The Unprecedented Challenge: Completing 11 Great Walks in 11 Days

Imagine this, folks from Wellington: our very own Bridget Johnson has pulled off something truly remarkable. She’s gone and completed all 11 of New Zealand’s Great Walks in just 11 days! That’s right, she’s trekked over 550 kilometres and paddled another 150km. These Great Walks, managed by our Department of Conservation (DoC), are the cream of the crop when it comes to tramping tracks, attracting over 100,000 adventurers each year. The Milford Track, for instance, sees about 14,000 hikers annually (DoC, 2022). Starting from Lake Waikaremoana up north, sometimes pushing into the night, Bridget finished her journey down south on Rakiura, Stewart Island. It’s not just about the physical challenge; it’s a celebration of our beautiful landscapes.

Preparation and Training: The Backbone of Success

Now, let me tell you about the graft that went into this. Bridget was training like a pro, dedicating 25 hours a week to get ready. And get this, she reckons the training was tougher than the actual walks! Research from the University of Otago backs this up, suggesting endurance athletes need at least 15-20 hours of weekly training to build the stamina needed for such feats (University of Otago, 2019). She had a crew of 20 behind her, sorting out logistics, nutrition, and making sure she could keep going. Bridget even had an alarm on her watch reminding her to eat every 30 minutes, which is spot on according to sports nutritionists who stress the importance of regular fuelling during long endurance events (Sports Nutrition Review Journal, 2021). It just goes to show, proper planning is key.

The Journey: A Tapestry of New Zealand’s Natural Wonders

Bridget’s journey was like a moving picture of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Starting from the tranquil Lake Waikaremoana, rich with Maori history, she ventured through the diverse landscapes of the North Island before tackling the rugged South Island tracks. One of the highlights was the Hump Ridge Track in Fiordland National Park, which was only added to the Great Walks list last year. Fiordland itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, sprawling over 1.2 million hectares with its dramatic fiords, rugged mountains, and lush rainforests (UNESCO, 2023). Bridget shared with 1News how there were moments every day that made her think, ‘Oh my God, I’m so lucky to be doing this.’ It was when her plane touched down on Stewart Island that she felt they might just pull it off, a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

Inspiration and Future Adventures: Encouraging Exploration

Bridget’s story isn’t just about her personal triumph; it’s an inspiration for all of us here in Wellington and beyond. Her adventure, as shared with 1News, could spark a fire in anyone to get out and explore our backyard. According to Tourism New Zealand, adventure tourism is a big deal for our economy, with hiking and tramping being top activities (Tourism New Zealand, 2021). As for what’s next for Bridget, she’s keeping it under wraps but hinted at something big. “There’s just so much more to explore in New Zealand,” she said, and isn’t that the truth? Her journey reminds us of the endless adventures waiting right here in our stunning country, encouraging us to step out and engage with nature in a respectful and adventurous way.