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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
New Zealand
Intro to New Zealand
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Australia
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Te Kiri Warrior Trail
North Island
New Zealand
Ride through some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal scenery - sandy surf beaches, dunes, Pohutukawa glades and native bush.
Learn the workings of authentic farm life with your friendly hosts - descendants of the area's first Maori Rangitira (chief). Their farm is on lands that have been handed down for many generations.
Pakiri Beach is their private 15 km long, white sand beach where wild dolphins can be seen playing from time to time. Stay the night in comfortable chalets and enjoy real farmhouse cooking, falling asleep and waking to the sound of the waves crashing along the beach. Ride the trails of the Maori ancestors and journey through exotic pine forests and rolling green farmland to fresh water lakes, where you can refresh with a swim. Experience the outlook of a paramount Maori chief and visit his ancient Pa site high above the Pacific ocean. Tread the paths of his people and sleep safely in their sacred house. Enjoy the company of his descendants, their stories and the food they share with you.
Most of all revel in the freedom of traveling on horseback in this very unique and special place filled with Maori tradition and stunning scenery.
Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Family Vacation
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Meeting:
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Pakiri Beach
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Airport:
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Auckland
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Transfer:
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Wellsford Intercity bus station
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals including some wine with dinner, Taxes & 3 or 4 riding days (depending on package)
Safety helmets and some wet weather wear can be provided
A | 2021 | 5 day trip, AP - Warrior Trail | 5d / 4n | $5000 | $3300 |
B | 2021 | 3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Ride | 3d / 2n | $3000 | $1980 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2021
|
Transfer from/Wellsford, pp, each way
- to be paid locally
|
$
30
|
$20
|
2021
|
Single supplement -- please inquire
|
$
0
|
$0
|
Pick-up/ drop-off is available ONLY from Wellsford at an extra fee. Pick-up is scheduled for 9:00am on the first day from the Intercity bus station and drop-off for 4:00pm on the last day.
Check here for details and availability
|
A |
2021
|
02/15
- 02/19
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Expired
|
A |
2021
|
03/08
- 03/12
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Expired
|
B |
2021
|
03/15
- 03/17
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Rid...
|
4
/10
|
Expired
|
B |
2021
|
04/12
- 04/14
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Rid...
|
4
/10
|
Expired
|
A |
2021
|
04/19
- 04/23
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2021
|
05/03
- 05/07
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2021
|
10/11
- 10/15
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2021
|
10/18
- 10/20
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Rid...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2021
|
11/08
- 11/12
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2021
|
11/22
- 11/24
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Rid...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2021
|
12/01
- 12/03
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP - Rahui's Rid...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2021
|
12/06
- 12/10
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - Warrior Tra...
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
Additional dates can be arranged on request with groups of 4 riders or more* (must start a Monday).
* not available between mid-December and first week of January.
|
Rates do not include:
Insurance (required), Gratuities & Transfers from/to Wellsford
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Te Kiri Warrior Trail (IT-NZRT08):
We are doing our short daily treks again and will be resuming our multi day treks again in the summer from December on. We will of course be following the protocols set out by our government.
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Sample Itinerary: 5-day Warrior Trail - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive by midday. The introductory ride starts around 2:00pm along the beautiful beach (approx. 2 hrs). Enjoy dinner with your hosts, descendants of Te Kiri paramount chief of Ngati Wai and his daughter Rahui, and who have lived their entire lives farming this land.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse or Beach house
Day 2: Lake Ride
We start at 10 am for a day's riding on the beautiful white sand Pacific surf beach. Here you may be lucky enough to see wild dolphins playing in the surf and indeed ride in and swim with them.this of course cant be guaranteed but we do this occasionally! You will ride along trails in the pine forest once used by Maori warriors in ancient times as they protected their territory here from visiting tribes.This is the trail run by the legendary runner Tau Kokopu who was as famous for his skill with the taiaha as he was for his speed running.
Lunch at the freshwater Lake Tomarata - if the weather is warm you might like to swim your horse and cool off. Then up over Te Arai Point where the views over the beach and out to the islands Te Moana nui O Toi O tuatahi ( The floats of the net of Toi in the great sea) Hauturu (Little Barrier) Aotea (Great Barrier) Mokohinau and the Taranga (Hen and Chickens) are spectacular.
