About Hiko
For the spirit of adventure and the joy of the trail
Our Mission
Hiko's mission is to inspire and connect people through hiking, making outdoor exploration safe, social, and rewarding. We aim to help users discover trails, track progress, share experiences, and enjoy the journey with friends, all while promoting health, adventure, and a deeper connection with New Zealand's natural landscapes.
Meet Our Founders
Kia Ora, I'm Noah Saunders
I am the founder of Hiko, a social hiking platform designed specifically for New Zealand. With over 1.3 million New Zealanders (39% of the population) hiking annually, Hiko aims to make hiking safe, social, engaging, and accessible for everyone.
As a BCom student and TA at University of Auckland, majoring in Business Analytics and Information Systems, I bring experience in app ideation, product planning, and outdoor recreation to this venture.
"Building connections through adventure"
Platform Features
Hiko centralizes trail information, weather forecasts, driving directions, social planning, and booking resources while incorporating personalized social gamification.
Trail Discovery
Comprehensive trail information with distance, elevation, difficulty, and user reviews
Safety First
Real-time weather forecasts, hazard alerts, and emergency information
Social Planning
Plan trips with friends, track group activities, and build hiking communities
Gamification
Track performance, earn achievements, and compete on leaderboards
Health & Wellness
Monitor hiking progress, set goals, and celebrate milestones
NZ Focused
Designed specifically for New Zealand's unique landscapes and hiking culture
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish Hiko as the leading digital platform for hiking in New Zealand, combining convenience, safety, and social engagement. The platform is scalable, adaptable, and future-proof, with potential for expansion into tourism, adventure sports, and international markets.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Join the Hiko community and discover the beauty of New Zealand's trails while connecting with fellow adventurers.