About us
Moa Social Hiking is a non-profit meetup hiking group dedicated to organizing safe, enjoyable, and scenic hiking adventures in Auckland. We warmly welcome hikers of all levels from around the globe, inviting you to experience the natural splendor of Aotearoa with us. Beyond hiking, we offer ample opportunities for photography, socializing, and making new friends.
My name is David, and I have been an avid hiker in New Zealand since the early 2010s. Following the challenges of COVID-19, I believe now is the perfect time to establish a social hiking group that not only organizes hikes but also fosters community through social events.
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 conceived the idea of creating a year-round roster system, meticulously planned 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 our hikers. 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 a social hiking group, we focus on easy to intermediate hikes, with the occasional challenging hike during the summer months. Moa Social Hikings prides itself on fostering a friendly and inclusive group culture. We encourage open communication, mutual care, cultural exchange, and empathy among our members.
We look forward to embarking on many adventures with you 😊.
Team Moa Social Hiking
Upcoming events
3
Karamu South & North
Grand Bar, 1 Courthouse Lane, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland, NZKia Ora, everybody:
On 11th April (Saturday) ,we will walk the Karamu South Track followed by Karamu North Track both of which form part of the Te Araroa Trail. These tracks are described by DOC as; South - intermediate tramping track, 8k one way, 195m ascent, 3 hours. North - open farm land, 3k one way, 120m ascent, 45 minutes. + 11k + up to 3 hours 45 minutes + 315m + grade 3.0 Having dropped hikers at the (south) start, drivers will go to the (north) finish point and be picked up and returned to the start point. We will start at the southern most point, parking at Fillery Road.
There’s about 5 spaces but room elsewhere to park without inconveniencing others. Heading eastwards along Kaniwhaniwha Stream, crossing a tributary before climbing into the bush.
There is a steep climb that will get your heart going. Parts of this track will likely be slippery when wet. Under foot conditions in dry weather are firm but dimpled surfaces. In the wet, the ground will likely be pretty soft. Look out for some large tōtara and kahikatea. We can expect to cross gentle rolling pasture studded with outcrops of limestone.
It is possible, if there is a faster group, these hikers could take in a short 3k detour (additional 1.5-2k) in a semi circular clockwise direction beginning at 4k (immediately east of the airstrip) and head around the base of Point 324 and rejoin the Karamu at 7k. We regroup for lunch before Old Mountain Road.
On a good day it’s possible to see great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Mt Karioi, a wind farm and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city and Maungatautari and even Mt Te Aroha to the wider east! The track finishes on the south side of Old Mountain Road. The Karamu Walkway North starts on the other side of Old Mountain Road. This walkway is across private land so respect the owner. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge. At times, this differs to the marked Topo route.
The track finishes at the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan State Highway 23. This hike is predominately open country and as such is exposed to the elements sun, wind & rain. For this reason, we will have an alternative date (7 days after event), if the weather isn’t suitable on the planned date. It is important to note; + Keep to the marked route - may differ to Topo. + Do not disturb stock. + Use stiles not gates.
If you must climb a gate, do so at the hinge and be sure to leave it as you find it open or closed/secure. Afterwards, we will adjourn to the Backyard Pub in Whatawhata.
Important locations;
1. The Village Cafe, Whatawhata. There is a toilet available. https://maps.app.goo.gl/p45tNTaBqRFxsnv37?g_st=ipc
2. Fillery Road, Karamu - hike start & car park. All cars meet here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MnYeSHDAUiNXPV5n8?g_st=ipc
3. Raglan Road, SH23 - hike finish. Car shuttle point. After dropping passengers, all drivers go here, for pick up and return to start. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hg7SyBn1bEyk538P8?g_st=ipc Schedule for the day 8.50am Latest time to meet at The Cafe, Whatawhata.There is a toilet available. 9.10am Drivers leave The Village Cafe 9.30am Drivers drop passengers at Fillery Road (20 mins drive). Passengers wait 50 mins. 9.55am Drivers go to Raglan Road, SH23 to be collected.
Timetable:
10.20am all arrive and introductions.
**10.30am Start hike **
2.30pm hike finishes at Raglan - Road SH23. 2.45pm The Backyard Gastro Pub, Whatawhata.
3.45pm depart for Auckland.
RSVP question **IMPORTANT RSVP** DRIVERS GET PRIORITY.
