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About us

Moa Outdoors + is a non-profit meetup hiking group dedicated to organizing safe, enjoyable, and scenic 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 recently taken over from David as the lead. David will stay on as Co Organiser and lead some hikes from time to time. 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, I have taken on David’s group to continue the his 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 working hard on broadening the menu to cater for a wide range tastes. 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

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 its suitable for you. If you're not sure, please message the host and they can share some more information with you.

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.

Waiheke - Matiatia, Owhanake & Oneroa

Waiheke - Matiatia, Owhanake & Oneroa

Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay Street, Auckland, NZ

On Saturday we will walk a loop on Waiheke Island - north. This will take us from Matiatia to Owhanake to Oneroa and beyond to Moa St for a coast to coast experience.

Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the track is often muddy and slippery in places. Rain within a few days of our walk is problematic for safety reasons. If the weather is not suitable, we will postpone and try to find a good day within the next 6 months. We have a substitute walk ready, so unless the weather is really bad, you will definitely walk this day, hopefully on Waiheke!

We will initially be following the Matiatia walk, high tide option, stunning views over the harbour, round the cliff tops, mansions and sculptures, before we rejoin the roads leading into Oneroa, and down to the beach. We will take a moment in Oneroa, another toilet stop beside the beach, take in the ambience, likely find a weather conditions suitable lunch spot, then we continue across the Island down, of course, Moa Street to Blackpool beach. We can stroll along the beach reserve, stop and look at the ship wreck at Church Bay, before taking in the island life walking the back streets up to Island Bay Gelato. From there we will take the Low Track back to the ferry, arriving well before departure time, on the hour.

Whilst it is possible to buy ferry tickets before departure, it is recommended that sailors book in advance online here... https://www.fullers.co.nz/booking/

***THE DIRT***
• Time: Approx. .5 hours
• Distance: 11 to 12k
• Elevation gain: 200+m
• Difficulty: moderate (AllTrails)
• Terrain: various slippery surfaces, road walking, beach walking
• Grade: for our regulars, this one will be a walk in the park, only heavy breathing when you can’t decide which flavour gelato

***LOCATIONS***
Downtown Ferry Terminal
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vt4M9aMVvKEPBLgZA

Toilets are available at Downtown Ferry, Waiheke Ferry and island terminal as well as Oneroa.

Book your ticket online here
https://www.fullers.co.nz/booking/

***REFRESHMENTS***
Lunch break in Oneroa and ice Creams on the Island. Beer O’clock on the ferry.

***SCHEDULE***
Catch the Fullers ferry from Downtown Ferry Terminal - cost $62.00 return - purchase your own tickets.
***8.45am last time to arrive at the depart point***
9.00am Fullers ferry departs for Waiheke
9.50 am Disembark, wait inside the ferry building, toilets, coffee
9.55am introductions
10.00am Hike Start
3.30pm Hike finish
3.45pm last time to be at the Ferry terminal
4.00 departure Waiheke goes to Devonport
4.50pm arrival back to Downtown ferry terminal and depart for home

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
12-3238-0727203-01

If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup.

***RSVP QUESTION***
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time

***HOUSEKEEPING***
CAR POOLING:
Make your own arrangement for car pooling on this one.

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***

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