What we’re about
"Hiking Aotearoa" is for people who love the outdoors. We go hiking, walking, mountaineering, camping, skiing, kayaking, rafting and rock climbing etc. We love meeting new people so come join us in the great outdoors of New Zealand (Aotearoa).
The majority of our events are day hikes in bush (forest), parks, streams, urban walks and along the coast in the Auckland region. We also venture further afield on weekend camping or lodge trips, especially in summer, and also we have multi-day hikes through out New Zealand (Aotearoa).
Our hikes vary in difficulty, some do not require any previous experience, some are more challenging. You can learn all about climbing/alpine activities with our experienced organisers. This is a great opportunity to see/photograph some of the most amazing landscapes New Zealand (Aoteaora) has to offer.
Safety of the group is of utmost importance to us. All our organisers have many years of experience and carry walkie talkies and a PLB where necessary. Of course with nature, conditions can change quickly, and you must come prepared and always follow the organisers instructions.
If you wish to make a donation 06-0145-0782760-00
Follow us on Instagram: Hiking Aotearoa Instagram
"Hiking Aotearoa" is a great way to see one of the world's best cities/countries. We look forward to meeting you.
On the 13-15th of Dec (Fri, Sat and Sun) we are going to complete 2 different hikes, which are both in the Waihi Beach area.
The Saturday hike is to Matakana island, which is mainly a sand island with a large forest plantation. The plan is to hike around some of the coast around the northern end of the island. Our charter boat leaves and returns and Anzac bay at Bowentown. We plan to stop for a swim along the way.
On Sunday we will drive to Waitekauri and hike to the Jubilee mine which is a loop, and is about 7km. We will check out some of the old mine workings on the way.
We plan to arrive on Friday afternoon/evening, so it possible not take Friday off work. We will stay at Sea Esta Camp at Waihi Beach on Friday and Saturday nights. Regulars get priority to join, however newcomers are welcome.
🚩Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 2½ days
📌Saturday : Matakana island coast
5.0 hrs (13km)
📌Sunday : Jubilee mine loop
3.5 hrs (7km)
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
3.5 Sat
3.0 Sun
🚩Maps
📌Friday hike: https://tinyurl.com/49rbfcyz (optional)
📌Saturday hike : https://tinyurl.com/5ydnfmzy
📌Sunday hike: https://tinyurl.com/3k9ws7f8
🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, the earliest you can check in is 14:00 at the lodge, and please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers to give $35 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.
🚩 5 important stopping points:
👉1) Sea Esta Camp & Lodge, 48 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach
(Where we stay on Fri & Sat nights)
https://bit.ly/3nNLsVR
👉2) Anzac Bay Reserve Rd, Bowentown
(Where we take boat trip to Matakana island)
https://tinyurl.com/ym4jv28m
👉3) Bowentown Boating Club, Pio Rd, Bowentown
(After hike drinks at Bowentown Boating club) TBC!
https://tinyurl.com/5aysne3f
👉3) Waihi Beach RSA, 99 Beach Rd,
(Where we have optional dinner-Sat night)
https://bit.ly/3MzTCLf
👉4) 408 Waitekauri Rd.
(Where we start & finish the Sunday hike)
http://bitly.ws/Dqtz
👉5) One3one, 131 Normanby Rd, Paeroa
(Where we have optional after hike snacks and drinks)
http://bitly.ws/DtpD
🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday: Arrive at lodge anytime between 14:00 and not later than 20:30. Arrival is up to you, and no activities are planned on Friday.
However if there are enough people available in the afternoon (possibly at 3pm), then we could hike the Waihi Beach Trig and forest loop, which takes 2 hours and is 6.6km. This track has been recently re opened.
📌Saturday:
05:49 Sunrise (14th Dec)
08:00 Leave Sea Esta and drive to Anzac Bay car park
08:10 Arrive at Anzac Bay
08:25 Start Shuttle to Matakana island
09:00 All at Matakana island and start hike
12:28 Low tide (14th Dec)
13:30 Approx finish hike
14:00 Back at Anzac Bay
14:15 Stop by for drinks and snacks at Bowentown Boating club
18:30 Optional dinner Waihi Beach RSA
20:32 Sunset
📌Sunday:
05:50 Sunrise
08:30 Pack & clean lodge. Drive to Waitekauri
09:00 Arrive at hike start
09:15 Start hike
12:45 Approx finish hike
13:05 Drinks and snacks at One3one in Paeroa
14:15 Approx drive back to Auckland
16:15 Approx arrive in Auckland
20:32 Sunset
🚩Accommodation:
2 nights at Sea Esta Camp & Lodge, 48 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach. Accommodation is in bunk rooms, and these are spread out over 12 rooms, with bunks and some single beds. You will need to bring your own pillow, bottom sheet and sleeping bag. The cost per night is $96, for 2 nights. More details: Sea Esta Camp & Lodge https://www.seaestacamp.com/about-us
🚩Check list of Gear: https://bit.ly/3nOoApa
🚩Costs:
$35 if car pool passenger (based 2 passengers at 10c/km)
$96 for 2 nights accommodation
$12 for short boat charter to & from Matakana island
$143 Total (more if buying food & drinks)
🚩 Payment: You will need make payment of $108 for Accommodation & boat charter. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write "WaihiBeach" and your reference name that is the same as your "Meetup name", so I can identify you. Payment is due by the 26th Nov.
