The Warrior Trail (5 day ride)
Ride the trails of the ancestors, enjoy 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 in their sacred house. Enjoy the company of his descendents and the stories and food they share with you. Most of all enjoy the freedom of travelling on horseback in this special place.
Day 1
Arrive Pakiri at approx 2pm. Introductory ride along Pakiri beach. Dinner with your hosts descendants of Te Kiri paramount chief of Ngati Wai and his daughter Rahui, and who have lived their lives farming this land. Over night at the beach house, or in a beach cabin.
Approx. 2 hours riding
Day 2
Depart Pakiri at 10.00am for a days 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 fine 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 at Pakiri and a hearty dinner.
Approx. 5 hours riding
Day 4
Depart Pakiri 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 the ancestor of your hosts Laly and Sharley Haddon. 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. 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.
If there are 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. BBQ meal.
Approx. 5 hours riding
Day 5
After a hearty breakfast you will 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. Afternoon tea or a cool beer and depart Pakiri.
Approx. 4 hours riding
Rider Information
This ride is not suitable for completely novice riders.
Suitable for groups. Minimum 1 person. Minimum 6 people to stay on Marae. If group is too small we may alternatively stay at Mollyhawk Cottage or the Sawmill.
Price
Price NZ$2999.00 per person - Extra night/ day available at beginning or end of ride
Ride includes:
- All meals country style and BBQ, some wine.
- Accommodation in cabins, or nice beach house, genuine modern maori marae.
- Alternative arrangements can be made at extra expense to stay in motel or lodge accommodation. This price covers only the accommodation in the itinerary.
- Clients may wish to dine at a local restaurant at their own expense rather than eat every night at the farm house.
- Riding and safety helmets.
- Taxes.