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Rafick represents [Wakahi.com Limited](https://www.wakahi.com/) on this account.
Please visit our global hiking website (which includes a blog , a forum, and other things) at [Wakahi.com Limited](https://www.wakahi.com/). We also have a shop at [shop.wakahi.com ](https://shop.wakahi.com) where you will be able to read about hiking tips and guides and purchase gear and other hiking related products. Thanks.
Great Walks of New Zealand is a hiking/climbing group based in New Zealand. Our main aim is to promote health, well-being, and happiness by bringing together people interested in hiking, climbing, and travelling.
WHAT WE DO TO PROMOTE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND HAPPINESS
1. Prioritising Happiness: We recognize the importance of happiness in overall well-being. We encourage activities and initiatives that promote joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment in outdoor adventures.
2. Boosting Physical and Mental Health: We encourage practices that support physical and mental well-being, such as regular training, proper nutrition, and mindfulness. We recognize the importance of rest and recovery to prevent injuries and maintain mental clarity.
3. Encouraging Personal Growth: We provide support opportunities for skill development and personal growth in hiking and climbing. We encourage continuous learning through training events.
4. Foster a Positive Environment: We create a supportive and inclusive community where individuals feel valued and respected. We promote positive interactions and discourage behaviors that contribute to stress or negativity, both on and off the trail.
5. Respect Individual Needs: We acknowledge and respect the diverse needs and preferences of hikers and climbers. We provide flexibility and accommodations to support different skill levels, physical abilities, and personal goals.
OUR EVENTS
1. The 11 official Great Walks of New Zealand.
2. Other walks that deserve to be on the list of Great Walks (e.g., Queen Charlotte Track, Te Paki Coastal Track).
3. Any walks that benefit the fitness, health, and happiness of our members.
4. The mountains of New Zealand.
5. The Great Walks and other interesting long-distance hiking trails of the world with emphasis on walks that are off the beaten tracks. We would like to avoid over-touristic places and in so doing help the advancement of poorer communities.
6. Mountains of the world (e.g., Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kilimanjaro), where fitness and endurance levels allow.
Our main emphasis will be on multi-day events, with day events primarily for training purposes. We aim to help as many members as possible reach the fitness and endurance levels required for challenging multi-day hikes.
Members joining an event are expected to contribute to the group as a whole. Unless the Organizer or Event Organizer agrees, members should not sign up for events with the intention of forming their own sub-group and walking separately from others. This has happened in the past, but we aim to avoid it as much as possible.
We will also organize short (1- or 2-day) hikes to help members who lack experience attain the required fitness level and acquire backcountry survival skills.
Please note that this is not a dating site. It is okay to meet someone you like and eventually partner with them, but please do not attend our events solely to meet someone. We will not tolerate members harassing or pressurizing other members.
Similarly, the Organiser will never harass or pressurize any other members, and I am confident that the Event Organisers I have nominated will not either.
CODE OF ETHICS
1. Respect for Nature: We commit to preserving the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles, minimizing our impact, and respecting wildlife and plant life.
2. Safety First: We prioritize the safety of all members by adhering to safety guidelines, being prepared for all conditions, and looking out for one another.
3. Inclusivity and Respect: We foster an inclusive environment where all members feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background, experience level, or personal beliefs.
4. Community Contribution: Members are encouraged to contribute positively to the group by sharing knowledge, supporting fellow hikers, and participating actively in events.
5. Integrity and Honesty: We value honesty and integrity in all interactions, ensuring transparent communication and ethical behavior at all times.
6. Personal Responsibility: Each member is responsible for their own actions, including being prepared for hikes, respecting group decisions, and adhering to event guidelines.
7. Non-Harassment: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or pressure of any kind. Members are expected to interact respectfully and professionally.
8. Commitment to Fitness: We encourage members to work towards the fitness and endurance levels required for challenging hikes, supporting each other in achieving these goals.
9. No Sub-Groups: Members should not form sub-groups within events unless agreed upon by the Organiser or Event Organiser, to maintain group cohesion and unity.
10. Non-Dating Policy: While forming personal connections is natural, our events are not intended for dating. Members should not attend with the sole intention of meeting a romantic partner. It is however OK to meet someone and get connected with them romantically or otherwise if it comes naturally.
Eventi futuri
35
Dome Valley to Pakiri Beach 27 km
Dome Forest Walkway starting point, 492 State Highway 1, Dome Forest 0981, Auckland, NZDate: Sunday, 17 May, 2026
Starting Point: Dome Valley Car Park (SH1)
Distance: 27 km
Elevation Gain: 750m
Duration: ~9 hours
Difficulty: Hard (4/5 - suitable for those with experience on long full-day hikes)
Event Description
Looking for a serious full-day adventure that ends at the beach? This epic ridge hike through Dome Forest follows part of the Te Araroa trail, taking you from the valley all the way to Pakiri Beach, with incredible scenery, native bush, and a well-earned finish with your feet in the sand.