🍔🍗🍷 Optional dinner Saturday night: Waihi Beach RSA.
Please note: Free second helpings are not permitted, also it is a requirement to return dirty dishes back to their assigned tray, after the meal. Thank you 👌
https://www.waihirsa.co.nz/restaurant-bar/
🚩Please answer the 4 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/2j2u3sf6
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 📌Raetahinga point to Lake WainamuNew World Victoria Park, Auckland
On Sunday the 24th of November, we are going to Bethell's Beach. This hike is about 14km in distance, and is a loop. We start at Bethell's beach main car park, and walk to O'neill's beach and out to Raetahinga point. We then head back and walk some the route in the Waiti stream bed, which is shallow with a sandy bottom. From this stream we head across the sand dunes to Lake Wainamu, and back to the car park. It is a hike that many of you may have done in part or the whole way, at least once, but it is worth repeating.
Unfit or slow people may struggle in some parts, also there is a short part where it is challenging and wire ladder is needed. Please also be prepared to have wet feet, as we can not wait for people to take their shoes off and put them back on again. However most of the route is a fairly regular hiking track. New members are welcome.
Remember if you can not attend, to avoid a "No Show" next to your name, then change your status. If you have 3 or more "No Shows" then you will be changed to "Not going". It is always courteous to change your RSVP status, if you no longer can attend. Thank you👍
Summary of Main Details:
📌 Hike Duration: 4 ½ hours to 5 hours including lunch, and stops.
📌 Distance: About 14km
📌 Speed: Medium to fast pace
📌 Low tide 11:19
📌 Toilets: At start and finish (next to car park) also Lake Wainamu
📌 After hike food & drinks: 'Goodhome' on Lincoln Road, Henderson
📌 Difficulty: 2.5 - 3.0 on our 1-5 scale.🚩 Time Guideline:
08:10 Good time meet at New World
08:25 Latest recommended time to arrive.
08:30 Leave New World
09:10 Arrive at Bethell's beach
09:20 Introductions and a group photo
09:30 Start hike
11:19 Low Tide
14:15 Approx. finish Hike
14:40 Optional drinks and snacks at "The Good Home - Lincoln Road"
16:00 Approx. back in Auckland🚩 These are the 3 important meeting points to note:
👉1) New World Victoria Park
(Where we meet initially - unless driving direct)
https://tinyurl.com/3nd2rb7a👉2) Main car park Bethell's beach
270 Bethells Road
(Where we start and finish the hike)
https://tinyurl.com/vapmz8rh👉3) The Good Home Lincoln Road, 159 Lincoln Road, Henderson,
(Where we have optional after hike drinks & snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/mwe8r68y🚩 Check list:
✔Day pack
✔Lunch
✔Snack food
✔Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 litres)
✔Extra layer
✔Footwear suitable for muddy tracks
✔Hat
✔Sun Creme
✔Sun glasses
✔Rain protection
✔Head light for small sea cave
✔Plastic bags, change of clothes & shoes – so you don’t get mud and water in someone else’s car
✔First-aid Kit or items
✔Cell phone/camera
✔$10 cash/online to pay driver - if a passenger🚩 🍔🍗🥂 For after hike snacks and drinks (Optional) : The Good Home Lincoln Road. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/2udkk8ke
🚩Those wishing to donate $2-$5 (or more) online directly, can use this is the bank account: 'Hiking Aotearoa' 06-0145-0782760-00 - Otherwise a cash donation is always appreciated. Donations are used for First aid kits, Meetup subscription, portable Radio communication devices, Inreach device subscription, and buying PLB's and any other device that needs to be repaired or replaced. Many thanks❤
🚩Please check out and follow us on Hiking Aotearoa's Facebook page, for some of the latest trips, Hiking information, and anything useful to do with hiking. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081783504106
❌❗ Important!! Bring a change of shoes, plastic bags, and/or change of clothes, for the end of the hike, otherwise you may have an unhappy driver, whose car has wet and soiled upholstery.
