What we’re about
Welcome to Auckland & Beyond Guided Nature Mindful Walks with Stephen.
Our Nature Walks and Occasional Easy to Moderate Hiking Events are all about getting into Nature, Having Fun , Getting Fitter and Maybe learning a little about listening to the sounds of nature...and by observing what we see along the way ...Our take- away from walking together like this ...can provide additional tools for daily living elsewhere ...in our work, family life...and perhaps with ourselves....our most important person to love and support....forgive others and keep everything Real .
Practicing mindfulness has helped me experience a natural joy , day to day..and reasons to stay alive, continuing my older years now on earth... .and by being in nature together often for many more years ..so as we can all make the most of our time on earth...an attractive idea , and a prime reason for starting this New Meet Up Group..
With our Auckland and Beyond Guided Nature Mindful Walks. You will -
Learn something about our Native and non-native Birds, like Ruru and Kotare, Tui or Grey Warbler, and to easily Identify Trees, Conifers and Flowering varieties like Kauri and Puriri or Rimu or Kawakawa...and their uses ..Plus we will learn the History and Heritage, of the areas we walk around Auckland and Beyond to the Waikato Region and North from time to time.
The great environmentalist David Bellamy , once expressed the wish that he be granted ten lives so that he could spend them walking in New Zealand.
Just as importantly we aim to create a friendly atmosphere where you can make the most of your time off with us, make new connections and friendships.
Auckland & Beyond Guided Nature Walks With Stephen offer you enjoyable, innovative and interactive, small to medium half or full day adventures.
With 30 years of experience, organizing and leading recreational outdoor and occasionally indoor activities, and a born and bred kiwi mature guy....your time with us in the weekend, or sometimes mid week, will be unique and unforgettable.
While we mainly focus on walks in the Waitakere Ranges and other Bush Walking areas around Auckland...including Coastal and Hauraki Gulf Trips to various Islands, like Rangitoto or Tiritiri Matangi, and the lesser known Rotoroa Island ..we will occasionally mix up our outdoor activities with caving visits, kayaking and night walking to find Kiwi, we will also get some time under canvas, in a tent somewhere to camp, and sing songs occasionally around a make do campfire..we welcome new social activities that you're interested in doing to.
We are sure to have something of interest for your level of Difficulty or Experience with Hiking as well, and by building on the outdoors skills you have, and want to extend your knowledge with ..your help outdoors with me , would be very much appreciated and welcome ...
Our Events are all pre walked, and planned ahead ...for the season...And aimed at different age groups occasionally, to give you reasons to come into the wilderness with Auckland and Beyond- Guided Nature Walks With Stephen.
We will also have other Guest Experienced Outdoors Guides and Leaders from other groups on Meet Up, to join us on special occasions...by my long term friends from my years with my previous other Meet Up Group...Feet First. So keep checking the Events you receive through your emails.
Occasionally after our Guided Nature Walks, we will enjoy an Ice cream or Fish n Chips Meal at the Beach Cafe or a longer Dinner afterwards if you're interested . Bring along a change of clothes and footwear..Dancing is optional depending on the location..
Our events with others ...are like no other, combined with Mindful Walking and Talking amongst ourselves, we can let go into the mystery...taking small steps to learn this alternative way of being in nature....And slowly... You'll discover how to transform your life with the power of Mindfulness Walking in some small or larger way..as we walk gently on the earth together.
About Me - I've been a Meet Up Organiser and long term hiking/ tramping guide, leader for 15 years, since 2010. I founded the Feet First Hiking And Urban Walking Group, establishing 9000 Members ..which is a continuously active hiking group...and I feel pretty proud leaving this group in Mike's capable hands early in 2025..., as I start new chapters in my life, as I'm still hugely interested in bringing people together like you to make the most of your time in Auckland.
We continually revisit popular and off the beaten tracks, and we've done many times...This builds up my knowledge and assists with other events you attend...in and around the Auckland and Waikato Regions, as we welcome in warmer temperatures and sunny weather conditions..and perhaps gain new perspective on carrying on regardless..
Keeping life real...I'm a huge fan of mindfulness for Everyday Living ...an essential guide to a very simple concept - focusing on the present ...as we cannot change the past. When we truly teach ourselves to appreciate what is going on around us, we find that life becomes happier, calmer, and richer without the constant anxiety caused by worrying about the past or the future.. I see life as a daring adventure. I trust you do to .
