Hiking Aotearoa

📌Scenic Drive to Anawhata Road

2026年5月30日 8:00 NZST

New World Victoria Park, 2 College Hill, Auckland, NZ

On Sunday the 31st of May, we starting from Scenic Drive making our way westward along the newly re opened and Smyth Ridge and Kuataika tracks. We start at and the nearby car park of Waitakere Dam on Scenic drive. A car shuttle will take drivers back to the start.

❌ New members and 'loyal' regulars are welcome.
❌If you find yourself on the "waiting list" and decide to attend the hike on the day of the event, then please be aware that you will need to hike separately from the group. Only those listed as "Going" are considered valid participants.
There are no "plus ones"- If you want to go, then you will need to register with meetup
❌Individuals who are unfit or prefer a slower pace are kindly requested not to RSVP. Slow people will hold up the group, as everyone will have to wait for you to catch up. There are alternative Meetup groups available for those who enjoy walking very slowly.
❌If you are unable to attend, please update your status to avoid a "No Show" being recorded next to your name. Accumulating three or more "No Shows" will result in your status being changed to "Not going." It is always polite to adjust your RSVP status if you can no longer participate. Thank you👍

🚩Summary of Main Details:
📌 Meet: New World Victoria Park (unless a direct driver)
📌 Hike Duration: Approx 5.25 hours including breaks (estimated)
📌 Distance: About 13.0km
📌 Map of hike: https://tinyurl.com/35jc8d2h
📌 Difficulty: 3.0 on our 1-5 scale.
📌 Speed: medium to fast pace
📌 Toilets: None - find some bushes.

🚩 Time Guideline :
08:00 Good time to arrive at New World
08:20 Arrange car pooling
08:25 Leave New World
08:40 Direct drivers arrive at Anawhata Road
09:20 All drivers arrive at Scenic Drive
09:25 Introductions and group photo
09:30 Start hike
14:45 Approx. finish hike at Anawhata Road
15:30 Optional drinks and snacks at 'The Good Home Lincoln Road'
16:30 Approx depart to Auckland
17:00 Approx back in Auckland

🚩 These are the 4 important meeting points to note:
👉1) New World Victoria Park
(Where we meet initially - unless driving direct)
https://tinyurl.com/3nd2rb7a

👉 2) Waitakere Dam car park, Scenic Drive.
(Start of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/383k9vwv

👉 3) Kuataika Track, Anawhata Road, Anawhata
(Finish of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/5eprvaa3

👉4) The Good Home Lincoln Rd, 159 Lincoln Rd, Henderson,
(Where we have optional after hike drinks & snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/2e274h6r

🚩 Check list:
✔Day pack
✔Lunch
✔Snack food
✔Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 litres)
✔Extra layer
✔Footwear suitable for muddy tracks
✔Hat
✔Sun Creme
✔Sun glasses
✔Rain protection
✔Plastic bags, change of clothes & shoes – so you don’t get mud and water in someone else’s car
✔First-aid Kit or items
✔Cell phone/camera
✔$15 cash/online to pay driver - if a passenger

🚩 🍔🍗🥂 For after hike snacks and drinks (Optional) : The Good Home Lincoln Road. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/2udkk8ke

🚩Those wishing to donate $2-$5 (or more) online directly, can use this is the bank account: 'Hiking Aotearoa' 06-0145-0782760-00 - Otherwise a cash donation is always appreciated. Donations are used for First aid kits, Meetup subscription, portable Radio communication devices, Inreach device subscription, and buying PLB's and any other device that needs to be repaired or replaced. Many thanks❤

🚩Please check out and follow us on Hiking Aotearoa's Facebook page, for some of the latest trips, Hiking information, and anything useful to do with hiking. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081783504106

🚩 RSVP question:
1. What is your transport situation for carpooling?
(A) Have transport, can offer rides
(B) Have no transport, need a ride
(C) Driving or passenger direct to Kuataika Track, Anawhata Road Car park

2. Do you understand if you are a direct driver, then you need to go to the finish at Kuataika Track, Anawhata Road, where a shuttle will be arranged to take you to the start?
(A) Yes understood - I will drive to Anawhata Road Car park at no later than 08:40
(B) N/A (I am either a passenger or driver coming from New World supermarket.

📌Mt Tahurangi - Camp at Crater lake (3 nights)

2026年9月02日 8:30 NZST

Jasmine Thai cafe, Jasmine Thai cafe, 43 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui, Taumarunui, NZ

This trip spans three nights (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at Mt Ruapehu. We will ascend to the summit Plateau of Mt Ruapehu, visit the crater lake, and reach the highest peak in the North Island, Mt Tahurangi (2797m). Our accommodations will include Delta Ridge Hut, along with two nights of camping near the alpine crater lake at approximately 2600m.

