a boost and you’ll be less likely to get sick. Many people find exercise helps them sleep better, and they have more energy throughout the day. See if your dependence on boosters like caffeine and sugary treats starts to decrease as you walk regularly.
Want to know what to expect in weeks two to four? Take a look at our guide to getting started on your Walk1200km journey!
Missed our previous feature? We asked expert family trampers for their top hikes. The result: 50 outstanding day walks, overnighters and multi-day trips fit for the little ones.
Poll
Would you rather tramp in: |
Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!
Current Issue - Jan/Feb 202650 Great walks for kids, Walk1200km in 2026, new tramping scholarship, the six best trips in Arthur’s Pass, plus, trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles! |
Complete this month’s #microchallenges!
Photo: Ali Marsh
Take Wilderness for a walk, snap a selfie on a bench with a view, and climb a hill... Each month we set three new #microchallenges to add interest and silliness to your Walk1200km walks.
Our favourite six #microchallenge completers receive a Walk1200km badge, and the best entry for each challenge receives a prize from our partners.
 | Featured BookThe Face of Nature An environmental history of the Otago Peninsula, Jonathan West explores what people and place made of one another from the arrival of the first Polynesians until the end of the nineteenth century. Subscribers get a 10% discount. |
Photo of the week 📸
Photo: Stuart Burgess
This week’s photo comes from Stuart Burgess who wrote to us reminiscing about his 2016 bike trip on the Old Ghost Road with his 16-year-old son Max.
Stuart said, “An unseasonal snow dump made for great memories and lots of fun navigating off the ridge. Ten years on, Max is now a licensed builder and works with Rob Brown at the Backcountry Trust refurbishing and building a number of huts each year. Maybe the night at Ghost Hut sparked the idea that huts need to be maintained – and warm.”
Read more letters from our readers and send in your own! We want to hear your thoughts about the NZ outdoors.
Email [email protected] and be entered to win prizes!
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