Approx 5 hours riding.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeview Chalets or Casa di Lana
Day 3: Te Arai Beach Ride
Full day ride along the long white sand Te Arai beach much loved by surfers for its left hand break, ride over Te Arai Point and through the forest Finish your day riding along Pakiri beach and through an ancient pohutukawa glade (if you are riding in early December these gorgeous old trees will be covered in bright red blossom hence the name NZ Christmas tree) to your accommodation and a hearty dinner.
Approx 5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse or Beach house
Day 4: Maori Ride
Depart for the Maori Marae at Leigh. We climb high above the white sands of the beach to the Pa (the lookout fortress) of the paramount chief Te Kiri the ancestor of your hosts Laly and Sharley. Here you will be able to look out over the ocean to the Barrier islands and the Hen and Chickens and Coromandel and also to Rangitoto and Auckland city in the distance. We will travel over beautiful farmland down to the little fishing township of Leigh. A short ride from there to Omaha Marae, a genuine Maori marae still run on the traditions of the past.
Approx 5 hours riding.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Leigh Sawmill
Day 5: Departure
After a hearty breakfast you will begin your return trip stopping for lunch at Te Kiri’s Pa high above the sea. From here a steep descent to the beach where you can enjoy a brisk gallop along the sand and then ride through the dunes and along the estuary where you can see a wonderful variety of birds, up over some hilly farmland and return to Pakiri. Enjoy an afternoon tea or a cool beer. Departure in the afternoon or we can extend your stay with an overnight with dinner (extra).
Approx 4 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast
Sample Itinerary: 3-day Rahui's Ride - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival & Ride to Te Arai
Arrive at the farm at 10.00am. 10.00 am departure on a full day ride to Te Arai Point riding along beautiful Pakiri Beach, through white sand dunes, pine forest and native New Zealand rainforest. We stop for lunch at the fresh water lakes where weather permitting you may like to swim with your horse. Then, we ride on over Te Arai Point offering magnificent views out to the Hen and Chickens Islands (Taranga) Moko Hinau and the Barrier Islands. BBQ dinner.
Approx. 6 hours riding.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeview Chalets or Casa Di Lana
Day 2: Ride back to Pakiri
Ride along the beach and through forest and dunes after riding through forest at Te Arai.
Approx. 5-6 hours riding.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse or Beach house
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast, depart on a full day ride up to the Pa site of Te Kiri high above the sea over looking the islands to the East. Lunch there high above the Pacific ocean, then return to the beach and ride along the estuary and over farmland. If there is enough time, visit to our Maori marae. Depart after a cold drink or a tea or coffee with your guide and hosts.
Approx. 5 hours riding.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
--The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.--
At times, the trails have to be changed to accommodate logging or other forest activities or weather vagaries. Any changes to the itinerary are made in the interests of your safety.
Meeting:
Pakiri Beach
Airport:
Auckland
Transfer:
Wellsford Intercity bus station
Distance:
120km
Pick-up/ drop-off is available ONLY from Wellsford at an extra fee. Pick-up is scheduled for 9:00am on the first day from the Intercity bus station and drop-off for 4:00pm on the last day.
Tack:
|
|
English, some western and stock saddles
|
Horses:
|
|
Crossbred, Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Quarterhorse, Stock Horse and Clydesdale
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with nice canters on the beach
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
|
|
Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
|
Warrior Trail (4.5 riding days): On the first day, there is approx. 2 hours of introductory riding. The rest of the days will have approximately 4 - 5 hours of riding per day.
Rahui's Ride (3 riding days): We ride around 5-6 hours each day.
Your Hosts
We are a blended family of both Maori and European descent. We are descendants from Te Kiri of Ngati Wai, an ancient Maori chief, and from Scottish, Portuguese and English settlers and whalers. Our tribe, Ngati Wai, were seafarers. They discovered this place after following the call of the whales across the Pacific. Our home is on land that has been handed down through many generations. Here we have gained a lifetime of experience with horses and farming. We would love to share the history and the legends of this special place with you.
Horses
There are 80+ horses, including about 65 trekking horses and 27 purebred Arabians.
All our horses are chosen for their kind temperaments and their unflappable attitudes. They are forward going and relaxed and we keep them kind by rotating their work schedules and treating them well. Those used on the long multi day rides are chosen for their courage, fitness and dependability in all and unexpected situations.
Our horses live in a herd and have their own hierarchy and politics, which we all respect. They live out all year in grassy paddocks. The only horses stabled here are stabled at night only and they are our two Arabian stallions and the young stock we are weaning or showing.