Please answer the RSVP question. If your answer is incomplete, you will not be moved to going list. RSVP closes on Thursday.Looking forward to seeing you all.
Team of Moa Social Hiking.
1 attendee
Mt William Walkway (puketutu) + Pokeno ice cream (optional)
McMillan Road, Mangatāwhiri, NZPlease read details carefully before RSVP.
Kia Ora everyone - on 2nd May (Saturday), we are going south of the Bombay hills to hike Mt William and mt Puketutu one-way return. This walkway includes the summit with expansive views of the surrounding countryside, rolling green hills with farm animals, and native forest in Mt William Scenic Reserve.
✨ Duration: up to 4-5 hours hike & explore, including stops.
✨ Estimated distance: 8-10 km
✨ Estimated total ascent: 480m
✨ SPEED: Medium slow (slower than medium in some sections to explore).
✨ DIFFICULTY: 3.0 on our 1-5 scale.
✨ If you RSVP, then if you are not able to go. Please Change RSVP to NO as soon as possible . Otherwise, you may be marked "no show", 3 "no show" and you will be stopped from attending for 6 months.
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✨ GOOGLE MAP:
✨ Online topo map of mt william track:
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✨ HIKE DETAILS:
Exact hike route is not decided yet and will be decided on the day.
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✨ TOILETS:
NO TOILET in this track, so you may have to use the public toilet in Bombay, here is the address:
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🚩 REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND:
-- Be a member of Moa Social Hikings.
-- Be signed up on Going list before event starts.
-- Be able to walk back to the carpark with the group.
-- NO JEANS, GUESTS,CHILDREN,ANIMALS OR SMOKERS.
-- Agreed with the RSVP questions.
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✨ meeting place :
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✨ TRANSPORT AND CARPOOLING:
Carpooling is highly recommended due to the high price of fuel. Please comment when you rsvp whether you need a lift / can offer lifts, which part of Auckland ;
make sure your meetup private message is available to communicate and check it regularly ;
$20/person(fuel engine & hybrid powered) or $10/person(EV) recommended to pay for the driver.
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✨ TIME GUIDELINE:
11:00 - Good time to arrive at the carpark, meet & greet;
11:10 - Latest time to arrive at the carpark and get ready;
11:11- Introduction;
11:15 Approx start hike;
15:30 - Approx end hike (depends on how fast we walk) optionally go to Pokeno ;
16:00 - Approx return to city;
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✨Check list:
✔ At least 2L drinking water;
✔ Lunch or snack food;
✔ Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface;
✔ Clothing suitable for early spring (e.g merino layer);
✔ Sun & rain protection;
✔ Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing;
✔ Clean clothing & footwear to change into after hike;
✔ First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches);
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✨ PREPARATION:
It is important to be well prepared. Before we meet:
Know how to get to all meeting places.
Study hike details & map well.
Prepare everything you need to bring.
If you are the driver, have car fuelled or recharged ready to go.
Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the ice cream shop or go home directly after the hike;
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✨ BIOSECURITY INFOMATION:
To help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback disease all shoe must be free of soil and seeds.
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✨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.
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✨First Timers & Regulars:
Welcome First Timers to MoaSocialHiking, we look forward to meeting you. Please DO DOT BE SHY if you have no hiking experience or if you worry you are too slow, here is the home to take care of you. WE HAVE A VERY CLEAR POLICY TO LOOK AFTER EVERYONE.
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✨ 🍦 ☕ 🍔🍗 🥂 After hike option :
Original Pokeno ice cream & coffee shop is one of the best ice cream shop in Auckland since 1990s. They serve the good quality ice cream, which I recommend to go if you are free after the hike.
Address: Pokeno ice cream
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✨ ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Be on time (For example, if GPS estimate time is one hour, you may leave at least 1.5 hours to travel). We are NOT going to wait for late hikers after 11:10.
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✨A small gold coin gift of contribution will be greatly appreciated to buy safety gear. For those wishing to contribute directly, here is the bank account: 12-3034-0594293-00 (Moa Social Hikings) - Many thanks
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✨ Keep updating:
After signing up, keep an eye on comments for any updates.
Alternatively, you may follow us on Instagram at :
https://www.instagram.com/moasocialhikings/
AS WE WILL KEEP UPDATING ALL DETAILS ON INSTAGRAM.
Looking forward to see you all 😊.
David (022.001.7621)
1 attendee
Past events
37
Group links
Organizers
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