Looking for awesome things to do for Ararua or the surrounding area?
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Welcome to Ararua, a hidden gem in New Zealand! Immerse yourself in the beauty of this breathtaking destination as you explore a multitude of fun experiences and exciting activities. From thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking the stunning trails and discovering the mesmerizing waterfalls, to taking part in exhilarating water sports or exploring the rich Maori culture, Ararua offers something for every traveler. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a deeper connection with nature, this page is your go-to guide for all the exciting things to do in Ararua.
Amy really took her time to explain us everything. The horses are so well trained, it feels very safe even for beginners. The scenery is gorgeous, one of my highlights in New Zealand. When we were there, it was really quiet. We couldn't have had a better experience. The time with the horses is plentiful. Amy is very generous with her time. We had a great time. I recommend it 200%!!!
Heloise and the girls was very friendly and accommodating. The horses was so friendly and docile. It was a relaxing time. Thank you..
Beautiful horses, lovely people. I am an experienced rider must say it was one of the best rides I've had. ???
Thank you for such a great experience. The coach was really good in explaining what to do and the horses were really friendly and gentle.
First, This was my first experience of horse riding. Even I don't have any knowledge about riding a horse, I highly recommend this adventure for the beginner like me. The owner lady was super kind and give kind instructions such as what I have to & not to do for my safety. Once you on the horse, you will feel connection between you and your horse. our adventure day's weather was such a wonderful, sunny and a bit of breeze for chilling out. A view of Ruakaka beach is....you will just say WOW. no more words needs to explain. image cannot give what I actually felt at that time. Definately I would like to go again with my friends.
Was absolutely lovely experience horse riding in small group, lovely day time walking on the beach and bourses playing with water! Spectacular views and enjoyable experience!
It was such an amazing experience and i loved every minute, and even though we were so amateur they made us feel comfortable the whole time, loved it!?
Lovely staff and it was a really nice day all around. This ride is definitely for beginners and you don't get to do a lot of trotting or canters (about 1 min of trotting 3 or 4 times on the ride). Beach was lovely, took my younger sister (12 Yr old) and she really enjoyed the ride, think it's the perfect one for first time riders! If you want to do more trotting or cantering I would recommend booking a more advanced trek (staff recommend the 2 hour ride)
This experience is an absolute delight. Guides are friendly, informative and obviously passionate about this. Even the teenager put her phone away! A must do for everyone.... We'll be back for the longer trip.
It was perfect for a beginner like me as this is my first ever horse riding. The staff was super friendly and helpful. And the beach they took us on were amazing. Had a super great time and will recommend to everyone to have a go.
Amy was a wonderful host. Was pleasantly surprised when I discovered I was the only one on the trip as her policy is to provide a personal experience to every guests and that we shouldn't have to share the experience with a large group. Ernie my horse was just a sweetheart. Very gentle and forgiving to inexperienced riders but I was told that he could be a great ride for experienced riders too. Delighted to get a little trot on the beach. Been a while since I rode! Amy always made sure I was safe and comfortable and wouldn't push anything past my riding abilities. All on all, great experience and would recommend a ride with them.
We experienced a new environment. Thanks to all three guides. They were all amazing people. Please keep it up. If you can fix side mirror to look at the back, it would be still entertaining. Thanks for your continuing effort.
Both of us are novice riders, Vanessa, was very friendly, helpful and patient, after giving us the safety chat and showing us how to get on and off the horses, we got on and started our adventure. There are 2 rides, we went on just the beach one, after getting used to the motion of the horse, it was an amazing experience. I would advise that you wear jeans, because the stirrup straps can dig in to bare legs
The rail journey is something different to do in the Dagarville area. The guys running this experience are humorous and provided interesting facts. It's a fun outing for the day for all age groups.
We were pleasantly surprised by this experience. It was fun to be riding through the countryside and learning about the history of the Dargaville area. The guides were fantastic - hilarious and made the experience enjoyable. The offerings of tea, coffee and delicious baking were appreciated too. We hope to bring back the rest of our family and maybe do the more extended tour they have to offer.
A really worthwhile experience. Original and great fun. Well organised and lovely people.
Fun experience on our way up North. Views were lovely and was interesting to hear bits of history along the way. Scones at the half way point were a big hit with everyone. Thanks for a great activity
The staff were friendly and informative - interesting stops along the way Great morning excursion through the Dargaville countryside.
Excellent family day out! Our 2 year old grandson loved it.
It's been in our bucket list for a while and now, we are very thrilled and great ful that we did it. Such an awesome n amazing cart rail ride... Anyone has to experience it to feel the joy and not to worry about busy traffic... All that we did was foot on accelerator, sit back and enjoy the beautiful ride through country side... Bet you will sing Country Road Take me Home... n think about your childhood memories in the open land and in paddock... The lovely host team have excelled in their caring hospitality skills and made us feel special, secured while in cart and provided us with home made scones and special pancakes with hot tea and coffee... Thank you very much for your hospitality and providing New Zealand with your unique and well maintained Tourist attraction n activity, all comes with great value for money... Love it.
Great experience and fun!!!
A nice way to spend the afternoon doing something different. The trip goes past & through several farms with a couple of bridge crossings thrown in for good measure. John guides the trip & stops along the way giving you some background of the railway & surrounding area. One cautionary note about using bookme is the number of available spaces it shows may not be accurate. I booked 2 spaces when 4 were available and got an email from John shortly thereafter saying my date was full and unavailable. Luckily for me I had enought time on my holiday to reschedule otherwise I would have missed out.
A pleasant couple of hours on a golf cart buggy on railway lines, experiencing the Dargaville countryside. A couple of brief stops along the way where John explained some history and information about the area. A tea stop at Tangowahine with a selection of date, raisin and cheese scones made by Dave (Dinny's Bakery), whilst the carts were turned around. (also portoloos here).
Pretty fun and staffs are friendly
We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Such a simple idea which works. Well done
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