Insurance
All riders must have their own insurance.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to . more
Auckland area
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
74
|
76
|
73
|
68
|
64
|
59
|
58
|
59
|
61
|
64
|
67
|
71
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
61
|
62
|
59
|
55
|
51
|
48
|
46
|
47
|
49
|
52
|
55
|
59
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
24
|
24
|
23
|
20
|
18
|
15
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
18
|
19
|
22
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
16
|
17
|
15
|
13
|
11
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
10
|
11
|
13
|
15
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
8
|
12
|
12
|
15
|
12
|
10
|
10
|
7
|
8
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The Auckland region enjoys a warm, coastal climate without any extremes of temperature.
Summers in Auckland are generally warm with high humidity, while winters are mild and damp. Plenty of rain is experienced throughout the year, but mainly in winter (June, July, August).
Keep in mind that the weather here can change unexpectedly—as cold fronts or tropical storms quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature.
However, the weather here is usually fine and lovely when it is wet elsewhere in the country...
Auckland is one of New Zealand sunniest regions with 2060 annual sunshine hours. The region is also very lush, with a mean annual rainfall of 1240mm.
Special note – strong UV
New Zealand experiences relatively little air pollution compared to many other countries, which makes the UV rays in our sunlight very strong.
The sunlight here can quickly burn skin from September to April, especially between 10am and 4pm, even on cloudy days. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: stay in the shade whenever possible, wear a shirt, hat and sunglasses, use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.
What we supply:
Oilskin raincoat, Saddlebags, Riding helmets.
Avoiding aches and pains:
Wear panty hose, tights or lycra bike pants under your riding pants to help reduce chafing.
Avoid wearing new or freshly starched jeans; those seams can be a killer.
Lengthen stirrup leathers a notch or two to reduce stress on knee joints.
Protect all exposed skin from the sun.
Take the opportunity to walk when possible.
Do some simple stretching exercises before mounting.
Bring some Vaseline or similar for chafed bits
A small cotton neckerchief can helf keep sunburn at bay when you have an open neck shirt.
We recommend half chaps.
Safety helmets are mandatory and will be provided.
This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
Flight tickets |
Passport |
Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
RIDING GEAR |
Comfortable trousers for riding in.(jodhpurs,riding jeans, trackpants, men may like to wear lycra cycle shorts under their pants.) |
Sturdy boots or shoes comfortable for walking |
Warm woolen socks |
Safety helmets are mandatory and will be provided |
Riding gloves |
Waterproof hat / sunhat |
Lightweight Rain coat or parka |
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING |
A warm change of clothes, if you feel the cold polyprop / thermal underwear is a good idea on Spring and Autumn rides |
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
Jeans/waterproof trousers |
Shorts |
Underwear and socks |
Pyjama |
Bag for dirty clothes |
Swimsuit |
Sunblock |
|
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
Personal toiletries, face cloth and small towel |
Insect protection |
Personal medications |
Sore cream (for an emergency) or vaseline petroleum jelly for rubs and chafes (thoroughly recommended) |
Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
Belt pack |
Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Water bottle |
Small torch and batteries |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
These are progressive rides, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
You will be staying in carefully selected accommodations that compliment and show off the beauty of New Zealand. WIFI is available at all locations. Laundry is not available for this trip.
Warrior Trail Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Beach house on Pakiri Beach
Night 2: Lakeview chalets or Casa di Lana at Te Arai
Night 3: Beach house on Pakiri Beach
Night 4: The Leigh Sawmill
Rahui's Ride Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Lakeview chalets or Casa di Lana at Te Arai
Night 2: Beach house on Pakiri Beach
Beach house on Pakiri Beach
The farm is only a 1½-hour drive from Auckland through farmland and native bush with extraordinary coastal views. Experience authentic farm life with your friendly hosts - descendants of the area's first Maori rangitira (chief). Their farm is on lands that have been handed down for generations, covering 2000 acres of coastal hill country in lower Northland, carrying 200 beef and breeding cattle, 200 Merino and some Perendale sheep and 60 horses some of which make up our much loved trekking herd. Fifteen of these horses comprise the well established Arabian horse stud Taurere Park Arabians. Pakiri Beach is a 15 km long private white sandy beach. Stay in attractive and comfortable chalets and enjoy real farmhouse cooking. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing onto a deserted surf beach. One 4-bedroom cabin and two rustic queen bed cabins with private bathrooms, all peacefully located on the dunes above Pakiri Beach.
