Horseback Riding in New Zealand
NORTH ISLAND RIDE |
These beautiful islands down-under have magnificent scenery and some very warm hospitality to offer the visitor. The country holds fertile farmland, spectacular snow-capped mountains, geysers to rival Yellowstone and some of the world's best trout fishing in its lakes and rivers.
The North Island has a temperate climate and one can ride there all year. Our ride takes place only a two hour drive from Auckland and one can easily stop there on the way to or from Australia. This program can be custom tailored to do virtually anytime your schedule permits. One stays in a very comfortable farmhouse with the owners, and guests are treated like a part of the family. The surrounding farms, forests and beaches are ideal for riding. There is a 30 mile stretch of uninhabited beach and it is hard to imagine a better place for spirited gallops.
The incredible hospitality of the Hedleys should be commended. The horses were excellent and perfectly matched to the riders, truly an awesome experience.
- Maggie Wright
The Hedley hospitality -- feline, equine, bovine and human -- is unequaled! The social history, sighting of 36 different birds, hearing the political and agricultural perspectives richly enhanced my experience. This should be a MUST for any lover of horses, animals and nature.
- Jacquie Berkshire
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Riders are met in Auckland and transferred to South Kaipara Head. |
| Day 2: | The first day of riding crosses farmland, past an old Maori tribe site, then on through Woodhill Forest and out to Muriwai Beach. The lunch team arrives and a leisurely hour eating in a sheltered part of the forest is enjoyed before the afternoon ride of more beach and farmland. Home to your host's house for evening meal and overnight. |
| Day 3: | A forest ride to Lake Otatoa, where horses and riders may swim. An afternoon of forest tracks that lead to a historic farm of 2,500 acres. This night is spent in shearer's quarters. |
| Day 4: | Ride to the end of the peninsula with its panoramic views. Cross the wilderness flats, pass sand dunes then out to the beach with nothing but sand and vigorous surf. Cover 10 miles of beach, then re-enter the forest for the trek home. |
| Day 5: | Departure for Auckland.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Auckland |
| Length of Ride | 5 days, 4 nights and 3 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | Stock, English |
| Horses | Thoroughbred cross |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Year round, flexible schedule (3 night minimum) |
| 2008 Price | $360 per night |
| Additional Information | Longer stays are available. |
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