About us
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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 or vaping.
9. Timeliness
Don't be late, you might get left behind.
Featured event
South Waikato cumecs - Jones Landing & Te Waihou - Blue Spring
As part of our South Waikato weekend, we will look at cumecs, megawatts and nephelometric turbidity when on Sunday we will walk to Jones Landing on the Waikato River and afterwards pop over to Te Waihou Blue Spring before heading for home.
Attendees can attend both Saturday (Maungatautari South) and Sunday and stay overnight or just do a single day. If you want to do both and stay please RSVP to BOTH EVENTS. Sunday will start early as I expect most will stay overnight. This event is only realistic for those living in Hamilton, Waikato or nearby if you are not staying overnight.
Everyone goes on the Wait List before getting moved to Going or Not Going. You are required to Prepay within 3 days of being moved to Going or you will be moved to Not Going. Please do not rsvp unless you are committed to Going as no refunds or exchanges will be provided for withdrawals. This event requires reliability for all participants due to accommodation and transport arrangements.
Our first track is part of the Waikato River Cycling Trails following New Zealand's longest river the Mighty Waikato. This short section will take us from Arapuni Village to the popular Jones Landing Campsite located in a beautiful reserve by the Waikato River. The trail head is located near Arapuni Swingbridge. We walk past Arapuni Dam and hydro generation power station. Due to closure of Arapuni Dam for strengthening, our hike will start on the Arapuni side of the Waikato River. Drivers get organised.
After lunch, we will drive to Te Waihou Blue Spring, Leslie Road, Putararu for a short walk to the main area at Blue Spring. We may go a bit further but this is up to the Host on the day. This location is nearby and takes the appropriate amount of time, to allow drivers to get back to Auckland before it gets dark. We are chasing cumecs rather than kilometres today.
THE DIRT - Jones Landing
• Time: Approx. 3.5-3.75 hours including break
• Distance: 10 km out and back
• Elevation gain: 140m (AllTrails seems to overstate this at over 500)
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate
• Terrain: good benched track with some a bit worn. In places a bit slippery but its a soft landing with little risk.
• Grade: 2.5 moderate
THE DIRT - Te Waihou Blue Spring, Leslie Road, Putararu
• Time: Approx. 1 hour
• Distance: tbc km out and back
• Elevation gain: tbc m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: good track
• Grade: 1.5
OVERNIGHTING
If you are backing up from Maungatautari on Saturday...
ACCOMMODATION - book your own in conjunction with other Attendees at Top10 Cambridge or elsewhere ONCE MOVED TO GOING. I looked at a number of of local shared facility type options but it didn't seem viable.
https://www.cambridgetop10.co.nz/accommodation
I understand that TOP10 has a cancellation policy as follows, however check when you book.
75% refund if cancelled up to 72 hours prior to booking.
0% refund if cancelled within 72 hours of booking.
REFRESHMENTS - Saturday night dinner for those the wish to join at The Good Union, 98 Victoria Street, Cambridge.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x2Lsbv3TdUKVoaP5A
This establishment has Good George beers available. If you want to repent find a quiet spot inside. Let me know if you will attend so I have numbers in your rsvp.
Having enjoyed dinner together on Saturday, we will not have drinks together on Sunday afternoon. Drivers are encouraged to take a break if they feel the need. The day finishes near to SH1.
Hike start and finish - Jones Landing
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSGSb5uyqZqCupXT9
There are toilets available nearby at
Arapuni Public Toilet
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K3qkVAbiJR8bDCJu5
or Rhubarb Cafe for pre start coffee
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GJ6KL5BoBPnVKt8q9
Te Waihou Blue Spring Leslie Road entrance
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zZ53iBbApKyUL7TX7
SCHEDULE
6.10am sunrise
8.45am last time to arrive
8.55am introductions
9.00am Hike Start - Jones Landing
12.30-12.45pm Hike Finish (includes a half hour break)
12.45-1.30pm lunch
1.30-2.00pm drive to second hike
2.00pm Hike start - Blue Spring visit
3.00pm Hike finish
3.10pm depart for Auckland
5.10pm arrive Auckland
7.59pm sunset
LOCAL INFORMATION
https://www.engineeringnz.org/programmes/heritage/engineering-heritage-records/power-stations/arapuni-power-station-and-dam/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arapuni_Power_Station
The Power of the River Film 1947 from Archives New Zealand takes you back to a time that Arapuni was constructed. On Youtube
https://youtu.be/GmY52eeM2ZM?si=OoFFX7E2Dac2fP5G
https://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/our-district/sport-and-recreation/parks-and-reserves/te-waihou-walkway-blue-spring
The cost for this hike is $5. Please prepay online Moa Outdoors new bank details. I prefer not to manage cash on this one. Thanks in advance for your bank transfer once moved to Going.