Participants are required to have crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, appropriate boots, and a tent. In addition to our ascent from the crater lake to Summit Col and Mt Tahurangi, we will also focus on practicing rope skills. In early 2027, some members of Hiking Aotearoa will take part in a three-day event at the Upper Tasman Glacier, and these individuals will receive priority for this trip. Therefore, you will also need a harness, a prussik loop, and an HMS carabiner. If you lack this equipment, you can rent crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, a climbing harness, a belay device, etc., from me. If your experience in alpine environments is limited, you are still welcome to join and learn fundamental mountaineering skills during this trip.

A general level of good fitness and the correct gear are essential. Regular participants and those who have completed more than three hikes with 'Hiking Aotearoa' will be given priority for this trip. If you tend to be impatient and prefer to run ahead of the group, please refrain from RSVPing, as it is crucial to remain together.

🚩 Summary of details:
📌 Duration: Whole trip is 4 days and 3 nights
📌 Thursday : Take Gondola to Knoll ridge, then walk 15 minutes to hut
📌 Friday: From the hut climb up to the crater lake
📌 Saturday : From the camp site climb up to Tahurangi
📌 Sunday : 2.5 hour descent (about 4km)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 4.0 - 5.0 (overall)
📌 Max attendees: 10 people
📌 Map of route: https://tinyurl.com/5brn874y
📌 Map of route on Saturday: https://tinyurl.com/msmmb3ce
📌 Payment due 1st August

📌Thursday :
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.

📌Friday :
We leave Delta Ridge hut early, and climb up the Whakapapa glacier, and head towards the crater lake. Somewhere near the crater lake we will set up camp.

📌Saturday:
From our camp we will 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 Thursday & Sunday lunch)
https://tinyurl.com/yyf2j37u

👉 2) Car Park, 'Top of the Bruce' Whakapapa
(Where we park our cars)
https://tinyurl.com/u5m9bxta

📌 Other information:
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9

🚩Time line (Guide only)

📌Thursday :
08:30 Suggested time to leave Auckland*
12:15 Arrive at Jasmine Thai cafe in Tauramanui & have lunch
13:00 Continue on to Whakapapa
14:00 Arrive at Top of the Bruce Car park
14:30 Take Gondola to Knoll Ridge terminal
15:00 Arrive at Delta Ridge Hut
17:44 Sunset
* Drivers will need to determine what time to leave Auckland so that they arrive in Tauramanui at
12:15, by using Google maps and allowing for passenger picks ups, stops etc.

📌 Friday :
06:30 Leave Delta Ridge hut
06:37 Sunrise
09:30 Arrive at Crater lake outlet
09:45 Pitch tents and set up camp
10:30 Visit crater lake
12:30 Back at camp
13:30 Practice climbing with rope
14:00 Back at camp
17:58 Sunset

📌 Saturday:
06:37 Sunrise
08:00 Start climb up to Summit col
10:30 Approx arrive at Summit
11:00 Rope skills practice
15:00 Approx back at camp
17:57 Sunset

📌 Sunday:
06:57 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up camp site
10:45 Arrive back at Delta Ridge hut
11:10 Take Gondola back to Car park
11:30 Back at car park
12:30 Arrive at Jasmine Thai cafe in Tauramanui & have lunch
13:30 Leave back to Auckland
17:15 Arrive back in Auckland

🚩Costs:
$40 for one night at hut (NZAC members $20)
$100 if a car passenger (based on 15 cents/km)*
$49 Gondola ride
$189 Total
*Drivers please do not take more than 2 passengers, as it makes it unfair on other drivers.

🚩 Check list of items to bring: https://tinyurl.com/3eaexp5e

🚩 Climbing gear rental: https://tinyurl.com/4xn4e66k

🚩 100 Tips for Alpine camps/climbs: https://tinyurl.com/yjdh7zhj

🚩 Accommodation: https://tinyurl.com/4mcmkux

🚩 To do list summary: https://tinyurl.com/2uphh2ey

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment by 1st August. 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 TBA . Be prepared for a possible change of date.

🚩 RSVP questions: https://tinyurl.com/4arsjw42

Base Camp Aoraki- Mt Cook 2027

2027年1月22日 8:00 NZDT

Auckland Domestic Airport, Andrew Mckee Avenue, Auckland, NZ

Welcome to Base Camp Mt Cook - Aoraki 2027. We are excited to announce our 10th anniversary of the annual extended multi-day Base Camp trip to the South Island, organized through Meetup. To commemorate this milestone, we have planned a special nine-day journey, featuring hikes and climbs in the Mt Cook region. This area holds significance as the site of our inaugural South Island Base Camp trips in 2018 and 2019.