🚩RSVP questions:
1. What is your transport situation for carpooling?
(A) Have transport, can offer rides
(B) Have no transport, need a ride
(C) Driving direct to Bethells Beach main car park with/without passengers2. As noted in the description, do you understand:
* You will be getting your shoes/boots wet, so taking footwear off and on will slow down the group.
* There is a short tricky section (of about 100m) that will require climbing down a wire ladder, and then traverse across a fairly steep slope.
(A) Yes understood - correct answer😉
(B) No (then you will moved to the 'Not Going' list)Not open - 📌Whenuakite coastal (2 nights)Seabreeze Holiday Park, WhenuakiteA$62.00
There are still places available for this event if you are fit and/or a regular.
On the 29th of Nov to 1st Dec (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) we are going to complete 2 different hikes, the Whenuakite - Pauanui area. We will stay in Seabreeze Holiday Park at Whenuakite for 2 nights.On Saturday, the feature hike is a coastal hike from Sailors grave to Hot Water Beach. The route is almost completely unmarked with no formed track. Some of the coastline should be rugged requiring some bush bashing, and short possible swims across guts. There will be some climbing involved, to avoid difficult coastline. However much the route is straight forward flat coastal rock, gravel or sandy beaches.
Then on Sunday we will hike the Pauanui walkway and then around the Pauanui peninsula. There are optional snacks and drinks in Pauanui before we depart back to Auckland.
Regulars get priority. We plan to arrive on Friday afternoon/evening, and we will stay at Sea Breeze Holiday Park on Friday and Saturday nights.
🚩Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 2½ days
📌Friday : No activities are planned
📌Saturday : Sailors grave to HWB
4.5 - 5.0 hours (13.8km) https://tinyurl.com/bp9en9r3
📌Sunday : Pauanui walkway & Pauanui peninsula
4 hours (11.5km) Map: https://tinyurl.com/y889f28u📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
3.5 Saturday
2.5 Sunday
📌Max: 24 people🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, but beware the earliest you can check in is 14:00. Please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers to give $50 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes/clothes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.
🚩These are the 6 important stopping points:
👉1) Seabreeze Holiday Park, 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Road, Whenuakite
(Where we stay on Friday & Saturday nights)
https://tinyurl.com/mszz27dh👉2) Te Karo Bay car park, 160 Sailors Grave Rd,
(Where we start the hike along coast to HWB on Saturday)
https://tinyurl.com/bdzkb9cx👉3) Main Beach Parking, 33 Pye Place, Hot Water Beach
(Where we finish the Sailors Grave to HWB hike on Saturday)
https://tinyurl.com/3hawy3e9👉4) Pauanui walkway,
(Where we start Pauanui walkway hike)
https://tinyurl.com/yvn78rev👉5) Pauanui carpark,
(Where we finish the Pauanui walkway hike)
https://tinyurl.com/k6nw5stx👉6) Cabana Kitchen and Bar, Shop 10, Pauanui Shopping Centre
(Where we have lunch/drinks & snacks on Sunday)
https://tinyurl.com/ytnmc6n9🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday:
Arrive at anytime between 14:00 and
not later than 21:00. Arrival is up to you.
20:19 Sunset (29 Nov)📌Saturday:
05:51 Sunrise
08:30 Some drivers go to Hot Water beach for car shuttle
08:45 Remainder go to Sailors grave car park
09:00 All at Sailors grave car park
09:10 Start hike
13:45 Approx Finish hike
13:42 Low tide (30th Nov)
14:00 Collect cars at Sailors grave and return to HWB
14:15 Visit Beach Hot pools at Hot water Beach
15:15 Return back to Sea Breeze Holiday Park
18:30 Optional group dinner at "The Family" restaurant (on site)
20:20 Sunset📌Sunday:
5:51 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up & drive to Pauanui hike
09:05 Arrive at start of hike
09:10 Arrange car shuttle
09:20 Start hike
13:00 Finish hike
13:15 Have optional lunch/snacks in Pauanui
14:30 Approx leave Cafe
16:30 Approx back in Akld🚩Accommodation:
We stay 2 nights at Seabreeze Holiday Park, Whenuakite. Accommodation is in a lodge at the holiday park. These are spread over 5 rooms, with bunks and some single beds. There is also a kitchen cabin. All rooms & cabins have bedding and towels provided. The cost for 2 nights ranges from $62 each.
📌More details: https://seabreezeholidaypark.co.nz/
🚩Check list of Gear: https://bit.ly/3nOoApa (TBA)🚩Costs:
$50 if car pool passenger (based on 10c/km)
$62 for 2 nights accommodation
$100 Total (more if buying food & drinks)🚩 Payment: You will need make payment (cost depends on what bed option) by 15th Nov. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write 'Whenuakite' & your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.
