What we’re about
"Hiking Aotearoa" is for people who love the outdoors. We go hiking, walking, mountaineering, camping, skiing, kayaking, rafting and rock climbing etc. We love meeting new people so come join us in the great outdoors of New Zealand (Aotearoa).
The majority of our events are day hikes in bush (forest), parks, streams, urban walks and along the coast in the Auckland region. We also venture further afield on weekend camping or lodge trips, especially in summer, and also we have multi-day hikes through out New Zealand (Aotearoa).
Our hikes vary in difficulty, some do not require any previous experience, some are more challenging. You can learn all about climbing/alpine activities with our experienced organisers. This is a great opportunity to see/photograph some of the most amazing landscapes New Zealand (Aoteaora) has to offer.
Safety of the group is of utmost importance to us. All our organisers have many years of experience and carry walkie talkies and a PLB where necessary. Of course with nature, conditions can change quickly, and you must come prepared and always follow the organisers instructions.
If you wish to make a donation 06-0145-0782760-00
Follow us on Instagram: Hiking Aotearoa Instagram
"Hiking Aotearoa" is a great way to see one of the world's best cities/countries. We look forward to meeting you.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- 📌Mt Tahurangi - Climb from Whakapapa (2 nights)New World Victoria Park, AucklandA$40.00
This is a two night trip (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) to Mt Ruapehu. The trip will take us to Mt Ruapehu's summit Plateau, the crater lake, and the North island's highest peak, - Mt Tahurangi (2797m). We will stay at Delta Ridge Hut and also camp one night close to the alpine crater lake at about 2600m.
You will need crampons, ice axe, helmet, suitable boots and a tent. For the more advanced climbers, there may also be a possibility of using rope, at least for abseiling. So you will also need a harness, prussik loop & HMS carabiner. If you do not have this gear you can hire crampons, Ice axe, helmet, climbing harness, belay device etc, from me.
If your alpine experience is limited, then it is still possible to join, and to learn some of the basic mountaineering skills on this trip. What is important is a general level of good fitness, and having the correct gear. Regulars and those that have done more than 3 hikes with 'Hiking Aotearoa' get priority to join. There maybe a possibility of having 2 groups - with one group for novices, and another for more advanced climbers.
🚩 Summary of details:
📌 Duration: Whole trip is 3 days and 2 nights
📌 Friday : Take Gondola to Knoll ridge, then walk 15 minutes to hut
📌 Saturday : 5 hour ascent and 2 hour descent (about 7.6km)
📌 Sunday : 2 hour descent (about 4km)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 4.0 - 5.0 (overall)
📌 Max attendees: 12 people
📌 Map of route: https://bitly.ws/3e5LZ
📌 Payment due 5th July📌Friday:
After arriving at 'Top of the Bruce' car park we take the Gondola to Knoll Ridge terminal. From there, it is a 15 minute walk to NZAC Delta ridge hut. Conditions could be icy, so you may need your crampons to go the short distance.📌Saturday:
We leave Delta Ridge hut early, and climb up the Whakapapa glacier, and head towards the crater lake. Somewhere near the crater lake we leave our camping gear, and then continue on to to climb up to the summit Col, and Tahurangi summit, as a side trip. From crater lake up to the summit col, we will most likely use 2 x 60 metre long fixed ropes, in 2 pitches, anchored with 4-6 snow stakes. This will be the steepest section of the climb, but not extreme. Everyone will have an Ascender in their right hand, and an ice axe in the left hand. It will also likely require front pointing with crampons. This option will be the quickest, and most effective way to the Col, rather than belaying. We can use the same rope already in place to abseil down, with your belay device and prussik loop.
When at the Summit Col, we traverse across to Skyline ridge, and to the summit (2797m). Descending we return the same way, back to where our gear was left, and set up camp for the night.📌Sunday:
We pack up and return more or less in a straight line back to Delta Ridge hut (for any gear that we may have left in storage) and then back to the Gondola. 4.0km – 2 hr 15 min.🚩 These are the 2 important stopping points to note.:
👉 1) Jasmine Thai cafe, 43 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui
(Where we have Friday & Sunday lunch)
https://bit.ly/3pbVYH2
👉 2) Car Park, 'Top of the Bruce' Whakapapa
(Where we park our cars)
http://bit.ly/3lb1bf3📌 Other information:
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9
🚩 Just some hiking group etiquette: http://bit.ly/2ZmOmEG📌Time line
https://bit.ly/3f8a7AB (To be revised)🚩Costs: $40 for one night at hut (NZAC members $20)
$70 if a car passenger
$49 Gondola ride
$159 Total🚩 Check list of items to bring: https://bit.ly/3onAJkg
🚩 Climbing gear rental: https://bit.ly/3PPizEN
🚩 Basic mountaineering skills: https://bit.ly/3uTtl2d
🚩 Accommodation: https://bit.ly/2QsjNfU
🚩 To do list summary: https://bit.ly/3fnNNSE
🚩 Payment: You will need make payment by 5th July. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write "Tahurangi" and your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.
