What we’re about
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
Collins Drive Loop
The Corner Stone Cafe, 26 State Highway 25, Mangatarata 3576, Mangatarata, NZBroken Hills, broken dreams - an adventure at Collins Drive, Hikuai.
Broken Hills is accessed from (narrow) Puketui Road (SH25a) and is 1 hour 45 minute drive from Auckland.
We plan to catch up half way at The Corner Stone Cafe, SH2, Mangatawhiri. Parking space at Puketui Road is limited to around 8 cars.
Hence cars will need to be well occupied. We intend to give priority to regular active hikers on this event. Everyone will go on the waitlist and organisers will move to going.
The start of the hike requires a crossing of a small wide tributary to the Tairua River. You can expect this to be at knee height +/- depending on how tall you are! We will look at rainfall prior and send a car ahead if we feel this is a risk. Hiking poles and pairing+ up with others (holding backpack straps) is a good way to get reassurance and cross safely.
Check the link in the comments. **Collins Drive Loop**
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.
No phone lights please, if possible. Optional - Helmet as there is a low roof in the drive.
-
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
Afterwards we will retire to a country pub, The Red Fox, Maramarua.
Schedule for the day
8.40am+ arrive Corner Stone Cafe
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 Auckland Locations
The Corner Stone Cafe, Mangatawhiri https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ytttVg4NMLwkymU6?g_st=ipc
Puketui Road, Hikuai https://maps.app.goo.gl/q6kr6jtGkgciLoV1A?g_st=ipc
Red Fox Tavern, Maramarua https://maps.app.goo.gl/rKjMJgf4ExjhScfk6?g_st=ipc
Please comment if you can- Drive/your area/seats available/mobile
- Passenger/your area/mobile
We are excited about this one.
23 attendees-
Te Tuhi to Wairere Falls Day Hike
Te Tuhi Road, Okauia, NZ🚩Please read the details carefully before RSVP❗
👓 Description:
Kia Ora everyone - on 13th December (Saturday), we are going to hike a semi loop in Kaimai Ranges with the highlight of the day being a visit to the beautiful Wairere falls.
─────
🕒 Duration: up to 5-6 hours hike & explore, including stops.
📏Estimated distance: 13-14 km.
🧗🏻 Estimated total ascent: 650m.
🚶 SPEED: Medium slow.
💪 DIFFICULTY: 4.00 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.
─────
🅿 meeting place options:- Te Tuhi Road carpark (All passengers disembark with their gear and stand by).
- Wairere Falls Track Carpark (All drivers, including direct drivers, please park their vehicles and wait for the transfer shuttle).
─────
🛰️ Google satellite Map:
Google Satellite Map
🌎 Online topo map:
Topo Map
─────
🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
PLEASE CHECK THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE HIKE DETAILS
─────
🚾TOILETS:
Public Toilet at Te Aroha Town Centre (Before the Hike)
Toilet at the end of the hike (After the hike - Wairere falls carpark)
─────
🚩 REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND:
-- Be a member of Moa Social Hiking.
-- Follow our instructions based on safety concern and team management procedures.
-- Be signed up on Going list before event starts.
-- NO JEANS, GUESTS, CHILDREN, ANIMALS OR SMOKERS.
-- Agreed with the RSVP questions.
─────
🔔 TIME GUIDELINE:
10:00 - Good time to arrive Te Puhi Road Carpark and to drop off all passengers.
10:15 - All drivers(including direct drivers) park their car at Wairere Falls Track Carpark, lock the car, take everything you need, and standby for the shuttle.
10:30 - Everyone meets at Te Puhi Road Carpark.
10:35 - Introduction and Start the hike.
16:00 - Approx end hike.
16:30-19:30 - swimming and dinner (optional)
19:30 - Approx drive back to Auckland.
─────
🚗☎️TRANSPORT AND CARPOOLING:
👉Carpooling is recommended due to the high price of fuel. Please comment when you rsvp whether you need a 1) lift / can offer lifts , 2) which part of Auckland you come from and 3) your mobile number (optional).
⚠️Making sure your meetup private message is available to communicate and check it regularly.
👉$30/person recommended to pay for the driver.
─────
🚚 BRING:
✔️ At least 2L drinking water.
✔️ Lunch or snack food.
✔️ Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface.
✔️Clothing suitable for winter.
✔️Sun and rain protection.
✔️Additional clean clothing & footwear to change into after hike.
✔️First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).
✔️Swimming gear (optional).
─────
✍🏻 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 refueled or recharged ready to go.
👉 Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the pub or going home directly after the hike.
─────
🏊♂️After hike socializing (Optional): After our hike, we invite you to join us for enjoyable socializing at the swim zone, followed by dining options
1 Swim Zone ($7/per person):
Address: Te Aroha Domain, Off Boundary St, Te Aroha 3320
2 Dining option: The Grand Tavern:
Address: 81 Whitaker Street, Te Aroha 3320
─────
🦺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.