We'll start from the Dome Valley car park (SH1) and ascend through native bush to the Dome Forest Lookout. From there, we'll climb to the summit of Dome (336m) before continuing along the ridgeline through Omaha Forest all the way down to Pakiri Beach, where we will have dropped 1 or 2 cars before starting the hike.
Expect varied terrain, including steep sections, exposed roots, and potentially muddy patches, especially after rain. The track is well-marked but requires good fitness, solid experience, and proper gear.
Note: We will start at 8:30am. Drivers will need to drop cars at Pakiri Beach first, then be shuttled back to the Dome Valley start. Please arrive early to allow time for the shuttle.
What to Bring
Gear- Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproof jacket)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Walking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)
Food and Hydration
- At least 2-3 litres of water
- Lunch and extra snacks for energy
Important Notes
- Your safety is your responsibility.
- Need a ride? Comment below! A $25 ($20 if more than 2 passengers) contribution to your driver is suggested.
- Meetup Contribution: A small $2 contribution helps cover Meetup fees and equipment costs. Transfer to Wakahi.com Limited acct number 02-0200-0260173-000.
This hike is a fantastic way to challenge yourself on one of the North Island's most rewarding ridge tracks, finishing with a well-earned rest at Pakiri Beach. See you on the trail!
Where to drop cars at Pakiri Beach: TBC5 partecipanti
Far North Adventure: Sand Dunes, Coastal Trails & Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Cape Reinga, NZJoin us for a unique three-day adventure at the northernmost edge of Aotearoa. This trip combines sandboarding on Friday, a full-day coastal hike on Saturday, and a special send-off walk on Sunday with our friend Mark — who begins his Te Araroa through-walk (Cape Reinga to Bluff!) that very day. A truly memorable way to cheer him on at the start of his epic journey south.
***
## ITINERARY
## Friday 9 October – Travel & Sandboarding
- Morning: Depart Auckland (approx. 5.5 hrs / ~410 km)
- 1:30 PM: Meet at Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes for sandboarding — climb the dunes and ride them down on a mat or board
- Late afternoon: Set up camp at Tapotupotu Bay DOC Campsite (booking required — see below)
***
## Saturday 10 October – Cape Reinga Coastal Hike + Henderson Bay Stroll
- 8:30 AM: Walk from Tapotupotu Bay camp along the Te Paki Coastal Track towards Cape Reinga Lighthouse (~5 km, ~3 hrs) — dramatic ridge views, clifftop scenery, and a descent to Sandy Bay for a swim and lunch stop (note: we will pass through Sandy Bay again on Sunday with Mark, so enjoy it well today!)
- Midday: Arrive at Cape Reinga Lighthouse — enjoy the iconic view where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean
Getting back to camp — 2 options:
Option 1 – Car Shuttle (preferred — needs enough drivers)
One or more drivers leave camp early to position cars at Cape Reinga carpark before the group arrives. The group walks one way only (~5 km, ~3 hrs). This gives us more time at Sandy Bay and the lighthouse, and gets us back to camp earlier. The more drivers we have, the better — please let us know in the comments if you're driving and how many seats you have!
Option 2 – Walk Only (if shuttle isn't possible)
We walk the full return: Cape Reinga → Sandy Bay → back to camp (~10 km total, ~5.5 hrs including stops). A great walk, but a longer day.- Afternoon: Drive ~25 min to Henderson Bay for a relaxed beach walk to Grenville Point (~4–5 km return, ~1.5 hrs) — flat, scenic, and easy on the legs.
- Evening: Return to Tapotupotu Bay camp for dinner and second night
***
## Sunday 11 October – Cape Reinga with Mark (Te Araroa Day 1)
- 8:30 AM: Drive 5 min to Cape Reinga Lighthouse carpark
- Walk with Mark on the opening stretch of Te Araroa heading south — clifftop track with sweeping coastal views
- We will walk with Mark as far as the clifftop above Sandy Bay (~2 km, ~45 min each way) before saying our goodbyes and heading back to the lighthouse — a meaningful farewell at the edge of Aotearoa
- ~11:00 AM: Pack up camp and depart for Auckland
- ~1:00 PM: On the road south
- ~6:30 PM: Arrive Auckland
***
## ACCOMMODATION
Tapotupotu Bay DOC Campsite — 2 nights
Managed by local iwi Ngati Kuri — advance booking is essential.- Book online or contact: 0800 TE PAKI (0800 837 254) / campgrounds@ngatikuri.iwi.nz
- Fees: $18/adult per night | $9/child (5–17) | Free under 5
- Cashless only — EFTPOS, credit card, or bank transfer accepted
- Facilities: Tent sites, cold showers, flush toilets (no power)
- No rubbish bins — take in, take out policy
***
## WHAT TO BRING
Essentials:
- Tent and sleeping gear
- Waterproof hiking boots and jacket
- Daypack with at least 2L of water
- Food and snacks for Saturday and Sunday
- Headlamp or torch
- Sandboard or mat (or rent locally at Te Paki)
- Swimwear and towel — Sandy Bay on Saturday is a perfect swim stop
Recommended:
- Quick-drying footwear for stream crossings
- Hiking poles
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (sandflies and mosquitoes at Tapotupotu, especially in the evening)
- Cash/EFTPOS for campsite fees
***
## FITNESS LEVEL
Moderate. Saturday's morning hike is ~10 km return (or ~5 km one way with shuttle) with some steep sections and stairs, rewarded with spectacular coastal views and a swim at Sandy Bay. The afternoon Henderson Bay walk is flat and easy (~4–5 km return). Sunday's walk is short and gentle (~4 km return on the clifftop). Sandboarding also requires climbing the dunes.
