Moa Outdoors

4.9•621 ratings

About us

Give us a follow on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/moaoutdoors/

Moa Outdoors + is a non-profit meetup hiking group dedicated to organizing safe, enjoyable, scenic and at times adventurous hiking adventures in and around Auckland and further afield. We warmly welcome hikers of all levels from around the globe, inviting you to experience the natural splendor of New Zealand with us. Beyond hiking, we offer ample opportunities for photography, socializing, and making new friends. We try to stop for a break or similar after the event - this is optional.

My name is Noel, I have taken over from David as the lead. David will stay on as Co Organiser. We are lucky to have the support of Rob as Event Organiser. Together we would like Moa Outdoors+ to continue to provide opportunities for people to get Outdoors+. We are looking for another (Event Organiser) and team members to help out. Reach out if this is of interest.

In our fast-paced modern world, we believe every Aucklander deserves a sanctuary where they can be themselves, stay active, and enjoy nature with a great team, sharing laughter on weekends. Thus, we intend to continue with the idea of creating a year-round calendar of well planned hikes based on seasons, weather, preferences, and holidays. We understand that refining this system will take time, and we greatly appreciate and eagerly look forward to receiving any feedback or advice that will benefit everyone. Please don't hesitate to email us at [feedbacks.moasocialhikings@yahoo.com](mailto:feedbacks.moasocialhikings@yahoo.com).

Our hikes are primarily scheduled on Saturdays, though we occasionally organize excursions on Sundays and public holidays as well. As an active hiking group, we focus on easy, intermediate through to advanced hikes, with the occasional extra challenging hike during the summer months. We are worked hard on broadening the menu to cater for a wide range tastes. There are many events that are not yet tested/published so its all very exciting. Are you interested in being part of the Moa recce crew? Ask us about this... Moa Outdoors+ prides itself on fostering a friendly and inclusive group culture. We encourage open communication, mutual care, cultural exchange, and empathy among our members.

You can contribute to events through positive actions. For example, bring with you;

Feedback for Organisers/Hosts
Ideas for future events
A compliment for another attendee
Helping other attendees in what they might perceive as a difficult situation (most important)

When you see this... + it means this event is a more difficult than normal. We also use a grading system and try to give as much info as we can about the event so you can decide if it’s suitable for you. If you're not sure, please message the host and they can share some more information with you.

Qualification
All New Members are required to do a Grade 3.0 or lower with us before doing any event that is higher Grade. This to ensure that expectations are aligned for the benefit of New Members, Returning Members and Regular Hikers. If you see an event that you like to attend that is higher than 3.0, please jump in on an earlier 3.0 or lower grade event. The Organiser can allow exceptions to this if we know you, or if you can share with us the level of fitness and include some areas/tracks you may have hiked in the last three months. Another general rule of thumb would be, could you walk to the summit of Mt Eden without stopping?

We look forward to embarking on many adventures with you 😊.

Team Moa Outdoors+

DISCLAIMER+
Moa Outdoors+ Liability Disclaimer & Assumption of Risk
1. Voluntary Participation and Inherent Risk
By joining Moa Outdoors+ and RSVPing to our events, you acknowledge that hiking, tramping, and coastal trekking involve inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to, slippery terrain, steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and tidal hazards. You choose to participate voluntarily and at your own risk.
2. Organizer Status
Our Organizers, Co-Organizers, and Event Hosts are unpaid volunteers, not professional guides or first-aid experts. We facilitate the social aspect of the hike and provide a suggested route, but we do not assume legal responsibility for the safety or well-being of participants.
3. Personal Responsibility
Each member is responsible for:
Assessing their own fitness level against the Grade and Difficulty described in the event.
Ensuring they have the correct gear (footwear, 2L+ water, rain protection and suitable clothing for the season/environment).
Following the instructions of the Lead/Host for the safety of the group.
Managing their own medical conditions and carrying necessary personal medication.
4. Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release and hold harmless the Organizers, Co-Organizers, and Event Hosts from any and all claims, liability, or causes of action for personal injury, death, or property damage arising out of or in connection with your participation in group activities.
5. Carpooling Disclaimer
Carpooling is a private arrangement between members. Moa Outdoors+ does not vet drivers, vehicles, or insurance statuses. If you choose to carpool, you do so at your own risk, and the group leaders are not responsible for any incidents occurring during transport.
In choosing to attend Moa Outdoors+ events, you are accepting the above.
6. Payment
Moa Outdoors+ events are not free. The group has costs such as Meetup subscription, safety equipment etc. We use the event fees to cover these costs. It is important that everyone that attends pays on the day. This can be done online using details in the event description or to the host/helpers pre start. In the unlikely event of a non payment, we will make contact to remind you. After that, you will be removed from the group. Regular hikers will get another chance to attend an event, 4 chances to pay before being removed from the group. Clearly this is the least desirable outcome for everyone so please take extra care to ensure you have paid either online or with your $5 note.
7. General
All attendees must have a Meetup profile (18 or over),
Sign up the the event,
No...

friends
pets
on trail music
smoking
vaping.

8. Please do not use the MO published information independently for personal or private events before MO event date. This is not consistent with the spirit of the group and may result in your removal.
9. Timeliness
Don't be late, you might get left behind.

