Hiking Aotearoa

📌Kaipara harbour coastal

Sun, Oct 4 · 8:00 AM NZDT

Superette, 110 Wellington Street, Freemans bay, Auckland, NZ

Join us on Sunday, October 4th for the Kaipara Coast to Shelly Beach Hike as we explore the shores of the Kaipara Harbour—the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere! Starting at South Head, we will make our way south along the coastline to Shelly Beach, taking in vast tidal flats, coastal farmland, sand beaches, and mangroves along the way. While no swimming is required, you can expect wading and some muddy patches, so come prepared to get partially wet. Please note that this hike requires a car shuttle, and details are in this description.
📌 New members are welcome
📌 If you find yourself on the "waiting list" and decide to attend the hike on the day of the event, then please be aware that you will need to hike separately from the group. Only those listed as "Going" are considered valid participants.
There are no "plus ones"- If you want to go, then you will need to register with meetup
📌 Individuals who are unfit or prefer a slower pace are kindly requested not to RSVP. Slow people will hold up the group, as everyone will have to wait for you to catch up. There are alternative Meetup groups available for those who enjoy walking very slowly.
📌If you are unable to attend, please update your status to avoid a "No Show" being recorded next to your name. Accumulating three or more "No Shows" will result in your status being changed to "Not going." It is always polite to adjust your RSVP status if you can no longer participate. Thank you👍

🚩Summary of Main Details:
📌 Meet: Wellington St Convenience store (unless a direct driver)
📌 Hike Duration: Approx 6.5 hours including breaks (estimated)
📌 Distance: About 20km
📌 Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/3af794v4
📌 Difficulty: 3.0 on our 1-5 scale.
📌 Speed: medium to fast pace
📌 Toilets: None - find some bushes.

🚩 Time Guideline :
07:30 Good time to arrive at Wellington street
07:45 Arrange car pooling
07:50 Leave Wellington Street
08:40 Direct drivers arrive at Shelly Beach Road
08:55 Direct drivers leave Shelly Beach
09:15 All drivers arrive at 3570 South Head Road
09:40 Introductions and group photo
09:45 Start hike
11:18 Low tide (4th Oct)
16:15 Approx. finish hike at Shelly Beach
17:00 Optional drinks and snacks at Huapai Tavern
18:00 Approx depart to Auckland
18:20 Approx back in Auckland

🚩 These are the 4 important meeting points to note:

👉1) Convenience store, 110-112 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay
(Where we meet initially - unless driving direct)
https://tinyurl.com/ycxmu3se

👉 2) 3570 South Head Road, South Head
(Start of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/4c48tw8t

👉 3) Car park, Shelly beach Road, Shelly Beach
(Finish of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/5ha7xz88

👉4) Huapai Tavern, 319 State Highway 16, Huapai
(Where we have optional after hike drinks & snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/2tmcv6s4

🚩 Check list:
✔Day pack
✔Lunch
✔Snack food
✔Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 litres)
✔Extra layer
✔Footwear suitable for muddy tracks
✔Hat
✔Sun Creme
✔Sun glasses
✔Rain protection
✔Plastic bags, change of clothes & shoes – so you don’t get mud and water in someone else’s car
✔First-aid Kit or items
✔Cell phone/camera
✔$15 cash/online to pay driver - if a passenger

🚩 🍔🍗🥂 For after hike snacks and drinks (Optional) : The Good Home Lincoln Road. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/2udkk8ke

🚩Those wishing to donate $2-$5 (or more) online directly, can use this is the bank account: 'Hiking Aotearoa' 06-0145-0782760-00 - Otherwise a cash donation is always appreciated. Donations are used for First aid kits, Meetup subscription, portable Radio communication devices, Inreach device subscription, and buying PLB's and any other device that needs to be repaired or replaced. Many thanks❤

🚩Please check out and follow us on Hiking Aotearoa's Facebook page, for some of the latest trips, Hiking information, and anything useful to do with hiking. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081783504106

🚩 RSVP question:
1. What is your transport situation for carpooling?
(A) Have transport, can offer rides
(B) Have no transport, need a ride
(C) Driving or passenger direct to Shelly Beach Road Car park

2. Do you understand if you are a direct driver, then you need to go to the finish at Shelly Beach where a shuttle will be arranged to take you to the start?
(A) Yes understood - I will drive to Shelly Beach Road Car park, Shelly Beach at no later than 08:40
(B) N/A (I am either a passenger or driver coming from Wellington Street.

