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 (4+)
See all- Hakarimata WalkwayParker Road Carpark, Huntly
🚩Please read details carefully before RSVP.
👓 Description:
Kia Ora everyone - on 17th May (Saturday) , we are going to Ngaruawahia in Waikato region for a one way hike in Hakarimata Range. Highlights include great views from summit tower,lookout with stunning view, a variety of native forest, meadows, and step climbing workout.
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⏰ Duration: up to 6.5-7.5 hours hike & explore, including stops.
📏 Estimated distance: 11-13 km
🧗🏻 Estimated total ascent: 825 m
🚶 SPEED: Slow (slower than medium in some sections).
💪 DIFFICULTY: 3.50-3.75 on our 1-5 scale.
❗️ A reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
🤷♀️ 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:
google satellite map
🌏 Online topo map:
Online Topo Map
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🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
Our hike begins at Parker Road Carpark, where we’ll join the Hakarimata Walkway and head toward the Summit Tower.
From the summit, we’ll turn left onto the Summit Track, descending a long series of stairs through lush forest. This part of the track can be steep in places, so take your time and watch your step.
The walk is moderately challenging and takes approximately 6–7 hours including breaks. Good footwear, water, and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
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🚾 TOILETS:
Public Toilet before the Hike to use (recommended)
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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 :- Parker Road Carpark (All passengers disembark with their gear and stand by).
- Hakarimata Ranges public carpark (All drivers, including direct drivers, please park their vehicles and wait for the transfer shuttle organized by me).
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🚗📞 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).
⚠️ Make sure your meetup private message is available to communicate and check it regularly.
$20/person recommended to pay for the driver.
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🔔 TIME GUIDELINE:
09:00 – Good time to drop off passengers at the Parker Road Carpark, then drive to the Hakarimata Ranges public carpark.
09:20 – Shuttle departs (for drivers) from the Hakarimata Ranges public carpark (with or without you – don’t be late!).
09:41 – Brief introduction and hike overview.
09:45 – Approximate start of the hike.
16:30 – Approximate end of the hike.
17:00 – Optional to visit Waingaro Hot Springs.
18:00 – Optional group dinner.
19:30 – Approximate return time to Auckland.
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🚚 WHAT TO BRING:
✔ At least 2L drinking water;
✔ Lunch or snack food;
✔ Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface;
✔ Clothing suitable for winter (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);
✔ Swimming gear (optional);
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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 refueled or recharged ready to go.
➔Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the hot pool&dinner or go home directly after the hike;
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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 :
It is optional to drive to Waingaro Hot Spring for the hot pool and dinner as optional after the hike (Adult $16, slide: additional $8).
Address: Waingaro Hot Springs Hotel.
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📝 ADDITIONAL NOTES:
⚠️Safety first.
⚠️Be on time.
⚠️Keen to communicate with other hikers.
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💰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.
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📸 Instagram photos:
We will select 5 the most iconic photos and upload on our Instagram account, please follow us @ our Instrgram Account.Looking forward to seeing you all 😊.
David Z (0220017621)
- Pukekohe 3 Summits Walk2120, Pukekohe
Please read details carefully before RSVP❗
Kia Ora, everyone - on 7th June (saturday), we are going to Pukekohe for a urban & rural walk . This loop includes Pukekohe hill, cape hill, the knoll (or rock, and roseville park). It starts from Pukekohe train station, and will be a good opportunity to explore Pukekohe area.
🕒 Duration: up to 5-6 hours hike & explore, including stops.
📏 Estimated distance: 14-16 km (in total)
🧗🏻 Estimated total ascent: Approx 490 m
🚶 SPEED: Medium slow (slower than medium in some sections to explore). I am hoping to complete this hike in a more relaxed way and a couple more breaks will be arranged. I appreciate our fast members to be patient and NOT go ahead of the group.
💪 DIFFICULTY: 3.5 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 SATELLITE MAP:
OUR ROUTE ON THE GOOGLE MAP
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🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
Exact hike route is not decided yet and will be announced on the day.
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🚾 TOILETS:
At the carpark.
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🚩 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.
-- 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:
THE CARPARK
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🚗☎️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).
⚠️ Make sure your meetup private message is available to communicate and check it regularly.
$20/person recommended to pay for the driver.
─────
🔔 TIME GUIDELINE:
10:30 - Good time to arrive at the carpark, meet & greet.
10:40 - Latest time to arrive at the carpark and get ready.
10:41 - Introduction.
10:45 - Approx start hike.
15:00 - Approx finish hike.
15:30 - The Good Home Pukekohe - (optional)
or 17:00 - return to Auckland.
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💼 BRING:
✔️At least 2L drinking water.
✔️Lunch or snack food.
✔️Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface.
✔️Sun & rain protection.
✔️Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing.
✔️Clothing & footwear to change into after hike.
✔️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 & 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 having dinner or only go for the hike.
─────
🦺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.
─────
🍕🍔🍰🍟🍻After hike socializing (Optional):
After our hike, we invite you to join us for the enjoyable afternoon activity @ The Good Home Pukekohe.
Address: 65 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe 2120 .