Noel K
BANK
If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and leave a review.
RSVP QUESTION
1. Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time prescribed? Y/N
2. Staying at Cambridge Top10 and self booking? Y/N
3. Group dinner on Saturday at Good Union? Y/N
RSVP opens Sunday 13 September 8.00am.
HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers;
Day trippers $40 return
Overnighters $45 return (4 people)
Overnighters $60 return (3 people more gear for overnight)
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 organizers, we will also monitor and help out. Please be organized 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. Plan ahead and consider perishability.
- 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
- As a driver, plan your route
- 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, if appropriate or going home directly after the event.
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?
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. Given the distance travelled and investment for attendees, turnaround will happen on the Wait List for this one. This means that if we don't know your ability/fitness, you are likely to be moved to Not Going. If you would like to attend and are a new member please jump in on one of our 3.0 or lower graded events. This is for your safety and benefit of the group. If you are yet to demonstrate your reliability, we may also take this into account.
Looking forward to a great day outdoors.
Regards
Moa Outdoors
Upcoming events
14
Atiu Creek Regional Park
atiu creek regional park, Auckland, NZOn Saturday we will walk Atiu Creek Regional Park. This park, alongside the other areas of the Okahukura Peninsula, have had a long history of occupation by Tamaki Maori. During the colonial era of New Zealand, the park was forested. Most of the trees were milled for timber, and after WWI, the land was subdivided into farm blocks.
The park was gifted to the Auckland Council by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat in 2006, whose family had first acquired the land in 1951.
Read about it here;
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/103736692/philanthropists-legacy-lives-on-at-atiu-creek-regional-parkWe expect the highlight of the walk will be the newly born lambs- its lambing season!
We will start walk from Oruawharo river trail clockwise, (red markers) having lunch at the campground, then to complete the kauri point loop track (orange markers) before we get back to the carpark.
This loop poses no challenge to most hikers. There are no stream crossings.THE DIRT -
• Time: Approx. 3.5-4 hours
• Distance: 10-11km loop
• Elevation gain: 150 odd m
• Difficulty: not difficult. we will hike at moderate pace. but it is muddy in a few places - winter
• Terrain: easy 60% is walking on rock roads, 40% walking through paddocks, some tracks muddy.
• Grade: 2Online topo map:
Atiu Creek Regional Park
Google satelite map:
Atiu Creek Regional ParkLOCATIONS
Hike start and finish
Atiu Creek Regional Park car parking
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NirNHary3AtdSmWg8There are 2 toilets available nearby at the large car park (western side). And 3 toilets at the campground where we will lunch.
REFRESHMENTS - optional
Kaukapakapa Hotel, 3 North Crescent Kaukapakapa
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJ469npci4eiR6YXASCHEDULE
6.56am sunrise
10.00am last time to arrive
10.10am introductions
10.15am Hike start
2.15pm Hike finish
3.00pm refreshments at Kaukapakapa Hotel - optional
4.00pm depart for Auckland
4.45pm arrive Auckland
5.52pm sunsetLOCAL INFORMATION
The cost for this hike is $5. Please pay online Moa Outdoors new bank details or pay the host cash on the day.
Noel Keenan
12-3238-0727203-01If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and also leave a review.
RSVP QUESTION
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can complete the hikes in the time prescribed?HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $20 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, dont 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 2L 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. We use Google Maps.
- 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.