📌Motuihe island

Sun, Oct 11 · 9:00 AM NZDT

Okahu Bay Boat Ramp, 10 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand, Auckland, NZ

On Sunday 11th October, we will discover one of the Hauraki Gulf’s true gems. Join us for a memorable day out on Motuihe Island, known for its sweeping coastal vistas, pristine beaches, and rich natural history.
We will start the day with a quick 25 minute water taxi ride across the gulf. Once ashore, our walk begins with by a loop track that leads up to the island's highest point for panoramic views over the gulf, followed by a low tide coastal circuit around the island’s edges. There maybe a few tricky short stretches of coastline to go through, and perhaps swimming a short distance, although this is unlikely. Most of the route is flat and easy terrain. The hike to the highest point will not be rushed as we do need to wait for low tide to complete the coastline circuit.
After catching the water taxi back to the mainland, we will cap off the day together with some well-earned drinks and snacks at the Akarana Yacht Club Cafe.

Important note on the route: This is a coastal circuit timed with the tide, however there may be a couple of short sections where wading (or even swimming - but unlikely) across narrow gaps is required, so come prepared with water proof bags and to get wet! For your own safety, please ensure you bring waterproof bags or waterproof food containers that can fit inside your day pack. These bags or containers will keep your equipment dry and assist with your flotation. Naturally, any electronic devices, such as cell phones, must be placed in waterproof bags. However, the majority of the time spent hiking will not involve swimming, but rather traversing a rocky coastline or beach.
If the weather is poor then this event will be postponed to another date, and refunds will be given back.
.
❌❗ Preference given to regulars and those who are not SLOW. Just because you are on the "Waiting list" does not necessarily mean you will get to the "Going List".

🚩Summary of details:
📌Water taxi ride one way: 25 minutes
📌Hiking times and distances:
a) Circuit around island : about 4.0 hours (estimated) - 8.7 km
b) Climb to highest point (loop) : about 1.5 hours (estimated) - 5.6 km
📌Maximum of 17 people (max on water Taxi)
📌Cost of return trip by water taxi - $60
📌Map of hikes: https://tinyurl.com/yh8xrhjn
📌Map of water taxi route: https://tinyurl.com/2s3dp3h7

🚩This is the important stopping point to note:
👉1) Okahu Bay Boat Ramp (next to Akarana yacht club)
(Where we take the return trip with a water taxi to Motuihe island)
https://bit.ly/3wOxeZi

🚩 Time Guideline:
(Guide only):
📌Sunday
08:34 High tide
08:35 Good time to arrive at boat ramp next to Akarana Yacht club
08:50 Latest time to arrive
09:00 Water taxi departs
09:25 Arrive at Motuihe island
09:35 Group photos and introductions
09:40 Start first loop to highest point
11:15 Finish first hike loop
11:30 Start circuit of island
14:27 Low tide (11th Oct)
15:30 Finish and back at wharf
15:45 Depart Motuihe island with Water Taxi
16:00 Back at Akarana Yacht club
16:15 After hike drinks and snacks at "Akarana Eatery"

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment of $60 by 26th September. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you. Also add "Motuihe" to the reference.

📌 If you are interested in history, then this story about a Prisoner of war on Motuihe may interest you: https://tinyurl.com/yc67drkw

📌 There is no car pooling and we will not meet at Wellington st. You will need to get to the Akarana yacht club at Orakei.

