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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. 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.

5 seats left
Zion Hill to Pararaha Valley

Zion Hill to Pararaha Valley

Karekare Beach Carpark, End of Karekare Road - off Piha Road., Carpark is on Right side of Road by Toilets, Auckland, NZ

On Saturday we will walk the Zion Hill Loop Track and also Pararaha Valley where we can stop for a break. Likely an early lunch.

Set in the wild beauty of the Waitākere Ranges, the recently re-opened Zion Hill Track Loop is a rewarding adventure for walkers looking for a challenging day out. This loop combines Zion Hill Track with sections of the historic tramway route through the sand dunes, climbing through coastal forest before descending to the dramatic west coast landscape.

Expect steep climbs, soft sand, and changing terrain as you make your way through regenerating bush, nīkau-filled gullies, wetlands, and coastal dunes. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Karekare Beach, the surrounding headlands, wetlands, and the Tasman Sea. Historic tramway remnants can still be spotted across the landscape, offering a glimpse into the area’s past.

The walk begins with a short five-minute walk from the Karekare car park (our meeting point) to Pōhutukawa Glade, where Zion Hill Track climbs steadily through coastal forest toward Mount Zion. After taking in the views, the track descends through lush gullies toward Pararaha Valley where we will have a look around and have an early lunch break. Thereafter we connect with the sandy tracks that lead to Tunnel Point and the coast. The route then follows sections of the historic tramway and Karekare Beach before returning through the dunes to complete the loop.

If the group finishes early, we could climb a small hill that over looks the river and waterfall near the car park.

This is a physically demanding track with steep climbs and extended sandy sections, best suited to walkers with a good level of fitness. As this is an exposed track, in the event of forecast high wind we may need to postpone to an alternative date.

9.50am Low tide 1.1m.
4.06pm High tide 3.5m.
I don’t foresee any issue with sea/tides walking the beach.

• Time: Approx. 4 - 4.5 hours
• Distance: 8.5 km loop plus Pararaha Valley explore
• Elevation gain: 347m (AllTrails)
• Difficulty: Intermediate tramping track – steep climbs and descents on steps and stairs.
• Terrain: Grass track, VERY WELL formed metal path, and soft & firm sand
• Pace: medium+, this is not a slow hike, we will go slow on the explore at Pararaha Valley
• Grade: 3.0 - 4.5+ hours

LOCATIONS
Karekare Beach Car Park

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QHfpvoPZ7tqxQTjFA?g_st=ic

There is a toilet available at the car park.

Refreshments (optional)
Workshop Bar, Kelston
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3p1zYuaNyJapHQn58?g_st=ic

SCHEDULE
8.45am last time to arrive
8.50am introductions
9.00am Hike Start
9.50am low tide 1.1m
Early break at Pararaha Valley having had a look around the area
1.30+pm approximate arrival back to Karekare Beach car park
2.00 +/- refreshments at Workshop Bar, Kelston (optional)
3.00 +/- depart for Auckland
4.06pm high tide

I have the Hike Start at 9.00am as the car park fills up, making it more difficult to get a park.

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 hike the steep climb and soft sand beach hike in the time prescribed?

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $25 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. Most of the track is great. Well groomed metal, board wall, stairs and steps. However we may have a look up a stream that is slippery and where you could get your feet wet!
    +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.

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.

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 steep climb and soft sand beach hike in the time prescribed?

Looking forward to a great day outdoors.

Regards

Moa Outdoors

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