About us

Whats Ap LInk https://chat.whatsapp.com/DHeAvCJhw4C3jGYJdFUnPT

A walking group for people who'd rather arrive happy than arrive first. This is your group so feel free to make suggestions any and all ideas gratefully accepted. If you want to share your knowledge then speak up.

Let's get the awkward bit out of the way. We are not that fit. Well, some of us are, but we keep that quiet. If you're after a sweaty summit push and a smug photo at the top, there are plenty of Meetup groups for that. We'll cheer for you from the cafe.

Here, the goal is to wander. We dawdle, we gawk at trees, and we stop for what the group has agreed is "bird appreciation" but is sometimes just a breather. You'll find us out most weekends, Saturday or Sunday, with the odd midweek walk when life allows. Expect fresh air, a gentle bit of cardio and a few new friends by the end.

Meet your host

I'm John. I have plenty of experience planning and leading hikes, and after an injury I'm starting a slower, smaller group.

I love being out in nature and getting properly immersed in it. Over the years I've walked, tramped and dawdled all over the place, from Mount Kinabalu in Borneo to pretty much every Great Walk in New Zealand. Auckland is home, though, and I'm still finding new corners of it.

My weather philosophy is simple: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear, or worse, a bad attitude. If it rains, we take it on the chin, keep moving at our own pace and enjoy the coffee afterwards.

I'm not much of a talker on the trail. If you've got a question about the plants, birds or history, ask and I'll answer what I can. If I don't know, there's always Google.

I always carry a first aid kit, plus a PLB where it's prudent. I don't rely on cell phones, because coverage has a habit of vanishing right when you need it.

I'm a big believer in everyone knowing where we're going and what we're doing, so every event spells it out in advance. Surprises are great for birthdays, but not so flash halfway up a hill.

Who's welcome? Anyone with a happy attitude.

That's the only rule. Come as you are, with a smile and a willingness to give it a go, and you'll fit right in. All ages, all backgrounds, all languages. Hiking, walking, tramping: whatever you call it, you're welcome.

I love swapping cultures. I've lived and worked in Asia, and I'm always keen to learn more. Tell me about where you're from, what you eat at home and what you miss most. I'll happily trade you a story or two, and a few Kiwi weather complaints. Maybe even a good noodle bar or dumpling shop.

There's also a free coffee for anyone who can guess where my family is from. Hint: Batavia.

I'm not here to teach or show off. Our walks are about quiet immersion in nature, so just soak it all in.

On our walks you can:

Make real friends, which is hard when everything is new
Chat in any language you like. English practice is on offer too, with no pressure and no tests
See the real Auckland, slowly, if you're just passing through
Join us for a camping trip or two. There are a few accessible islands, and they're well worth the trip

What a typical walk looks like
✅ Slow and relaxed, with plenty of stops for photos and for "looking at the view" (breathing)

✅ Short and friendly, mostly under 10km, a few ups and downs just like life

✅ Nature and heritage along the way, from volcanoes to birdsong

✅ Chat if you like, silence if you don't. Both are fine

✅ Nobody gets left behind. We start together and finish together

✅ Prepared for the unexpected, with a first aid kit and a PLB where it's prudent

✅ Summer means coasts, islands, bays, bush and volcanic cones. Winter means hot pools, night walks, waterfalls and a long lunch

Most walks are around Auckland. But we will venture further afield; think Islands, North Auckland and the Waikato. Carpooling works to save money and the environment.

Our walks are anxiety-friendly. No rush, no pressure, no expectations. we walk at the pace of the slowest.

What to bring

Having the right gear makes the difference between a great day out and a long, soggy one. It doesn't have to be expensive, and I'm happy to point you towards some cost-effective places to buy it.

The basics:

Comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip (hiking boots or trail shoes)
A daypack, ideally with a waterproof liner or a dry bag inside
A drink bottle holding 1 to 2 litres
Lunch and snacks. Pack more than you think you'll need
A waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood
Layers you can add or remove: a quick dry base layer, a warm mid layer in wool or fleece, and spare socks
A sun hat or warm beanie, plus sunglasses and sunscreen
Any personal medication, such as antihistamines or asthma medication
Insect repellent, toilet paper and a rubbish bag

I carry a small first aid kit, a torch, a survival blanket, a whistle and a PLB where it's prudent. Phone reception is patchy in a lot of places, so we don't rely on it.Please make sure you have at least a whislte and a first aid kit.

E DOC also has a handy day hikes gear list if you'd like to see the full rundown.

Muddy gear and car pooling

I recommend bringing a change of footwear, and a change of clothes if you can. If you're car pooling, please bring a bag for your muddy gear. Your driver will thank you, and so will their upholstery.

The practical stuff

Koha means gift so i do not ask for one. You can thank me best by turning up when you say you will and being on time.

Housekeeping
Smoke- and vape-free, so everyone can breathe easy.
Adults only please: no guests; get your friends to join.
By joining a walk, you accept responsibility for your own safety and agree to indemnify the organisers and leaders against any loss, damage or injury.

Your profile: Please add a clear photo and the first name you like to be called. We arrange carpools, and it's hard to offer a lift to someone who looks like a blurry potato.

Come as you are. New to Auckland, new to hiking, or just keen to slow down a little. We'll save you a spot at the back, which is the best view anyway.