Auckland Nature Connection & Exercise Meetup Group

Welcome to Auckland Nature Connection and Exercise Meet Up Group.

We're so glad you've found your way here .

This outdoor activities group and sometimes indoors,
brings people together for walking and talking..and nature connection... and exercise....and much more including photography opportunities, and learning something about the things we see along the way from many places around Auckland and Beyond...

Yes exercise is important, however so is human connection and nature appreciation..and we leave the fast paced walking to other hiking groups that rush quickly from A to B. Then C ...Stopping seldom. .

We're the opposite...we seek connection to visit places where there's peace and serenity..and avoid the chaos of rushing...as walking slowly eases everything...

There's an opportunity to reflect and refresh the soul and the body...we deserve to be soothed by nature...choosing to take the time to identify trees here today and observe, sense and sometimes immerse ourselves in a hot pool or sit around the table..share connection and conversations over a wine or simply soak our minds with new experiences...in the cooler months..and refresh ; recharge again in spring and summer...Mindfulness Walking helps everyone.

This Nature Discovery Walking Group is all about appreciation of Nature Connection and guiding groups is my passion.

The forest that covers the Waitakere Ranges and the Hunua Ranges and many other Auckland Regional Parks south, west , north, east and elsewhere...is home to an enormous variety of plants, Trees, Animals and Birds, Native Ferns and Insects..Mushrooms aka Fungi..

Maori used the hills and forests primarily as a source of food and timber, and as a refuge rather than for permanent residency .

Our Nature Connection and Exercise Group Events are all about slowing down and looking around, pausing to identify trees and plants and birds we hear or see...

We'll introduce you to mindfulness walking and nature appreciation activities..whether it be beside a Kauri Tree or near a picturesque stream, waterfall or high on a ridge...or deep into a hidden valley or simply to walk on a black sand beach .

There's plenty of beautiful Waitakere Ranges tracks and trails and other places around Auckland and Beyond where nature connections are waiting for us to spending quality time with other people just like you.

We cater for all walkers and hiking and tramping people of all ages and interests. Come prepared for weather changes and wear strong walking shoes.

Simply...Choose the Events that make you feel right and others that help you gain more outdoor skills or simply are tree identification knowledge day events.

There's surely something for everyone's pleasure and socializing interests here on Auckland Nature Connection and Exercise Meet Up...

A long-time resident of Auckland, Stephen French is well known amongst Aucklanders and other people for his many years leading hikes and walks here on Meet Up, Founder of Feet First Hiking And Urban Walking Meet Up Group in 2010... which he organized over 850 Events in 15 years, he's no longer involved with .

His quirky extroverted personality...and his immense knowledge of Auckland's tracks and trails, and beyond to places like Waikato Region and the islands in the Auckland Region are legendary.

He has come back to Meet Up in 2026...to help you and forget about life for awhile and spend quality time outdoors with everyone..

Have fun and meet new friends and reconnect with others from similar groups.

IMPORTANT - NEW MEMBERS SECTION.

If you’re interested in Joining us, please ensure that you have a clear recognizable portrait photo of yourself clearly showing your face without sunglasses on.

And that your profile name is listed as a first name.

This builds connection and trust within the Group and quickly helps me identify you too.
And if you’re offering rides to others..it's easier to see you on the listing events and others paying Meet Up Plus.. can get some clarification too.

Winter is coming. Be prepared for the changeable weather conditions. Bring along warm clothes and extra food for energy .

More details on our Events that will be happening most weekends and occasionally mid week.

Yesterday is gone ..start talking about tomorrow ...it will be better than before..with Auckland Nature Connection and Exercise Group .

Happy Walking & Talking Everyone..

See you soon