***
## SAFETY
- Participants are expected to stay with their pace group
- Your personal safety remains your responsibility
- Be aware of strong wind gusts and rogue waves along the cliff-top sections
***
## CONTRIBUTION
$8 per attendee to help cover Meetup.com platform costs and shared navigation/safety equipment for the group.
Payment is due 2 weeks before the event.
Bank transfer to: 02-0200-0260173-000 — Wakahi.com Limited***
## CARPOOLING
If you need a ride, please post a comment below. Drivers — let us know how many spare seats you have. The more cars we have, the better our chances of running the Saturday shuttle.
6 partecipanti
HUIA TO WHATIPU RETURN 22 KM Join Waitlist for Approval
1320 Huia Road, Auckland, NZWe will walk from Karamatura carpark to Whatipu and back the same way. It's a long 22 km, and may take 8-9 hours starting at 8:30 am.
This event is for everyone and don't worry if you're not very fast. We'll not leave you behind, but if required we'll split the group into 2.
PLAN:
We will walk up the Karamatura track to Donald McLean track, to Donald McLean peak,(lots of stairs, 380m ascent), then onto the Puriri Ridge Track, the Omanawanui Track to Whatipu beach.
We'll have lunch at approximately 12.30 pm at Whatipu, and then we'll start walking back to the Karamatura carpark the same way.
GEAR:
Hiking boots, hiking poles, raincoat.
Be prepared for all weather conditions, rain, sun, and exposure to wind when we're not sheltered by the trees.
Bring enough food, snacks, and drinks (ideally 3 litres) for the day.GETTING THERE:
You are welcome to use the comments section below, to ask for a lift, or offer a lift. Passengers give $15 to drivers to cover the cost of fuel.
SAFETY:
Your safety is your responsibility.
Check the weather forecast.CONTRIBUTION
Please $2 to 02-0200-0260173-000 to Wakahi.com Limited (https://www.wakahi.com/)
3 partecipanti
Pinnacles Hut
Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames, NZNOTE: We'll start walking at 11:00 am sharp, so please be at the starting point by 10:50 am.
Dates: 25 October – 26 October
Join us for a walk up to the Pinnacles in the Coromandel via the Kauaeranga Track. We may catch the sunset before staying overnight at the Pinnacles Hut. Sleep in and head back down at your own pace the next morning, or—if you’re keen—wake up early and hike to the summit again to catch the sunrise.
We’ll stop for lunch on the way back to Auckland (optional).
***
Hut facilities
- Cold shower, solar lighting, BBQ, gas cookers, and a solid fuel burner.
- A warden is present at all times.
- Water is limited and not always available.
Gear
- Sleeping bag, and warm, weatherproof clothing.
- Food for lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks.
- Hiking poles (optional, but helpful for the 600 m ascent).
- Gloves or fingerless gloves (useful for windy conditions and the cold, slippery steel ladders near the top).
- A plastic bottle with a sealing lid if you’d like a warm-water bottle for sleeping.
- Headlamp for walking in the dark (it will be dark for sunrise/sunset hikes).
Watch this Mountain Safety Council video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMOKeQuaFO0 (6 minutes)
Book your accommodation here:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/coromandel-forest-park/things-to-do/pinnacles-hut/Your safety is your responsibility.
***
Parking
Park at the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road. We start walking at 11:00 am sharp.
Getting there
Use the comments section below to request or offer a lift.
- If one passenger: give $TBC to the driver.
- If two or more passengers: give $TBC each.
- Distance: ~150 km one way, ~2 hours from Auckland.
Drivers with hybrid cars: please pass on part of the fuel savings to passengers.
All drivers: only offer rides if fully insured; drive carefully; allow toilet breaksContribution
A contribution of $8 is due 2 weeks BEFORE the event. Please make a transfer to 02-0200-0260173-000
3 partecipanti
Eventi passati
70