Featured event

Maungatautari Sanctuary - South

Sat, Nov 7 · 09:00 NZDT

Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari, 99 Tari Road, Pukeatua, NZ

On Saturday we will hike Maungatautari Sanctuary - South. This will take us up Te Tonga Track to Pukeatua at 753m. Thereafter we will descend a short distance back to Wairere Traverse track junction and go further north along same before turning around and heading back to the Southern starting point. If we have time, and we aim to, we will explore the Southern Enclosure at the end of the hike. The views today will differ in that they'll be in the form of bird life rather than wide open vistas as apart from one small location, there are no views.

We can expect to take up to 5.5 hours of walking time depending on the speed of the group. The Te Tonga Track is definitely Advanced Tramping Track and there are possibly a couple of places where you'll need to use your hands/arms to climb. Once we reach the Wairere Traverse Track however you can expect the going back will be a bit easier.

We are looking at capping the numbers on this to around 30 (or possibly 40 if we split into two groups on separate routes) attendees. This one isn't suitable for New Members as we need to have a degree of confidence in attendees ability so for the benefit, safety and enjoyment of the group as a whole. If you like this one, you will have already attended prior events.

Possible longer route option - let us know in the RSVP.
The route of this event is as described and depicted in the image attached as a photo.

If you are interested in doing a harder, longer hike that takes in both Pukeatua and Maungatautari Peaks, please comment "Longer Twin Peaks" on your RSVP. This Longer Route works with staying overnight and doing the South Waikato cumecs event on the Sunday.
If you want to do the shorter option as described answer "Pukeatua".

I have spoken to the Trust that looks after Maungatautari Sanctuary and by November they might have some Biosecurity procedures in place for entry and exit but that they expect they will be open for us to enjoy.

THE DIRT
Distance: estimated as 11k (NZ Topo 50)
Vertical metres: 535m (NZ Topo 50)
Terrain: formed trail, advanced tramping track & intermediate level track
Time: estimated 4-4.5 hours
Grade: 3.25 moderate

SOUTHERN ENCLOSURE
Distance: estimated as 4k (shorter version about 2k)
Vertical metres: 93m
Terrain: formed track
Time: estimated 1 hour - (shorter version about 30 minutes)

The shorter version of Southern Enclosure refers to the fact that, if you are running out of puff, there are a few options on this hike to manage this. So don't be deterred, this is not a hard hike.

LOCATIONS
Maungatautari Sanctuary, 99 Tari Road, Pukeatua
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GP23xbH4HNr7tszUA?g_st=ipc

There are eco toilets adjacent to the Visitor Centre, 99 Tari Road our start point.

Good Union, 98 Victoria Street, Cambridge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CrcpWUhPChEqry746

LOCAL INFORMATION
https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/visit/walking-and-hiking-trails/over-the-mountain

SCHEDULE
5.49am Sunrise
6.45am Leave Auckland
8.45am Southern enclosure last time to arrive
8.55am Introductions
9.00am Start hike - we go without you
2.30pm Estimated finish time
3.10pm Refreshments at Good Union, Cambridge - optional
4.00pm Depart Good Union
5.30pm Arrive Auckland
8.00pm Sunset

The cost for this hike is $10 including a $5 pp donation to the Sanctuary. Please pay online Moa Outdoors new bank details. For this one, everyone will need to prepay. Everyone moved to Going will have 3 days to pay, and then will be moved to Not Going if payment is not received.
Noel Keenan
12-3238-0727203-01
Ref - Maunga
Amount $10
Your MU name

If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and leave us a review.

RSVP QUESTION
1. Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can hike the advanced tramping track ascent and intermediate track descent in the time prescribed?
2. If you are interested in doing a harder, longer hike that takes in both Puketua and Maungatautari Peaks on this event, please comment "Longer" on your RSVP. If you want to do the single peak, please answer Puketea.

Due to Prepayment requirement, please do not RSVP if you are not committed to attend. No refunds will be given.

RSVP opens Sunday 13 September.

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $65 return for this one.
Because Moa is a small and friendly group, it’s super easy to carpool with us. Our driver members are very happy to bring new people along. Post in the comment area below if you need a lift, include your area and a phone number. The willing driver member will contact you. As organisers, we will also monitor and help out. Please be organised and on time for collection, don't withdraw last minute. Please also don’t expect the driver to go out of their way to collect you. You might have to get to a nearby location on their route.

BRING:

At least 3L drinking water.
Lunch or snack food.
Suitable footwear for surfaces described.
Sun & rain protection.
Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing.
Appropriate clothing for the season and forecasted/possible conditions.
First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).

PREPARATION:
It is important to be well prepared.
Before we meet

Know how to get to all meeting places.
Study hike details.
Prepare everything you need to bring.
If you are the driver, have car refueled or recharged ready to go.
Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the pub or going home directly after the event.

TURNAROUND
We don't intend to leave people behind. However, at any time on a hike if it is the opinion of the leader that you are struggling to keep with the group the leader may decide that you are unlikely to be able to complete the hike in the time prescribed. In this case, you may be asked to turn around and make your way back to the car. This decision will not be taken lightly but will be done with the principle of the entire group enjoying their day and everyone completing in a timely and safe manner.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Our hiking activities come with some hazard & risks; our organizers are volunteers. By RSVP'ing you accept full responsibilities for your own safety and that you have read the description and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time prescribed?

Looking forward to a great day outdoors.

Regards

Moa Outdoors