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📝 ADDITIONAL NOTES:
⚠️ Safety first.
⚠️Be on time.
⚠️Keen to communicate with other hikers and being a part of the group.
─────
🤝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 EVERYBODY.
─────
💰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)
- Waiuku Forest WalkWaiuku forest gate carpark, Auckland
## Details
On 9th August (Saturday) , we are going to visit Waiuku forest ( coast) loop. This circuit takes you to the Waiuku Forest & coast at the mouth of the mighty Waikato River. Waiuku forest track Provides views over Tasman sea, Port Waikato, and Waikato River Peninsula. The terrain is mostly flat with a few decent inclines.
✨ Duration: up to 4.5 hours hike & explore, including stops.
✨ Estimated distance: 14km
✨ Estimated total ascent: 196m
✨ SPEED: Medium (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.─────
✨ TOILET:
Unfortunately NO TOILET in this track, so I recommend to use the toilet in Waiuku town center before get to the carpark. Here Is the address:Oscar M's Public Toilet
Constable Road, Waiuku 2123
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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:The carpark before the Y Intersection of Ghezzie road and TiTreeBay road .
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✨ GOOGLE MAP DRIVING DIRECTIONShttps://maps.app.goo.gl/UTwaduCFUF7yN5547?g_st=ic
Online topo map of waiuku forest:
https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-37.36184,174.722798&z=14
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✨ TRANSPORT AND CARPOOLING:-
Carpooling is highly recommended due to the high price of fuel. please leave your mobile number and living suburb ;
-
$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;
- 11:15 - Latest time to arrive at the carpark and get ready;
- 11:17- Introduction;
- 11:20- Approx start hike;
- 14:03 - Low tide;
- 13:30-14:00 Lunch break;
- 15:30 - Approx end hike, optional afternoon tea at Kentish (hotel) pub;
- 16:30 - Approx end afternoon tea;
- 17:00 - Approx return to city;
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✨ HIKE DETAILS:-
We will start by walking along Ti Tree Bay road towards the forest. There are some great places to take photos on this road.
Please be careful to stay at least 5 meters back from the cliff edge as it is eroding. -
we will go left down a few tracks which merge onto the beach about 1 hour later.
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We will then walk up the beach enjoying the views of the Waikato river until we get to lunch spot at the end of the peninsula.
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We will stop for lunch and enjoy views of the Tasman sea while we eat.
-
After our lunch stop, we will follow various tracks back through the woods until emerging onto Ti Tree road and returning to the carpark.
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✨ BRING:- ENOUGH drinking water
- Lunch or snack food
- Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface
- Clothing suitable for winter (e.g merino shirt)
- 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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✨ Kentish Hotel (pub) Waiuku:Kentish Pub is one of the oldest pub in New Zealand, established in 1852, they serve good quality food , coffee and snacks. I talked to the pub manager , they have a very small kitchen, and they are busy on saturday . If you plan to have any food , I recommend you to txt me so I can arrange the pre-order for you.
Address : 5 Queen Street, Waiuku 2123
https://goo.gl/maps/FwQcz3Ni4Nd33nL29
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✨ ADDITIONAL NOTES:-
carpark can be muddy after the rain , try to find a dry and easy spot.
-
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 11:15.
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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.
- leave extra time to find the toilet in waiuku town centre in case of need.
- Prepare everything you need to bring.
- If you might be driving, have car fuelled or recharged ready to go.
- Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to Kentish Pub or go home directly after the hike;
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✨**A small gold coin gift of contribution will be greatly appreciated to buy safety gear. **
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✨ Keep updating:- Alternatively, you may follow us on Instagram at : https://www.instagram.com/moasocialhikings/
AS WE WILL KEEP UPDATING ALL DETAILS ON INSTAGRAM.
✨ Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call me (022.001.7621) , or email us at Feedbacks.moasocialhikings@yahoo.com
We are looking forward to see you on Saturday :).
Team MoaSocailHikings
- -- Be a member of Moa Social Hikings.
- Te Tuhi to Wairere Falls Day HikeTe Tuhi Road, Okauia
🚩Please read the details carefully before RSVP❗
👓 Description:
Kia Ora everyone - on 6th 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.
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🕒 Duration: up to 5-6 hours hike & explore, including stops.
📏Estimated distance: 13-14 km.
🧗🏻 Estimated total ascent: 650m.
🚶 SPEED: Medium slow.
💪 DIFFICULTY: 3.5 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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🅿 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).
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🛰️ Google satellite Map:
Google Satellite Map
🌎 Online topo map:
Topo Map
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🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
PLEASE CHECK THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE HIKE DETAILS
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🚾TOILETS:
Public Toilet at Te Aroha Town Centre (Before the Hike)
Toilet at the end of the hike (After the hike - Wairere falls carpark)
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🚩 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:
10:30 - Good time to arrive Te Puhi Road Carpark and to drop off all passengers.
10:45 - 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.
11:00 - Everyone meets at Te Puhi Road Carpark.
11:05 - Introduction and Start the hike.
17:00 - Approx end hike.
17:30-19:30 - swimming and dinner (optional)
20:00 - Approx drive back to Auckland.
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🚗☎️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)