─────
📝 ADDITIONAL NOTES:
⚠️ Safety first.
⚠️ Be punctual.
⚠️ Stay engaged and communicate with fellow hikers to be an active part of the group.
⚠️ There are stream crossings on this hike, so expect muddy and wet feet.
─────
💰Koha: A small gold coin gift of contribution ($2 - $5) will be greatly appreciated to buy safety gear and to cover for the track safety control assessment expenses. For those wishing to contribute directly, here is the bank account: 12-3034-0594293-000 (Moa Social Hiking) - Thank you.
─────
📸 Instagram photos:
We will select 3 the most iconic photos and upload on our Instagram account, please follow us @ INSTAGRAM.Looking forward to seeing you all 😊.
David (022.001.7621)
2 attendees- A$95.00
Rotoroa Island🏝️Day Hike + Shared picnic lunch(B.Y.O)
Explore Booking Kiosk Quay Street, Viaduct, Auckland 1010, Auckland, al, NZPlease read details carefully before RSVP❗
Kia Ora everyone - on 24th January (Saturday), we have an exciting excursion planned as we embark on a ferry ride to Rotoroa Island. Our day's adventure will be a memorable day hike, allowing us to explore the scenic tracks and captivating coastline that encircle the island.
Anticipate breathtaking panoramas of the Hauraki Gulf, discover pristine sandy beaches, and savor the thrill of navigating the rocky coast. We'll also come together for a delightful bring-your-own picnic lunch. Following the hike, there's an opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim or engage in some beach games at the charming Ladies Bay Beach.Rotoroa Island is not just a natural wonderland; it's also home to some of New Zealand's most cherished and rare native birds, including the takahe, kiwi, and others. Beyond its natural splendor, the island boasts a rich and colorful history that we'll have the chance to uncover.
─────
⛴️ COST:
●The cost for a return ferry ticket is $95 .You can conveniently do so by clicking on the following link:❌ FERRY TICKET CANCELLATION POLICY
─────
🕒 Duration: up to 7 hours hike & explore, including stops.
🚶 SPEED: Medium slow (slower than medium in some sections to explore).
💪 DIFFICULTY: 1.5 on our 1-5 scale.
─────
🛰️ GOOGLE MAP:
google map
🌏 Online topo map of Rotoroa Island track:
topo map
─────
🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
Exact hike route is not decided yet and will be decided on the day.
─────
🚾TOILETS:
At Home Bay, Ladies Bay, and Men's Bay
─────
🚩 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 downtown ferry terminal with the group.
-- NO JEANS, GUESTS,CHILDREN,ANIMALS OR SMOKERS.
-- Agreed with the RSVP questions.
─────
📌 meeting place:
meeting place
─────
🔔 TIME GUIDELINE:
09:30 - Good time to arrive at the explorer kiosk, meet & greet;
09:45 - Approx get on ferry;
10:00 - Ferry departs Downtown;
11:20- Approx ferry arrives at Rotoroa Island;
11:30 - Approx to start the hike;
13:00 - approx to finish the hike ;
13:10 - having shared picnic & swimming & playing beach games @ ladies bay beach;
15:30 - packed and on the way back to the wharf (ice cream optional);
16:10 - Approx get on ferry returns to Auckland;
17:30 - approx get back to donwtown ferry terminal.
─────
🚚 BRING:
✔️ food (drink) to share with everyone ;
✔️ At least 2L drinking water;
✔️Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface;
✔️Clothing suitable for early summer;
✔️Sun protection;
✔️Clean clothing & footwear to change into after hike;
✔️First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches);
✔️Picnic set & cleaning gear;
✔️Beach mat& blanket;
✔️Swimming gear (optional);
✔️bring your own beach games (optional);
✔️Sense of humor.
─────
🦺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.
─────
🤝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. WE HAVE A VERY CLEAR POLICY TO LOOK AFTER EVERYONE.
─────🍕🍔🍰🍟🍻 Shared picnic lunch (BYO) :
You're welcome to bring any food you'd like to share with fellow hikers.
If you have specific dietary needs or food requirements, you can bring your own lunch.
─────
📝ADDITIONAL NOTES:
We would greatly appreciate any volunteers who are willing to assist in setting up the shared picnic and helping with the cleanup after the picnic.
─────
☕🍦🍻After hike socializing (Optional): After our hike, we invite you to join us for our enjoyable socializing Afternoon Tea @ The Brit Pub & Eatery.
─────
💲 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) - Thank you.
─────
📸 Instagram photos:
We will select 5 the most iconic photos and upload on our Instagram account, please follow us @ INSTAGRAM.
─────Looking forward to see you all 😊.
David (022.001.7621)
1 attendee
Past events
34
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,288
