Warrior Trail Horse Trek

After arriving in Auckland, making your way to Pakiri you will receive your introductory ride at approx. 2pm along Pakiri Beach. Dinner with your hosts descendants of Te Kiri paramount chief of Ngati Wai and his daughter Rahui, who have lived their lives farming this land. Your accommodation will be your choice at either the beach house or in a beach cabin. (Approx 2 hours riding)

10:00am we depart Pakiri for a days riding on the beautiful white Pacific surf beach, if your lucky enough you may occasionally see wild dolphins playing in the surf and indeed ride in and swim with them! Ride along the trails in the pine forest once used by Maori warriors in ancient times, lunch at the freshwater lake Tomarata, if the weather is fine you might like to swim with your horse and cool off. After lunch we ride up over Te Arai Point where you will receive views over the beach and out to the islands which are spectacular. Accommodation will be at the Lakeview Chalets overlooking Lake Spectacle. (Approx 5 hours riding)

Your full day ride will be along the white sands of Te Arai beach (much loved by surfers for its left hand break), over Te Arai point and back through the forest. Finish up along Pakiri beach and through an ancient pohutukawa glade (if you are riding in early December these old trees will be covered in bright red blossom) to your accommodation at Pakiri. (Approx 5 hours riding)

Today we head to 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 the ancestor of your hosts Laly and Sharley Haddon. You will be able to look out over the ocean into the distance towards the Barrier islands and Coromandel as well as Rangitoto and Auckland city in the distance. Further travel over the beautiful farmland down to the little fishing township of Leigh. You will all sleep the night together in the meeting house on mattresses on the floor as is the custom, you will also be able to talk with the people and learn something of their history and their lives today.

If there is less than 6 people in the group we will be staying at Molly hawk Cottage; a delightful bed and breakfast lodge where you may soak in a hot outdoor bath! (Approx 5 hours riding)

After breakfast your last day will be back 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 along the estuary and further over some hilly farmland. Afternoon tea or a cool beer when you return is provided. (Approx 4 hours riding)