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) Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Pakiri Beach Airport: Auckland Transfer: Wellsford Intercity bus station Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off is available ONLY from Wellsford. 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.

5-day Warrior Trail Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

Day 1
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. Over night stay at the farm house or in the beach house.

Day 2
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 Overnight at the lovely Lakeview Chalets overlooking Lake Spectacle.
Approx 5 hours riding.

Day 3
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

Day 4
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. Overnight at Leigh Sawmill.
Approx 5 hours riding.

Day 5
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

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3-day Rahui's Ride Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

Day 1
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. Overnight at Lakeview Chalets or Casa Di Lana, or a Beach Cabin. BBQ dinner.
Approx. 6 hours riding.
 
Day 2
Ride along the beach and through forest and dunes after riding through forest at Te Arai . Overnight at beach house or beach cabin depending on numbers.
Approx. 5-6 hours riding.

Day 3
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.

--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.

                                            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

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

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date natasha diller 12/5/2017 brenda brown 4/22/2015 elaine mitchell 3/21/2014

Accommodations
5-day Warrior Trail: This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations. You will stay in 3 different locations total.
3-day Rahui's Ride: This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

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

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 from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.
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 2 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.