🍔🍗🍷 Optional group dinner at "The Family" Saturday night located at Holiday Park: https://thefamily.nz/our-menu/
🚩Please answer the 5 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/msbnwd83 - 📌Waihi Beach (2 nights)Sea Esta Camp & Lodge, Waihi BeachA$108.00
On the 13-15th of Dec (Fri, Sat and Sun) we are going to complete 2 different hikes, which are both in the Waihi Beach area.
The Saturday hike is to Matakana island, which is mainly a sand island with a large forest plantation. The plan is to hike around some of the coast around the northern end of the island. Our charter boat leaves and returns and Anzac bay at Bowentown. We plan to stop for a swim along the way.On Sunday we will drive to Waitekauri and hike to the Jubilee mine which is a loop, and is about 7km. We will check out some of the old mine workings on the way.
We plan to arrive on Friday afternoon/evening, so it possible not take Friday off work. We will stay at Sea Esta Camp at Waihi Beach on Friday and Saturday nights. Regulars get priority to join, however newcomers are welcome.
🚩Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 2½ days
📌Saturday : Matakana island coast
5.0 hrs (13km)
📌Sunday : Jubilee mine loop
3.5 hrs (7km)
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
3.5 Sat
3.0 Sun🚩Maps
📌Friday hike: https://tinyurl.com/49rbfcyz (optional)
📌Saturday hike : https://tinyurl.com/5ydnfmzy
📌Sunday hike: https://tinyurl.com/3k9ws7f8🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, the earliest you can check in is 14:00 at the lodge, and please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers to give $35 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.
🚩 5 important stopping points:
👉1) Sea Esta Camp & Lodge, 48 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach
(Where we stay on Fri & Sat nights)
https://bit.ly/3nNLsVR👉2) Anzac Bay Reserve Rd, Bowentown
(Where we take boat trip to Matakana island)
https://tinyurl.com/ym4jv28m👉3) Bowentown Boating Club, Pio Rd, Bowentown
(After hike drinks at Bowentown Boating club) TBC!
https://tinyurl.com/5aysne3f👉3) Waihi Beach RSA, 99 Beach Rd,
(Where we have optional dinner-Sat night)
https://bit.ly/3MzTCLf👉4) 408 Waitekauri Rd.
(Where we start & finish the Sunday hike)
http://bitly.ws/Dqtz👉5) One3one, 131 Normanby Rd, Paeroa
(Where we have optional after hike snacks and drinks)
http://bitly.ws/DtpD🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday: Arrive at lodge anytime between 14:00 and not later than 20:30. Arrival is up to you, and no activities are planned on Friday.However if there are enough people available in the afternoon (possibly at 3pm), then we could hike the Waihi Beach Trig and forest loop, which takes 2 hours and is 6.6km. This track has been recently re opened.
📌Saturday:
05:49 Sunrise (14th Dec)
08:00 Leave Sea Esta and drive to Anzac Bay car park
08:10 Arrive at Anzac Bay
08:25 Start Shuttle to Matakana island
09:00 All at Matakana island and start hike
12:28 Low tide (14th Dec)
13:30 Approx finish hike
14:00 Back at Anzac Bay
14:15 Stop by for drinks and snacks at Bowentown Boating club
18:30 Optional dinner Waihi Beach RSA
20:32 Sunset📌Sunday:
05:50 Sunrise
08:30 Pack & clean lodge. Drive to Waitekauri
09:00 Arrive at hike start
09:15 Start hike
12:45 Approx finish hike
13:05 Drinks and snacks at One3one in Paeroa
14:15 Approx drive back to Auckland
16:15 Approx arrive in Auckland
20:32 Sunset🚩Accommodation:
2 nights at Sea Esta Camp & Lodge, 48 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach. Accommodation is in bunk rooms, and these are spread out over 12 rooms, with bunks and some single beds. You will need to bring your own pillow, bottom sheet and sleeping bag. The cost per night is $96, for 2 nights. More details: Sea Esta Camp & Lodge https://www.seaestacamp.com/about-us🚩Check list of Gear: https://bit.ly/3nOoApa
🚩Costs:
$35 if car pool passenger (based 2 passengers at 10c/km)
$96 for 2 nights accommodation
$12 for short boat charter to & from Matakana island
$143 Total (more if buying food & drinks)🚩 Payment: You will need make payment of $108 for Accommodation & boat charter. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write "WaihiBeach" and your reference name that is the same as your "Meetup name", so I can identify you. Payment is due by the 26th Nov.
🍔🍗🍷 Optional dinner Saturday night: Waihi Beach RSA.
Please note: Free second helpings are not permitted, also it is a requirement to return dirty dishes back to their assigned tray, after the meal. Thank you 👌
https://www.waihirsa.co.nz/restaurant-bar/🚩Please answer the 4 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/2j2u3sf6
