Moa Outdoors

4.9•547 ratings

About us

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https://www.instagram.com/moaoutdoors/

Moa Outdoors + is a non-profit meetup hiking group dedicated to organizing safe, enjoyable, scenic and at times adventurous 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 taken over from David as the lead. David will stay on as Co Organiser. 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, we intend to continue with the 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 worked hard on broadening the menu to cater for a wide range tastes. There are many events that are not yet tested/published so its all very exciting. Are you interested in being part of the Moa recce crew? Ask us about this... 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 (most important)

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 it’s suitable for you. If you're not sure, please message the host and they can share some more information with you.

Qualification
All New Members are required to do a Grade 3.0 or lower with us before doing any event that is higher Grade. This to ensure that expectations are aligned for the benefit of New Members, Returning Members and Regular Hikers. If you see an event that you like to attend that is higher than 3.0, please jump in on an earlier 3.0 or lower grade event. The Organiser can allow exceptions to this if we know you, or if you can share with us the level of fitness and include some areas/tracks you may have hiked in the last three months. Another general rule of thumb would be, could you walk to the summit of Mt Eden without stopping?

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. Payment
Moa Outdoors+ events are not free. The group has costs such as Meetup subscription, safety equipment etc. We use the event fees to cover these costs. It is important that everyone that attends pays on the day. This can be done online using details in the event description or to the host/helpers pre start. In the unlikely event of a non payment, we will make contact to remind you. After that, you will be removed from the group. Regular hikers will get another chance to attend an event, 4 chances to pay before being removed from the group. Clearly this is the least desirable outcome for everyone so please take extra care to ensure you have paid either online or with your $5 note.
7. General
All attendees must have a Meetup profile (18 or over),
Sign up the the event,
No...

friends
pets
on trail music
smoking
vaping.

8. Please do not use the MO published information independently for personal or private events before MO event date. This is not consistent with the spirit of the group and may result in your removal.
9. Timeliness
Don't be late, you might get left behind.

Featured event

++ Motutapere Hut & Wahine Rock overnighter

Sat, Dec 12 · 7:25 AM NZDT

Waikarau Road, Waikarau Road, Te Aroha, Te Aroha, NZ

This event is the.... Motutapere Hut and Wahine Rock Overnighter.

This event will run in conjunction with our Motutapere Hut event, in that we will spend 75% of Day 1 together. Thereafter, the day hikers return to the cars as we continue on to Te Rereatukahia Hut.

On Saturday we will embark on 2 day trip where you will discover some true treasures of the Kaimai Mamaku Range.

We will walk Tuahu Track West (currently has an alert for slip but is open) up to North South Track then head south along the undulating spine of Kaimai where you will encounter magic, physical and mental challenges and ultimately our lunch spot at Motutapere Hut. I expect this to take 4 hours. After lunch, we will back track the same arduous terrain including high steel ladder and continue on to the comfortable Te Rereatukahia Hut, for another 4 hours to our home for the evening. From here after dinner we may pop up to Mt Baldy to watch the sunset with arguably the best views in the Kaimais.

In the morning we wake early and after breakfast travel north along the Old North South Route toward Wahine Rock. This is not a track but a route. Markers are visible from time to time and there is an environmental corridor so to speak, that mostly frames the route. It is important we stay together as a group with all members maintaining connection for and aft. Having said that, this end of the route is by far the best condition! We will take a break at Wahine Rock for as long as we want to ensure we capture her Magic before returning to the hut, recovering the packs and making our way back to the cars.

You will need to be comfortable leaving your pack (and/or its contents) to/from Motutapere Hut & Wahine Rock as not doing so will mean you will move slower than the group (including day hikers). I suggest you bring a super lightweight day pack for water and essentials for the sections that we don't need to carry our large packs.

DAY 1
Tuahu West to North South - 2 hours loaded
North South junction to Motutapere Hut - 2 hours
Motutapere Hut to North South junction - 2 hours
North South to Te Rereatukahia Hut - 2 hours loaded
Mt Baldy sunset 8.30pm

DAY 2
Mt Baldy sunrise 5.43am
Te Rereatukahia Hut to Wahine Rock - up to 1.5 hours
Wahine Rock to Te Rereatukahia Hut - up to 1.5 hours
Te Rereatukahia Hut to North South junction - 2 hours loaded
North South junction to Tuahu West car park 2 hours loaded

LOCATIONS
Wairakau Road - Tuahu Track start and car park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/N1op8B1jrSzUANvZA
There is a toilet available at the Te Aroha Domain and at Te Rereatukahia Hut.

WATER at the hut will need to be treated or boiled prior to use.

SCHEDULE
7.30am hike start, Day 1 - up to 8 hours 4.0+ of which half you'll be carrying a pack - don't be late, we go without you as its the hours at the end of the day we are managing.

TBCam hike start, Day 2 - up to 7 hours 4.0+ of which half you'll be carrying a pack

The weight of your pack directly impacts your enjoyment on both days. We aim to travel at a moderate pace.

LOCAL INFORMATION

The cost for this hike is $10 plus hut booking of $25 which is non refundable if you withdraw. Prepayment required within 3 days of Going.

It is possible for a few (myself included) to tent but space is limited and not very flat! The same charge will apply, as I have pre booked the hut.

Please pay online Moa Outdoors new bank details. This event is Prepaid online. I won't accept cash on the day this one.
Noel K
BANK

If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and give a review.

RSVP question
1. Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can do this tramp with a loaded pack?
I estimate that walking with a pack makes it around 20% more difficult.

2. Please name the last track you carried a 14 kilo pack and when you did this?

I will need to know already that you are capable of doing this trip otherwise I won't be able move you to going.

RSVP opens Sunday 8 November 8.00am.

TURNAROUND
We don't intend to leave people behind. Given the nature of this event, the turnaround will happen at the Waitlist. I need to know already you are strong enough and don't falter under strain.

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $30 return for this one. Please comment if you can offer or need a ride. Filling up cars to comfortable (including gear) level is better for petrol use and parking at the trail end.
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 3L drinking water and consider water treatment at huts.
Lunch or snack food for both days. Dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday.
Suitable footwear for surfaces described. Boots for me!
Pack & lightweight day pack.
Pack liner is essential! If you need to, these can be sourced from MSC for less than $10! This will be the best money you spend this weekend.
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).
Head lamp with red light.
A checklist for you to consider can be provided to those that make the Going list. NO HAIR DRIERS!!!

PREPARATION:
It is important to be well prepared.
Before we meet...
Reliability is key. You will have demonstrated that once you commit, you're unlikely to withdraw. Given the limited space on this tramp, its important we don't take up RSVP space that others could use. To ensure this works well, this event will have a no refund for withdrawal. In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather DOC cancellation Policy applies.

You'll need to be hike fit for this one.
Get a good nights sleep, preferably local to the hike start.
Enjoy a nutritious breakfast.
You will have already demonstrated on previous events your higher level of physical strength and stamina.
Know how to get to all meeting places.
Study hike details.
Prepare everything you need to bring.
Be able to carry your pack confidently.
Comfortable with heights even when you might be fatigued.
If you are the driver, have car refueled or recharged ready to go.
Find and confirm your driver (passengers) whether the pick up point and size of your pack.

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 hike in the time prescribed? Please also read the disclaimer.

Looking forward to a great overnighter outdoors.

Regards

Moa Outdoors