SLOW HIKING AUCKLAND : URBAN WALKS & NATURE CONNECTIONS

Gidday...Kia ora, Nǐ hǎo.

Welcome to
Slow Hiking Auckland: Urban Walks & Nature Connections — we walk slowly to connect, getting some cardio and chat, and new friends on each event most weekends..Saturday or Sunday . And mid week..sometimes ...and socializing is an important part of Slow Hiking Auckland .we leave all that fast paced..massive hill climbing challenges to other Meet Up Groups.

This is a different walking group you have discovered here...with a focus on building relationship...to the land..we walk on. ..it's not about how far. Or how fast.
This is about slowing down — to see, listen, learn, and appreciate the beautiful world right under our feet....and still have weekend adventures together..be that in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges or something similar...

I've spent a lifetime of exploring hundreds of tracks and trails in Auckland and throughout the North Shore, Waikato and other places in the North and South Island...however Auckland is my home. After a season or two of loss and change, I've come back to walking with a fresh vision: slow, humble fellowship outdoors.
My takeaway is simple - life is a mystery to be lived, and a daring adventure, not held tight, not seeking what's missing, but to be grateful for the present - and beauty unfolds when we walk or even talk..slowly enough to see it, smell and hear it ..and even taste it..

🌏 Everyone Belongs Outdoors
We especially welcome international students, new Aucklanders, visitors, and ...any shape or ability...doesn't matter if you’re new to walking or hiking... or as we used to call it...tramping here in Auckland and Beyond..everyone is welcome..all paces and ability.

Learn something about local history, native trees, plants, birdlife and stories of this land as we walk feet first.

Learning English? Gentle, warm English conversation is perfect place here — on Slow Hiking Auckland no pressure, no tests, just friendly practice together if you want.

Cultural exchange — you share your world, we share ours.

Making real friends when everything feels new or different.
Visitors welcome — come see the real Auckland, slowly.

🌿 What our walks and hikes are like -

✅ Slow, unhurried pace — we stop often to look, photograph, and breathe

✅ Short & accessible — mostly under 10km, flat or easy gradients

✅ Nature & history shared — trees, birds, volcanoes, local heritage
✅ Kind, quiet company — chatting is great, silence is okay too
✅ No one left behind — we start together, finish together
✅ Summer: coasts, islands, hidden tracks , bays, bush and volcanic cones. Winter: hot pools, night walks, waterfalls, and a coffee or lunch together.

We mostly hike weekends around Auckland, with some weekday urban nature walks. A few times a year we head further — especially when petrol costs are lower...Waikato, Karangahake Gorge, Sanctuary Mountain, Tawharanui Regional Park for kiwi calls...and maybe camping opportunities together.

About your host
I'm Stephen — I've led walking groups in Tāmaki Makaurau since 2010 when I started the Feet First Hiking Group. I led , and organized Events for 15 years until 2024...I'm back with a fresh, slow-focused vision.
I'm an extrovert who loves sharing knowledge and caring for the group.
Our walks are anxiety-friendly, gentle and kind. No rush, no expectations.

Practical bits
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, rain jacket. Full list on each event.

Koha: $2 gold coin per walk appreciated to help cover Meetup fees which have tripled. Cash on the day or bank transfer —
Never a barrier — your presence is what matters. We have a dedicated walks account.

Group culture: We prefer smoke / vape-free walks so everyone can breathe easy.

Adult members primarily — occasional young guests by arrangement.
Please use a clear, recognizable photo of yourself as we do organize carpooling. Add your first name you like to be called.

We'll help you get a ride or introduce you to what hiking gear to buy, teach you how to use hiking poles for helping ease sore knees, I always carry mine. And you'll make some new friends or catch up with some long lost hiking friends from other Meet Up Groups..

Come exactly as you are — new to Auckland, new to hiking, or just ready to walk life a little slower.

Thank you — Xièxie — See you soon,
Stephen F. aka..The Big Guy.