I've previously been walking throughout the Waitakere Ranges and other places since my early teenager years growing up in Auckland, and I was born in Wellington, along with my three brothers. I'm grateful for my parents who got me involved in scouts, and joined other Auckland Tramping Clubs, and I've always preferred being in nature rather than playing any sport. I now have a quirky extroverted personality, I am a gentle giant, known by many people nowadays that have hiked together over many years here in Auckland and Beyond to the South Island...and here in the North Island too...as Big Stephen.
THE FINE PRINT - Safety.
While we do our best as volunteers to ensure your safety, time outdoors comes with hazards and risks. When you go into the outdoors, you must become self-reliant. You must learn - What clothing is practical for keeping you warm in winter, and bring additional thermal layers if weather conditions change..Summer Season is all about keeping hydrated and fed, and again, coming prepared for the New Zealand hot sun .
Thankfully by being here within our Guided Nature Walking Group, you can see what other members are wearing, what equipment suits them, style of footwear or boots or similar things, like hiking poles, headlight torch and food choices for quality time outside together.
Bringing along snacks with high protein and extra water, helps with keeping you happy and healthy.
Carry a small First Aid Kit, Bandaids are useful.
Look at the ground, and the possibly hazards around you, when its wet, or hot, and watch other more experienced hiking people, see how they deal with them, and adapt to become skilled as well, to avoid any problems outdoors.
The freedom of the outdoors is a privilege that carries responsibilities for all of us .
Joining a club or a group like ours, helps lessen the risks involved..instead of going alone. Some people enjoy going alone, but it is unwise for beginners, and though NZ has no wild animals, or snakes, its our fear that can take a turn in an unhealthy situation..Invest in good hiking gear , and chat with others when you attend our Guided Nature Walks..
If you're unsure if a Hike or Urban Nature Discovery Walk is suitable for you, ring ,or use messenger to contact me or the leader who is organizing the event. There number will be at the bottom of the Event Details.
We walk together as one group- and if you are struggling we won't leave you behind, you will be looked after, or we will make arrangements to stop our event for everyone's safety.
Membership -
You must be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and understand the NZ English Language for Health and Safety purposes.
When joining us, please be sure you have a clear recognizable portrait photo of your face , so we can identify you up close without sunglasses on.
When choosing your profile name, be sure its not an Alias or something in another language we can't read. Be sure you don't use initials like BF, or AF...The minimum requirement is First Name and First Letter of your surname, please. This assists with planning our events and safety purposes of knowing who is attending.
Cost - We ask for $2 to $5 Walking Fee per event you attend . Pay accordingly to your income..Nothing is free . And any extra money will go towards helping others attend that are less fortunate.
Bring the cash on the Day, or Pay directly to the supplied bank account listed on the Event. This fee is to offset the costs of putting on these Events for your pleasure, and the increased Website costs from Overseas from Meet Up.
We have an Introduction Circle at the Meet Up Arrival Time and Take Mobile Numbers occasionally if you are New to our Events.., so please be ready to assist others. We talk about the days activities and check footwear for safety purposes, good strong, grippy walking shoes and a small backpack to carry everything is important for you to join us.
No Children, Animals, Smokers or Vaping or Guests . Get them to join us , so everyone knows what to expect on the Day. Thank you.
Please do not wear denim or heavy cotton pants . These make you cold when wet.
PHOTOS - By attending our Guided Nature Walking Group Events, you consent to being photographed or filmed.
Transportation Method- Carpooling
We will be trialing the method other Meet Up Hiking Groups use by offering those that don't have a Car, or genuinely enjoys traveling with passengers. We will gather beforehand outside the now closed Victoria Park New World on Scotland Street at an earlier time , other than what is listed on the Event and the designated Carpark.
Members that want to use this Pre Transportation Method can assist me by answering RSVP questions correctly please.
Others that prefer to either travel alone or simply live closer to the Event Carpark can meet us directly.
Likewise if you want to offer lifts..add a Note below with the Area you live in and Mob Number. This is best done 3 or 4 days before the Event if you are confirmed on the Going List.
Meanwhile I welcome you to Auckland and Beyond Guided Nature Walking Group with Stephen F.
If you haven't joined a Meet Up Group before ...Or you are looking for an alternative walking group that doesn't rush quickly from A to B...and out ...We leave all of that to those other people who treat group walking like an outdoors Gym or F45...
Take the alternative route today , as we talk about the things we see along the way, gain insights and enjoy nature at a slower pace..and simply enjoy what you have been reading above ... Walk With us ..this is the Meet Up Group for you.
Thank you for stopping by.
Happy Walking Everyone
Cheers Big Stephen