❌❗ Important for drivers!!! : Recently AT have made all parking around the yacht club paid parking. If you want to park there, it will cost you $22 for the day. First 90 minutes are free, but $3 per hour subsequently. The other option is to park (free) on Tamaki drive, or one of the side streets such as Okahu street - this may mean a fairly long walk to get to the jetty. Drop your bags off first and then park, may make it easier.

📌 The water taxis will leave on time, please be ready to board when required, and if you are late arriving, then we go without you. Please try to arrive early.

🚩Bio security: Clean dirty gear or footwear to remove all dirt and seeds. Check all gear for pests such as mice, rats, ants, plague skinks and weeds. SEAL your gear properly and avoid stowaways. Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents. Your bags must be zipped closed (no open bags). Be vigilant.

🚩 Gear check list: TBA

🚩After hike drinks and snacks on Sunday: "Akarana Eatery" which is located in the Hyundai Marine Sports centre, next to the Akarana Yacht club. If you are early at departure in the morning, you could buy a quick snack and coffee here. https://akarana.co.nz/akarana-eatery/

🚩RSVP question:
Only one question - to make sure you have read (or attempted to read) the description:
(1) What time is a good time to arrive at the boat ramp next to the Akarana Yacht club?

📌Whenuakite coastal - (2 nights)

Fri, Nov 6 · 2:00 PM NZDT

Seabreeze Holiday Park, 1043 Tairua Whitianga Road, Whenuakite, NZ

Join us from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November for a brilliant weekend of coastal exploration in the Whenuakite–Tairua region, based out of the Seabreeze Holiday Park in Whenuakite for two nights.

For those arriving early on Friday, we will kick things off with an optional 1.5-hour hike up Paku Hill in Tairua. We will ascend both summits—including the less-frequently visited eastern peak—navigating a mix of local roads, coastal paths, and interconnected tracks to stretch our legs and settle in.

Saturday features our flagship hike of the weekend, a stunning coastal route starting at the Cathedral Cove carpark and heading westward beneath the striking cliffs of Cooks Bluff. Composed of white ignimbrite, formed when hot, silica-rich volcanic ash fused and cooled—these bluffs have a spectacular, snow-like appearance under the bright sunshine. While this coastal section requires navigating several large boulders, getting wet is highly unlikely. We will ultimately arrive at the iconic Cathedral Cove beach for a well-deserved swim before heading uphill along the established track back to the cars.

On Sunday, we will wrap up the weekend with a coastal trek from Tairua to Sailors Grave. This section features a relatively easy traverse across gravel beaches and rocky terrain, finishing at the Sailors Grave carpark where we will have vehicles waiting for a car shuttle. Afterward, we have the option to socialise over drinks and snacks in Tairua before driving back to Auckland. Please note that while swimming to make progress is unlikely on these coastal routes, you must bring waterproof bags or a waterproof backpack to protect your gear and provide peace-of-mind buoyancy.

This trip is strictly for fit and capable hikers; if you are a slow walker, please do not RSVP. While group regulars are given priority, newcomers who are fit and experienced are highly welcome. Finally, this is a full weekend commitment. If you plan to skip Sunday’s hike, please change your RSVP to "Not Going," as leaving early disrupts our car shuttle logistics and will affect your eligibility for the "Going" list on future weekend trips.
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🚩Summary of details:
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📌Friday : Paku Hill (optional)
📌Time taken: 1.5 hours
📌Distance: 5.0km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/hjr44zxr
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 2.5
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📌Saturday : Cook Bluff loop
📌Time taken: 5 hours (including breaks & swim)
📌Distance: 12km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/3wac9jba
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 3.5
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📌Sunday : Sailors Grave to Tairua
📌Time taken: 2 hours (including breaks)
📌Distance: 5.4km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/2smhsa7v
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 3.0
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🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, but beware the earliest you can check in is 14:00. Please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers to give $50 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes/clothes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.