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?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.Looking forward to a great day outdoors.
Regards
Moa Outdoors
50 attendees
Collins Drive Loop
Broken Hills Campsite, Puketui Valley Rd, Coromandel, NZBroken Hills, broken dreams - an adventure at Collins Drive, Hikuai. This year, we will drive another 5 minutes so that you won’t need to wade across the river at the start and end. Now who was it that slipped in the river last year?
Did you know that NZ has over 500 varieties of moss? On this walk, take a moment to look at them as you gasp for air climbing to the Drive, the moss is at its Spring peak.
Broken Hills is accessed from Puketui Valley Road (SH25a) and is 1 hour 45 minute drive from Auckland.
It’s optional to catch up half way at The Corner Stone Cafe, SH2, Mangatawhiri.
The 500m long Collins Drive provides an opportunity to experience a real underground mine system. This tunnel was driven through the hill in a fruitless attempt to find a quartz reef with payable ore. Dangerous shafts have been boarded up but there are still active mines in the area.
You will need a torch for the 15-min boardwalk through the tunnel. Turn your torch off near the tunnel entrances to (no promises) see the glow-worms. We may enter in small groups at intervals to have a better experience. Patience is required. We will approach Collins Drive in a loop track starting near the meeting point at Puketui Road end. Look out for a small landing 5 min short of Collins Drive marks the start of an aerial cableway that carried ore hoppers to the Golden Hills stamper battery. From the west end of Collins Drive, a 10-min climb to the ridge will bring us to the Main Range Track. Let’s be clear about something….. these climbs are steep!!!! From here there is an option for some (or all) members of the group to push on a bit further up Paton Stream Dam Track, perhaps as far as Point 463. There will be a time limit on this additional high intensity cardio. The remainder of the group can enjoy some extra time at the first lunch at The Lookout. Thereafter we will continue the loop and head back down a sometimes challenging track and eventually head towards the Broken Hills camp site to take in this lovely location, toilet and second lunch or just relax in the shade if it’s a sunny day. It’s a beautiful landscape we think you’ll enjoy spending time here. Required - Head torch turn OFF for best chance of glow worms near entry and exit.
Watch your head on the low roof in the drive.THE DIRT
- Distance 8-10k (or more if you go to Point 463).
- Ascent - 324m (or more) + Duration - we aim for 4 hours including rest stops.
- Grade - 3.0 BUT
- ...parts are very challenging
- ...high work rate
Because the grade is above 3, for new members, you will need to reply to a message we send you, where you will confirm that you can complete such a grade. We would prefer you walk with us on an easier walk before you do the harder grade walks.
Afterwards we will retire to a country pub, The Red Fox, Maramarua.
SCHEDULE
8.40am+ arrive Corner Stone Cafe (optional)
9.00am leave Corner Stone Cafe
9.50am arrive and introduction
10.00am Hike start
2.00pm Hike finish
3.00pm Red Fox, Maramarua
4.00pm depart for AucklandLOCATIONS
The Corner Stone Cafe, Mangatawhiri https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ytttVg4NMLwkymU6?g_st=ipcPuketui Valley Road, Hikuai
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HiL7HSCmonL1jLf28?g_st=icRed Fox Tavern, Maramarua https://maps.app.goo.gl/rKjMJgf4ExjhScfk6?g_st=ipc
We are still excited about this one!
The cost for this hike is $5. Please pay online Moa Outdoors new bank details or pay the host cash on the day.
Noel K
BANKIf you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and leave a review.
RSVP QUESTION
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can hike this track, including a bit of high intensity cardio/steps in the time prescribed?RSVP opens Sunday 30 August at 8.00am.
HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $28 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, dont 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 2L 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.
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?We walk as a group. If you are too slow, this holds up the whole group. After the first couple of kilometres, if you are not keeping up, we will ask you to return to the carpark and wait for the hike to conclude. If you have not walked with us before, can you walk up Mt Eden at a good pace, without the need to stop? If you are uncertain, message the organisers, and we can help you decide.
Looking forward to a great day outdoors.
Regards
Moa Outdoors
2 attendees
Past events
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