❌❗ A postponement will happen, if the weather is poor, high avalanche risk, or volcanic activity, and a new date will be set to 2nd-4th August . Be prepared for a possible change of date.
🚩 RSVP questions: https://bit.ly/3yknghx
Not open - 📌Base camp Lake Okataina (2 nights)Okataina Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust, Lake OkatainaA$45.00
On the 18th to 20th October (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) we are going to complete 4 different hikes, which are all located in the region of Lake Okataina, near Rotorua. We plan to arrive late morning on Friday and stay Friday and Saturday nights. Our accommodation will be at Okataina Outdoor education centre, about 3km north of Lake Okataina.
On Friday we plan on hiking near and around the small Lake Rotoatua and a second hike around Lake Rotokawau. As some will be arriving later in the day, or may want to conserve energy for Saturday's hike, then any hiking on Friday is optional. The feature hike of this event and most challenging (mainly because of distance) will be a circuit of Lake Okataina, this is expected to take about 9 hours. Finally on Sunday we will do a partial circuit of Lake Okareka, which in the most part should not be too challenging. Regulars get priority.
🚩Map of the 4 hikes: https://tinyurl.com/px8jj5wm
Friday hikes:
Hike 1: Lake Rotokawau 3.7km (Estimated 2 hours)
📌Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/mvf9n8mf
Hike 2: Lake Rotoatua 7.6km (Estimated 2.5 hours)
📌Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/3ayvznpbSaturday hike: Lake Okataina loop 34km (Estimated 9 hours)
📌Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/5betzf59Sunday Hike: Lake Okareka loop 8.7km (Estimated 2.5 hours)
📌Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/3r7yte2u🚩Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 3 days & 2 nights
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
3.0 - 3.5 Friday
4.0 Saturday
3.0 Sunday🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. Drivers will need to determine what time to leave Auckland to get to Okataina at 11:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers will need to give $60 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.
🚩These are the 5 important stopping points:
👉1) Okataina Outdoor Education centre, Lake Okataina Rd
(Where we stay on Friday & Saturday nights)
https://tinyurl.com/5ahj87db👉2) 97 Lake Rotokawau Road, Tikitere
(Where we start Lake Rotokawau loop)
https://bitly.ws/3fP2E👉3) End of Lake Okataina road
(Where we start Lake Okataina loop)
https://tinyurl.com/ynsw2vtd👉4) 5-1 Acacia Road, Lake Ōkareka
(Where we start Lake Okareka loop)
https://tinyurl.com/2ncp5c9m👉5) Pig and whistle, 1182 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
(Optional lunch or drinks and snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/4hw6ahft🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday 18th October:
08:00 Leave Auckland (Approx)
11:30 Arrive at Okataina
12:30 Drive to Lake Rotokawau
12:50 Start Lake Rotokawau hike (optional)
14:30 Finish hike
14:45 Back at lodge
15:00 Start second hike (optional)
17:30 Finish second hike
19:36 Sunset📌Saturday 19th October:
06:24 Sunrise
08:00 Start Lake Okataina loop
17:00 Finish hike
19:37 Sunset📌Sunday 20th October:
06:23 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up and drive to start of Lake Okareka loop
09:10 Arrive at start of hike
09:15 Start
11:45 Finish hike
12:15 Arrive at Pig and Whistle
13:45 Leave to Auckland
16:45 Approx arrive back in Auckland
19:37 Sunset🚩Accommodation:
We stay for 2 nights at Okataina Outdoor education centre, which will cost $45/person/2 nights, regardless of which bed you have. You will need to bring your own bedding i.e sleeping bag, pillow, bottom sheet etc.
The choice of beds are :
1) Kitchen Annex bedrooms - 12 twin rooms & 1 double room
2) Tawa dorm - 2 dorm rooms & 1 single room (with 10 bunks in each)❌❗Important:
- We will all need to clean the place and leave it how we found before we depart.
