Hiking NZ

4.8

601 ratings

Auckland, NZ

7,692 members · Public group

Organized by Tej and 1 other

What we’re about

This group is for experienced hikers who have previously done a few hikes and can keep up with the group at a medium pace. Members should be comfortable to complete a 7-9 hour hike in a day. The main focus will be on covering North Island and longer trips further afield. To get outdoors and experience the splendours of New Zealand. Hikes and walks will vary in nature and may include hill climbing, rock scrambling, stream crossing, coastal tracks and camping. One can meet people with similar interest in nature and travel. **UPDATING YOUR OWN PROFILE PICTURE IS A MUST**

Upcoming events (2)

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Sat, Sep 13, 2025, 9:30 AM NZSTDaly's Clearing Loop track and Waitawheta Tramway track
Franklin Road, Waihi
Greetings my fellow hikers,

On Saturday, 13th September, we are going to visit Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
(approx 1.5 to 2 hrs drive from Auckland city)
Tracks we are going to cover: Daly's clearing loop track, including Dean track and Waitawheta tramway track.

From the end of Franklin Road take the Dean Track south-west and uphill through private farmland for 30 minutes to reach the park boundary.
The track then follows a spur up through bush to meet the Mangakino Pack Track. A highlight along this track is the extensive groves of nīkau nestled under tall tawa, kohekohe and pukatea forest. Turn south until you reach the junction with the Daly's Clearing Track. Daly's Clearing Hut is about 15 minutes along this track, above the Romanga Stream.

This loop takes around 3 hrs to complete.
Once we are back on Waitawheta tramway track, we will follow the track until we reach Waitawheta hut then turn around and walk back. This is going to be a long, full day of hiking with little stops. Expect to take between 7 to 8 hrs to complete.

Follow the Waitawheta Tramway, stopping at the various information signs to find out when, why and how the tramway was built. The tramway is relatively flat, and nice and wide. After about an hour and a half the track crosses a large suspension bridge to the site of a replica logging bogie (a tram cart that carried the massive logs). This is a great spot for lunch and to spend time taking photographs.
A short loop track near to the logging bogie offers a detour to the site of an electricity pylon dating from around the year 1900. To complete a shorter, easier trip, return from the logging bogie back down the tramway to the car park.

Alternatively, continue south along the tramline through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge. The main track requires one river crossing but there is a bypass track that requires just a few small side stream crossings. The main track then leaves the river and through a campsite before reaching the toilet bowl waterfall, the Waitawheta Hut, and the site of the old logging mill. Return via the same track.

Due to the cyclone Gabrielle 2 years ago, the suspension bridge has been wiped out. Therefore we must cross the river in order to continue along the track. This is safe and caution and care is required. If it's been raining hard previous day and on the day then we will not be crossing the river. If not raining, I expect the water level to be just above your ankle and below your knee. If you are not comfortable crossing the river then this is probably not a suitable hike for you.

Summary:

Total walking distance is around 20 km and should take us between 7 to 8 hrs to complete. This is an all day event. Expect to complete the hike between 5 and 6 PM, and get back to Auckland around 7.30 pm the earliest.
Difficulty rating is 4, based on technicality, time and distance it takes to complete this hike. This hike is absolutely not suitable for beginners and is only suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers. We will hike at a moderate pace and have small stops along the way for snacks and 20 min lunch stop at the Waitawheta hut.

Despite this being a hard and long hike, it is also very rewarding and enjoyable. I have done this hike at least a couple of times myself at various times of year and it was a very positive experience.

What to bring: Plenty of water, 2 Lt min, plenty of snacks, lunch, water proof and warm clothing, sun hat, sun block, first aid items. Very important- to wear your hiking boots. Some sections of the tracks can be muddy in places so sturdy, comfortable hiking boots is a must.

If you require a ride, I suggest $25 to contribute to your driver. This MUST BE PAID IN CASH BEFORE THE START OF THE HIKE.

If you would like to support this group, please contribute $5, preferable in cash to give to the organizer on the day, me :) alternatively, I can share bank account details with you and you can contribute that way. This is optional and voluntary contribution. Organizers and leaders of the meet up groups do this work voluntary and we are not paid. So any support from you is also voluntary and optional and is much appreciated, thank you.

Driving directions:
Get on SH 1 from Auckland, follow State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 to Waitawheta Road. Then turn onto Franklin Road. Drive to the end of the road until you reach the car park.

As it is a fairly long driving distance there and back to Auckland, I strongly encourage car pooling, and it is also more fun to travel together!

Any questions, feel free to post a comment.
See you on Saturday,

Kristina.
11 attendees+6
Sat, Sep 27, 2025, 10:00 AM NZSTSpring celebration at Long bay Regional park
Long Bay regional park, Auckland
Greetings everyone!

The weather is getting warmer and nicer, we are getting closer to summer, yay!

Let's celebrate the spring and everything that comes with it. The warm sunny, long days, upcoming holidays, shared picnics and good times spent together!

We will meet at Long bay regional park and follow the Long bay coastal walkway to Okura. Stunning, panoramic views of the ocean and surroundings. Easy to follow track that is open and perfect to do at this time of year.

Long Bay - Okura Track takes you through Long Bay Regional Park, located not far from Auckland. It's a beautiful walk with spectacular coastal views and a few well-placed benches if you want to sit and enjoy the vista. A large carpark with a children's playground, public toilet, and picnic area is located at the trailhead.

Summary:
Distance: Up to 9 km total
Time: Up to 3 hrs to complete.
Elevation gain: 247 m
Level: This is grade 2 and this walk is suitable for all levels, including beginners. There are some steep sections along the trail, we will take it slow, so there is absolutely no rush. We will walk at a slow to medium pace and we will take plenty of rest along the way.

Highlights include stunning views, abundant birdlife, and well-maintained paths

Plan for the day:
Meet at 10 AM at Long bay regional park by the playground, next to carpark. We will then walk the Longbay-Okura coastal walkway.

Plan to return back to Long bay main park between 1 and 1:30 PM.
After our walk, we will have a shared BBQ and a shared picnic together.
Please bring food that is suitable to share. Some ideas include: sandwiches, sausages, chicken wings, chips and dips, vegetables, hummus, mini pies, bread rolls, cheese, cured meats, fruits. Any other cultural dishes that you might like to share is also welcomed :)
The cost of the food should be between $15 and $20 dollars, this is in fairness and consideration to everyone who is contributing.
BYO drinks.

There are many free BBQs at Long bay regional park. If you are thinking of using one of them, I suggest bring something to clean and wipe it with first as there are many people who use them. In the past, we have used it and it worked perfectly well!

We will have a shared BBQ and a shared picnic and relax at the park, maybe head down to the beach, play any games people wish to play or just chill out. This is a relaxed event without any rush.

If you would like to contribute to the costs of running this group, suggested amount is $5, this can be given in cash or deposited into bank account. I will share this later to those who are interested in helping. Thank you for your kindness and generosity, it is much appreciated!

See you on Saturday,

Kristina.
12 attendees+7