Lakeview chalets in Te Arai
Located in the a beautiful valley, by a peaceful lake, the chalets are surrounded with nature, forests and countryside. Each chalet has 2 bedrooms and a deck opening onto extensive gardens. Bathrooms are shared.
Casa di Lana in Te Arai
Tonight’s accommodation is an old authentic wool-shearing shed that has been rehabilitated in order to offer comfortable accommodation. The interior décor is minimalist. There are 3 separate apartments with king bed and private bathroom in each as well as a small living room with a TV. Communal areas include a deck, and a small garden. There is free Wi-Fi access in all apartments.
The Leigh Sawmill
This small café offers modern accommodations in either apartments or suites. Both options offers a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable beds. Bathrooms are shared and there is internet access in all accommodations.
Rahui's Ride Accommodation Itinerary
Beach house on Pakiri Beach
The farm is only a 1½-hour drive from Auckland through farmland and native bush with extraordinary coastal views. Experience authentic farm life with your friendly hosts - descendants of the area's first Maori rangitira (chief). Their farm is on lands that have been handed down for generations, covering 2000 acres of coastal hill country in lower Northland, carrying 200 beef and breeding cattle, 200 Merino and some Perendale sheep and 60 horses some of which make up our much loved trekking herd. Fifteen of these horses comprise the well established Arabian horse stud Taurere Park Arabians. Pakiri Beach is a 15 km long private white sandy beach. Stay in attractive and comfortable chalets and enjoy real farmhouse cooking. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing onto a deserted surf beach. One 4-bedroom cabin and two rustic queen bed cabins with private bathrooms, all peacefully located on the dunes above Pakiri Beach.
Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share.
If there is only 1 rider on the 3-day ride you will stay at the beach cabin for both nights OR you can pay a single supplement and stay at the lake chalet as usual.
Meals
All meals are included in your package.
Wholesome hearty home cooked food throughout stay is served with New Zealand wine and beer at dinner. Breakfast and dinner is enjoyed at the accommodations while lunch is had on trail.
Menu Example
Breakfast: cereal and fruit, toast, cooked eggs of riders choosing, tea, coffee, fruit juice
Packed lunch: filled roll, fruit, muesli bar, sweet cake / slice, fruit juice, bottled water
Evening Meal: depends on riders preferences determined at booking but typically includes a fish, lamb, beef or chicken dish with seasonal vegetables and salad, rolls, home cooked / prepared desert, NZ wine or beer.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
|
|
English, some western and stock saddles
|
Horses:
|
|
Crossbred, Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Quarterhorse, Stock Horse and Clydesdale
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with nice canters on the beach
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Warrior Trail (4.5 riding days): On the first day, there is approx. 2 hours of introductory riding. The rest of the days will have approximately 4 - 5 hours of riding per day.
Rahui's Ride (3 riding days): We ride around 5-6 hours each day.
Your Hosts
We are a blended family of both Maori and European descent. We are descendants from Te Kiri of Ngati Wai, an ancient Maori chief, and from Scottish, Portuguese and English settlers and whalers. Our tribe, Ngati Wai, were seafarers. They discovered this place after following the call of the whales across the Pacific. Our home is on land that has been handed down through many generations. Here we have gained a lifetime of experience with horses and farming. We would love to share the history and the legends of this special place with you.
Horses
There are 80+ horses, including about 65 trekking horses and 27 purebred Arabians.
All our horses are chosen for their kind temperaments and their unflappable attitudes. They are forward going and relaxed and we keep them kind by rotating their work schedules and treating them well. Those used on the long multi day rides are chosen for their courage, fitness and dependability in all and unexpected situations.
Our horses live in a herd and have their own hierarchy and politics, which we all respect. They live out all year in grassy paddocks. The only horses stabled here are stabled at night only and they are our two Arabian stallions and the young stock we are weaning or showing.
Insurance
All riders must have their own insurance.
Passports
Passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months except:
1. nationals of the UK who may stay for up to six months;
2. nationals of Australia who may stay indefinitely.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact their nearest New Zealand Immigration Service to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
3. Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien (non-citizen) passports issued by Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No/1 |
Australian |
No/2 |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No/3 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
|
|
Te Kiri Warrior Trail
Tour Code:
IT-NZRT08
5 days /
4 nights
~$3,300.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|