The first event spanned just five days and included only 13 participants, with hikes that were less ambitious, yet enticing enough to encourage return visits. If the weather cooperates, this trip promises to be truly breathtaking. From January 23rd to January 31st, 2027, we will embark on hikes in and around Mt Cook on the South Island. Our itinerary includes flying into Christchurch, followed by driving two rental vans for approximately four hours southwest to Mt Cook village, where we will establish our base for hiking and climbing in the region.

Throughout most of our time there, the group will be divided, except on Days 1, 4, and 9. For those seeking more challenging multi-day hikes, there is an option to undertake a two-day trek over Ball Pass, followed by a three-day climbing expedition on the Upper Tasman Glacier, which will involve helicopter transport to and from the Tasman Saddle hut. If you are looking for an experience that offers a 'Wow factor,' then this is the event for you!

Group 2 will have slightly less demanding options, yet still feature remarkable hikes, including an overnight stay at the renowned Mueller Hut, which overlooks Mt Cook and Mt Sefton. Additionally, there is a three-day multi-day trek in the Two Thumbs range, which provides views of the Tussock land with the surreal sky blue Lake Tekapo beyond. On Day 4, both groups will come together to ascend Sefton Bivy and Hooker Hut for more stunning views.

Given the unpredictable weather conditions in the Mt Cook region, we have developed a contingency plan to substitute multi-day excursions, which will occur in the Two Thumbs Range close to Tekapo. To wrap up our adventures, similar to previous years, we will organize a 'Farewell Dinner' on our last evening. It is anticipated that a projector will be utilized to display photographs that commemorate and celebrate the 10 years of Base Camp events in the South island.

It is essential to thoughtfully evaluate the participants for this event, as ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and convenience of all attendees is paramount. We seek individuals who are physically fit, collaborative, experienced, considerate of others, and require minimal supervision. Participants who frequently attend Hiking Aotearoa events will be given priority over those who participate infrequently. While you may add your name to the waiting list for potential consideration, please note that there is no assurance of being moved to the 'going list,' even if you are at the top of the waiting list. Additional details are still being finalized, and further information will be provided soon.

(Hard group - Option 1)
Day 1: (everyone)
Governors Bush https://tinyurl.com/2vp7r9rn
-----------------------------------------------
2 day Multiday: Ball Pass https://tinyurl.com/22w566kk
Day 2: Car Park to Ball Pass camp
Optional alternative route: https://tinyurl.com/2ms4vy8b
Day 3: Ball Pass camp to road end
-----------------------------------------------
Day 4: Sefton Bivy & Hooker hut (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/54zjea5x
-----------------------------------------------
3 day Multiday: Tasman Saddle hut https://tinyurl.com/3d8rw89m
Day 5: Tasman Saddle hut to Hochstetter Dome
Day 6: Tasman Saddle hut to Mt Aylmer (TBC)
Day 7: Tasman Saddle hut to Mt Abel (TBC)
-----------------------------------------------
Day 8: Mueller Hut & Mt Ollivier https://tinyurl.com/4m3vvndt
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland

(Less Hard group - Option 2)
Day 1: (everyone)
Governors Bush https://tinyurl.com/2vp7r9rn
-----------------------------------------------
2 day Multiday: Mueller hut https://tinyurl.com/mkvaz3pm
Day 2: Car park to Mueller hut
Day 3: Mueller hut to car park
------------------------------------------------------
Day 4: Sefton Bivy & Hooker hut (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/54zjea5x
------------------------------------------------------
3 day Multiday: Two Thumbs range https://tinyurl.com/2h6urcbu
Day 5: Car park to Rex Simpson hut
Day 6: Rex Simpson hut to Beuzenberg Peak and back to hut
Day 7: Rex Simpson hut to car park
-------------------------------------------------------
Day 8:
a) Tasman Lake https://tinyurl.com/m8par5x9
b) Hooker Lake return https://tinyurl.com/2nn9emw6
c) Mt Sebastopol/Red Tarns https://tinyurl.com/2mvc2ebp
---------------------------------------------------------
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland
-------------------------------------------------------

Back up plans for multiday hikes, if the weather is poor, are all to the Two Thumbs range near Tekapo:
On day 2 and 3 for both Groups 1 & 2*,* then this is the alternative:
https://tinyurl.com/rrfr48xm
On day 5, 6, & 7 for Group 1, then these are the alternatives:
https://tinyurl.com/35csjhbh
or https://tinyurl.com/2ujdfu99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
For more Details: https://tinyurl.com/bdd3a8ay
Detailed Timetable: https://tinyurl.com/5y4wtpsp
Gear check list: https://tinyurl.com/52jafjd6
RSVP Questions: https://tinyurl.com/bdfk56uh
Upper Tasman event - Group 1: https://tinyurl.com/5nyr4yp3