- As with all communal sleeping events please keep noise to a minimum for those who would like to sleep early or get up late - thanks
🚩Check list of Gear: https://bit.ly/3nOoApa
🚩Costs:
$60 if car pool passenger (based on 2 passengers at 10c/km)
$45 2 nights accommodation
$105 Approx Total🍔🍗🍷 Optional lunch on Sunday: Pig and whistle (Pub food & drinks)
Menu: https://tinyurl.com/36ext52c🚩Please answer the 3 RSVP questions:
(1) What is your transport situation for carpooling:
(A) have transport, can offer rides
(B) have transport, can drive if needed, but prefer to get a ride
(C) Have no transport, need a ride
(D) Driving direct with no passengers(2) Will you join us for the 2 Friday hikes?
(A) Yes
(B) Maybe
(C) No I will be arriving later, or I want to rest for Saturday's hike.(3) So, carpooling can be assisted, which suburb in Auckland do you live in?
Not open - 📌Base Camp Nelson Lakes 2025 (8 nights)Air New Zealand Auckland Airport Regional Lounge, AucklandA$380.00
Welcome to Base Camp Nelson Lakes 2025. This is our 8th yearly extended multi day Base camp trip to the South island on Meetup, and this is an invite to join this nine day trip for hikes/climbs in and around Nelson Lakes.
Between the dates of 25th of January and the 2nd of February 2025, we are going hiking in and around Nelson Lakes, at the South island. This year we fly to Nelson, then hire two vans. From there this year we travel nearly one and half hours south to Rotoiti lodge at St Arnaud, which is an Outdoor Education Centre. We will base ourselves at this location, to hike mainly in the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. Our group will be split into two for most of the time there, so those who prefer a challenging multi day hike can take on the Sabine and Durville valleys with two passes to cross at the southern end. If you prefer the less strenuous option then you can choose the spectacular Robert Ridge - Travers and Sabine valleys 3 night option. The rest of the time at St Arnaud, will consist of day trips, and a group day trip to Blenheim. As in previous years, we plan to hold a 'Farewell dinner' on our last night.
We will need to carefully consider who joins this event, as it is important for everyone’s safety, enjoyment and convenience. We are looking for people who are fit, team players, experienced, considerate of others, and with minimal need for guidance. As Sabine - Durville valleys is a 4 night over night trip with difficult terrain, then we will need to be selective about who takes part in this option. For those who prefer the less demanding option, there is the Robert ridge-Travers-Sabine which is 3 nights.
Regulars get priority over those who those who seldom join Hiking Aotearoa events. You can put your name on the waiting list for consideration, however there is no guarantee that you will join the 'going list', even if you are at the top of the waiting list. Some of the details are still being fine tuned, so more information is coming.
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🚩 (Hard group - Option 1)
Day 1: In and around St Arnaud (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/yrc64y37
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Sabine - Durville via Waiau pass - Multiday https://tinyurl.com/3t4avey2
Day 2: Lodge to Rotoroa to Sabine west hut
Day 3: Sabine West hut to Lake Thompson
Day 4: Lake Thompson to George Lyon Hut
Day 5: George Lyon Hut to Morgan hut
Day 6: Morgan hut to Rotoroa then lodge
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Day 7: Drive near Blenheim - Day hike (everyone)
a) Mt Tokomaru/Robertson track https://tinyurl.com/bddkwfsp or
b) Mt Robertson or Loop track https://tinyurl.com/mwm36xf5
c) Whites Bay (swim) https://tinyurl.com/mtckpt6n
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Day 8: Circuit of Lake Rotoiti Day hike https://tinyurl.com/47wnnf4w
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland🚩 (Less Hard group - Option 2)
Day 1: In and around St Arnaud (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/yrc64y37
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Robert ridge-Travers-Sabine Multiday https://tinyurl.com/42k7j6b6
Day 2: Lodge to Angelus hut
Day 3 Angelus hut to John Tait hut
Day 4 John Tait hut to West Sabine hut
Day 5 West Sabine hut to Rotoroa then lodge
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Day 6: St Arnaud range track - Day hike https://tinyurl.com/2jfbb5nr
Day 7: Drive near Blenheim - Day hike (everyone)
a) Black Jack & Monkey Bay tracks https://tinyurl.com/5ymez5wt
b) Whites Bay (swim) https://tinyurl.com/mtckpt6n
Day 8: Coldwater hut to Lodge - Day hike https://tinyurl.com/249fhr9v
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland
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📌 For more Details: https://tinyurl.com/mr2b928z
📌 Detailed Timetable: https://tinyurl.com/3ms7uzp5
📌 Gear check list: https://tinyurl.com/2te3r74b
📌 RSVP Questions: https://tinyurl.com/y82k5hr3