🚩These are the 6 important stopping points:

👉1) Seabreeze Holiday Park, 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Road, Whenuakite
(Where we stay on Friday & Saturday nights)
https://tinyurl.com/mszz27dh

👉2) 3 Hemi Place, Tairua
(Where we start and finish the Paku hill hike
https://tinyurl.com/4vv266jd

👉3) Cathedral Cove Carpark, 150 Lees Road, Hahei
(Where we start and finish Saturday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/rwmpdnp2

👉4) 3 Hemi Place, Tairua
(Where we start the Paku to Sailors Grave hike)
https://tinyurl.com/4vv266jd

👉5) Te Karo Bay car park, Sailors Grave Road,
(Where we finish the Paku to Sailors grave hike)
https://tinyurl.com/4h67wp88

👉6) Pepe Grand Cafe, 222 Main Road North, Tairua
(Where we have optional drinks and snacks on Sunday)
https://tinyurl.com/mta6prpz

🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday:
14:00 Earliest for check in time at "Sea Breeze"
15:45 There is an optional hike up and around Paku Hill in Tairua. We will meet at Paku Drive/Hemi Place area. If you can not make it, then this is okay.
17:30 Finish hike
17:55 Back at Sea Breeze
20:15 Sunset
20:30 Please do not turn up after this time.

📌Saturday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:15 Leave Holiday Park
08:30 Arrive at start and have briefing
08:40 Start hike
12:35 Low tide (14th Feb)
13:45 Approx Finish hike
14:00 Return back to Sea Breeze Holiday Park
18:30 Optional group dinner at "The Family" restaurant (on site)
20:15 Sunset

📌Sunday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up & drive to Hemi Place, Tairua
08:50 Car shuttle drivers at Sailors grave
09:00 All at Hemi Place, Tairua
09:05 Start hike
11:30 Approx finish at Sailors grave
12:00 Have optional lunch/snacks The Pepe Grand Cafe (closes 14:00)
12:23 Low tide (15th Feb)
13:30 Approx leave Pepe Grand Cafe
15:45 Approx back in Akld

🚩Accommodation:
We stay 2 nights at Seabreeze Holiday Park, Whenuakite. Accommodation is in a lodge at the holiday park. These are spread over 5 rooms, with bunks and some single beds. There is also a kitchen cabin. All rooms & cabins have bedding and towels provided. The cost for 2 nights ranges from $82 to $100 each. 22 pax maximum.
📌More details: https://seabreezeholidaypark.co.nz/
🚩Check list of Gear: https://tinyurl.com/yc7pfrty

🚩Costs:
$50 if car pool passenger (based on 10c/km)
$82 to $100 for 2 nights accommodation
$100 Total (more if buying food & drinks)

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment by 12th October. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write 'Whenuakite' & your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.

🍔🍗🍷 Optional group dinner at "The Family" Saturday night located at Holiday Park: https://thefamily.nz/our-menu/

🚩Please answer the 5 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/68szkecc

📌Maratoto Valley (2 nights)

Fri, Nov 20 · 4:00 PM NZDT

Dicksons Holiday Park, 115 Victoria Street, Tararu Bay, Thames, Thames, NZ

Join us from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd November for an action-packed weekend exploring the rugged history and dramatic landscapes of the Maratoto Valley. Based out of Dicksons Holiday Park just north of Thames, this expedition dives deep into a region rich with gold-mining heritage, where fascinating relics still wait to be discovered beneath the regenerating native bush.

The adventure kicks off with an optional Friday warm-up hike up Karaka Hill behind the Thames township, followed by a thrilling Saturday trekking through the McBrinn Stream mining area and tackling the steep, rewarding climb up the iconic Maratoto Rock. We wrap up the weekend on Sunday with a final hike out to the historic Volunteer Mine—the only operation in the entire valley to successfully turn a profit.

