Warrior Trail - 5 Day Horse Riding Experience

Arrive approximately 12pm. At 2pm enjoy am introductory ride along spectacular Pakiri Beach - Aprox 2 hours.

Enjoy dinner with your hosts Laly and Sharley. Overnight accommodation at the beach house or in a beach cabin.

Day 2

Departing at 10.00am the days riding begins along the beautiful white sand Pacific surf beach where we may be lucky enough to see wild dolphins playing in the surf. If this happens it is sometimes possible to ride in and swim with them. This of course cannot be guaranteed but does happen from time to time! Next you'll ride along forest trails once used by Maori warriors in ancient times as they protected their territory from visiting tribes. This is the trail run by the legendary runner Tau Kokopu who was as famous for his skill as a warrior as he was for his speed running.

Enjoy lunch at the freshwater Lake Tomarata. Then up over Te Arai Point where the views over the beach and out to the islands are spectacular. Over night we stay at the Lakeview Chalets over looking Lakes Tomarata and Spectacle. or in a beach cabin at Pakiri.

Approx 5 hours riding.

Day 3

Takes us riding along Te Arai surf beach, through a young pine forest and along the white sands of Pakiri beach and through native forest and high sand dunes. You will climb up a hilly farm track through some cattle country and then back to base at the stables where you will overnight in your Pakiri Beach Accommodation.

Approx 5 hours riding

Day 4

Riding for the Maori Marae at Leigh, we climb high above the white sands of Pakiri beach to the Pa (the lookout fortress) of the paramount chief Te Kiri. 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 we stay at the lovely Goat Island outlook Lodge where you can enjoy a hot spa or a cool swim in the pool. Or if there are more than 6 in your group you will all sleep the night together in the meeting house on mattresses on the floor as is the custom. You will be able to talk with the people and learn something of their history and their lives today.

Approx 5 hours riding

Day 5

After a hearty breakfast we return to Pakiri 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 afternoon tea or a cool beer to reflect on the epic journey before continuing on your way.