Great Walks of New Zealand

4.9•226 ratings

About us

Rafick represents [Wakahi.com Limited](https://www.wakahi.com/) on this account.

Please visit our global hiking website (which includes a blog , a forum, and other things) at [Wakahi.com Limited](https://www.wakahi.com/). We also have a shop at [shop.wakahi.com ](https://shop.wakahi.com) where you will be able to read about hiking tips and guides and purchase gear and other hiking related products. Thanks.

Great Walks of New Zealand is a hiking/climbing group based in New Zealand. Our main aim is to promote health, well-being, and happiness by bringing together people interested in hiking, climbing, and travelling.

WHAT WE DO TO PROMOTE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND HAPPINESS

1. Prioritising Happiness: We recognize the importance of happiness in overall well-being. We encourage activities and initiatives that promote joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment in outdoor adventures.
2. Boosting Physical and Mental Health: We encourage practices that support physical and mental well-being, such as regular training, proper nutrition, and mindfulness. We recognize the importance of rest and recovery to prevent injuries and maintain mental clarity.
3. Encouraging Personal Growth: We provide support opportunities for skill development and personal growth in hiking and climbing. We encourage continuous learning through training events.
4. Foster a Positive Environment: We create a supportive and inclusive community where individuals feel valued and respected. We promote positive interactions and discourage behaviors that contribute to stress or negativity, both on and off the trail.
5. Respect Individual Needs: We acknowledge and respect the diverse needs and preferences of hikers and climbers. We provide flexibility and accommodations to support different skill levels, physical abilities, and personal goals.

OUR EVENTS

1. The 11 official Great Walks of New Zealand.
2. Other walks that deserve to be on the list of Great Walks (e.g., Queen Charlotte Track, Te Paki Coastal Track).
3. Any walks that benefit the fitness, health, and happiness of our members.
4. The mountains of New Zealand.
5. The Great Walks and other interesting long-distance hiking trails of the world with emphasis on walks that are off the beaten tracks. We would like to avoid over-touristic places and in so doing help the advancement of poorer communities.
6. Mountains of the world (e.g., Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kilimanjaro), where fitness and endurance levels allow.

Our main emphasis will be on multi-day events, with day events primarily for training purposes. We aim to help as many members as possible reach the fitness and endurance levels required for challenging multi-day hikes.

Members joining an event are expected to contribute to the group as a whole. Unless the Organizer or Event Organizer agrees, members should not sign up for events with the intention of forming their own sub-group and walking separately from others. This has happened in the past, but we aim to avoid it as much as possible.

We will also organize short (1- or 2-day) hikes to help members who lack experience attain the required fitness level and acquire backcountry survival skills.

Please note that this is not a dating site. It is okay to meet someone you like and eventually partner with them, but please do not attend our events solely to meet someone. We will not tolerate members harassing or pressurizing other members.
Similarly, the Organiser will never harass or pressurize any other members, and I am confident that the Event Organisers I have nominated will not either.

CODE OF ETHICS

1. Respect for Nature: We commit to preserving the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles, minimizing our impact, and respecting wildlife and plant life.
2. Safety First: We prioritize the safety of all members by adhering to safety guidelines, being prepared for all conditions, and looking out for one another.
3. Inclusivity and Respect: We foster an inclusive environment where all members feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background, experience level, or personal beliefs.
4. Community Contribution: Members are encouraged to contribute positively to the group by sharing knowledge, supporting fellow hikers, and participating actively in events.
5. Integrity and Honesty: We value honesty and integrity in all interactions, ensuring transparent communication and ethical behavior at all times.
6. Personal Responsibility: Each member is responsible for their own actions, including being prepared for hikes, respecting group decisions, and adhering to event guidelines.
7. Non-Harassment: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or pressure of any kind. Members are expected to interact respectfully and professionally.
8. Commitment to Fitness: We encourage members to work towards the fitness and endurance levels required for challenging hikes, supporting each other in achieving these goals.
9. No Sub-Groups: Members should not form sub-groups within events unless agreed upon by the Organiser or Event Organiser, to maintain group cohesion and unity.
10. Non-Dating Policy: While forming personal connections is natural, our events are not intended for dating. Members should not attend with the sole intention of meeting a romantic partner. It is however OK to meet someone and get connected with them romantically or otherwise if it comes naturally.

Featured event

Dome Valley to Pakiri Beach 27 km

Sun, May 17 · 8:30 AM NZST

Dome Forest Walkway starting point, 492 State Highway 1, Dome Forest 0981, Auckland, NZ

Date: Sunday, 17 May, 2026
Starting Point: Dome Valley Car Park (SH1)
Distance: 27 km
Elevation Gain: 750m
Duration: ~9 hours
Difficulty: Hard (4/5 - suitable for those with experience on long full-day hikes)
Event Description
Looking for a serious full-day adventure that ends at the beach? This epic ridge hike through Dome Forest follows part of the Te Araroa trail, taking you from the valley all the way to Pakiri Beach, with incredible scenery, native bush, and a well-earned finish with your feet in the sand.
We'll start from the Dome Valley car park (SH1) and ascend through native bush to the Dome Forest Lookout. From there, we'll climb to the summit of Dome (336m) before continuing along the ridgeline through Omaha Forest all the way down to Pakiri Beach, where we will have dropped 1 or 2 cars before starting the hike.
Expect varied terrain, including steep sections, exposed roots, and potentially muddy patches, especially after rain. The track is well-marked but requires good fitness, solid experience, and proper gear.
Note: We will start at 8:30am. Drivers will need to drop cars at Pakiri Beach first, then be shuttled back to the Dome Valley start. Please arrive early to allow time for the shuttle.
What to Bring
Gear

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproof jacket)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Walking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)

Food and Hydration

At least 2-3 litres of water
Lunch and extra snacks for energy

Important Notes

Your safety is your responsibility.
Need a ride? Comment below! A $25 ($20 if more than 2 passengers) contribution to your driver is suggested.
Meetup Contribution: A small $2 contribution helps cover Meetup fees and equipment costs. Transfer to Wakahi.com Limited acct number 02-0200-0260173-000.

This hike is a fantastic way to challenge yourself on one of the North Island's most rewarding ridge tracks, finishing with a well-earned rest at Pakiri Beach. See you on the trail!
Where to drop cars at Pakiri Beach: TBC