While regular participants are given priority, newcomers are absolutely welcome and encouraged to sign up. However, please note that this is a full-weekend event; only RSVP if you intend to stay and participate in the Sunday hike. To ensure fairness for the whole group and keep trip logistics smooth, those who choose to drop out early may find it challenging to secure a spot on the "Going" list for future overnight trips.
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🚩 Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 3 days and 2 nights;
📌Friday hike : Karaka Hill 2 hrs 15 min (5.3 km) - optional hike
📌Saturday hike :
(1) McBrinn stream 3 hrs 30 min (4.5km)
(2) Maratoto Rock return 3 hrs (2.5km)
📌Sunday hike : Volunteer mine 4hrs 15 min (5.3 km)
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
Friday: 3.0
Saturday: 3.0
Sunday: 3.0
📌Max: 22 pax
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📌Maps:
Friday:
Karaka Hill loop https://tinyurl.com/2wfcnrb9
Hike starts at 16:00 and is optional
Saturday:
(1) McBrinn stream https://tinyurl.com/mr3kr5b3
Zoomed in map of mine workings:
https://tinyurl.com/bmb9r4e2

(2) Maratoto Rock https://tinyurl.com/99sdpzdw

Sunday: Volunteer mine https://tinyurl.com/3de4srkk
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🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday:
13:00 Leave Auckland (Approx)
14:00 Earliest time to check into Dicksons HP
15:00 Start Karaka hill track loop**
17:30 Finish hike
20:11 Sunset
** Karaka Hill track is optional and you can arrive any time on Friday

📌Saturday:
05:56 Sunrise
08:00 Leave HP
08:40 Arrive at start
08:50 Start hike
15:50 Finish both hikes
16:30 Arrive back at HP
18:30 Optional dinner at Gastonomics restaurant
20:10 Sunset

📌Sunday:
05:56 Sunrise
0x:00 Pack up and leave HP
08:30 Arrive at start
09:10 Start - Volunteer mine hike
13:30 Finish hike
14:00 Snacks and drinks in Paeroa
15:30 Drive back to Auckland
17:15 Approx arrive back in Auckland
20:10 Sunset
20:30 Please avoid arriving after this time
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🚩 These are the 5 important stopping points to note when driving:

👉1) Dickson Holiday Park, Victoria Street, Tararu, Thames
(Where we stay on Saturday nights)
http://bit.ly/2IAl0Lj

👉 2) Karaka Track, 501 Karaka Road, Thames
(Where we start & finish the Karaka hill hike on Friday)
https://tinyurl.com/4a2nshhu

👉 3) 1037 Maratoto Road (Not road end)
(Where we start & finish both Saturdays and Sundays hikes)
https://tinyurl.com/3jxwrxay

👉 4) Gastronomics, 428-430 Pollen Street, Thames
(Where we have optional dinner on Saturday night)
http://bitly.ws/Ig93

👉 5) One3One Cafe & Bar, 131 Normanby Road, Paeroa
(Where we have optional drinks and snacks on Sunday)
https://tinyurl.com/3up9fj6e
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🚩Accommodation:
We will stay Saturday night at "Dicksons holiday Park" just north of Thames, at Tararu. They have have a mixture of dorms, cabins, caravan and a 'flat'. The cost per person varies depending which option you have. Please read the RSVP questions for details regarding the rooms/cabins that have been booked.
If you plan on staying elsewhere then please do not RSVP.
Prices vary for the various beds.
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🚩 Payment: Make payment of between $80 to $147. Please refer to future comments for bed allocation and costs. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Write "Maratoto" and your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name. Please make payment by the by 27th October.
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🚩Check list of Gear: https://tinyurl.com/2eh2ajey
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9
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🚩Costs:
Passengers need to give to their driver:
$40 - if one passenger (based on 10c/km)
$25 each if 2 passengers (based on 10c/km)
$80 to $147 - 2 nights accommodation
$145 to $227 Approx Total

🥂🍔🍗 We have an optional dinner on Saturday night at "Gastronomics" in Thames. Menu: https://gastronomics.co.nz/menus#dinner

🚩Please answer the RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/ymmpcnc6