What we’re about
Welcome to Feet First Nature Enthusiast Walks Auckland with Stephen.
Walking is still the best and easiest way to appreciate the natural world, especially when we are together with others , making new friends and building on established others , from previous walking event's.
After 15 years as the Founder of Feet First Auckland Hiking & Urban Walking Meet Up Group I'm starting Feet First Nature Walks and Hikes Auckland, as I initially retired....passed over to Mike K, my Co Organizer of many years...We are best friends and share many common memories and interests in bringing people together for outdoor activities .
At 60 plus now I'm slowing down from the bigger, faster paced walking, most Hiking Meet Up Groups do nowadays. I also have had Gout throughout Covid years, which affects my flexibility in my toes...and makes longer Hiking days unpleasant and painful..Thankfully by doing easier trips out...my focus now is primarily on Slowing Down and Looking Around...plus I'm commonly known these days as Big Stephen.
By starting Feet First Nature Walks in July/August 2025 . ..I'm returning to my roots, getting off the couch and concrete...pursuing my reasons I love getting out in nature as much as possible on days off working ...for quality time together....to help new people to Auckland , beginning or continuing...your/ their outdoor walking activities, and for other experienced people, and friends that have followed me on Feet First Main that enjoy a slower paced walking day, focusing on my passion, and hopefully yours too....for learning something about the trees and plants, taking photos, knowing the history of Auckland's early settlers to New Zealand and beyond and your reasons why you chose spend quality time outdoors.
Each Nature Walking Enthusiast Walking event I organize...will have a particular emphasis placed on the natural features, flora and fauna to be found on each walk, whether it is a stroll round Auckland’s city bays or a slightly more energetic walk along a wilderness track in the Waikato Region, near Te Aroha and the stunning Kaimai Ranges, which has less and more closer to the ground, Hiking experiences..no boardwalks, that now dominate Auckland's, Waitakere Ranges, the landscape of my heart.
As we welcome in warmer weather conditions soon...Spring and Daylight Savings...here on Feet First Nature Walks Auckland...
we can take you to places you can't get to by car, or even a boat... and the pace of walking we will be doing, will give you time to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the living world, as we find many small wondrous things that go together to make up of New Zealand's unique natural environment - the song of the grey warbler or the tui, a native orchid beside the track, the scent of mahoe blossoms in summer and Vitamin C or G.
Walking and Hiking, Nature Enthusiast, Stephen F, has spent a lifetime as much as possible on days off, in the Wilderness, and particularly in the Waitakere Ranges and Waikato Region.
He founded Feet First Hiking Meet Up group in 2010, and personally Organized and Led over 750 Walking Events, as well as founding other Meet Up Groups over the years like Auckland Intrepid Walking Adventures.
On Feet First Nature Walks Auckland with Stephen we will continue with what other Meet Up Hiking Groups do, and introduce a Centralized Meeting Place to Carpool and Share Rides to help those that don't have Cars , or want to save on costs.
We will also have a Dedicated Bank Account for Online Payments for our Walking Activities Fee of $5 per Event you attend.
Meet Up Website Fees have tripled worldwide to Organisers and Members. This Activities Fee offsets the costs involved putting on these events for your pleasure and connection with others .
We will also purchase safety equipment, and spare hiking poles etc for anyone wishing to tryout, these greatly assist you with your confidence Walking downhill and save your knees and lower back from pain.
Those Members who pay directly, the $5 , Activities Fee...when they RSVP will get priority over other Members. Particularly when the busy Summer Season. .and Winter .. brings restrictions.. Under certain circumstances we will refund if you cancel before 24hrs or the night before. More about this on the Event.
Many other members throughout Auckland that belong or run their own Meet Up Website Hiking Groups started with Feet First when they arrived in Auckland.
Personally I see no conflict of interest with two Meet Up Groups Called Feet First.. I founded Feet First, and like many other franchises out there in the world, there's space to share the great name that Feet First has established in Auckland and Beyond since I founded these Meet Up Groups..and continuing walking for the wellness of it .
New Zealand is an outdoor paradise, and in Auckland there's bound to be a green space somewhere you haven't discovered yet.
It's my hope that you rediscover a fascination, for the ordinary through my eyes, and others, like you.
Let's get into the outdoors together for Nature Walking... fresh air and exercise and connection..and the joy of nature discovery, shared experiences, fun and weekends of memories.
See you soon on Feet First Nature Enthusiast Walks with Stephen Soon 😊