The Great Northern Coast to Coast (7 days)

An epic adventure following the mighty Hoteo River on horseback. From the calm white sands and blue waters of the Pacific Ocean in the east, ride to the black sands of the wild West Coast and the Tasman Sea. And whose descendents have developed New Zealand into the country it is today. Take note of the landmarks and high points used by Manuhiri to mark the boundaries of their lands. Enjoy farmland and bush and the pine forests from which products are exported all over the world.

Your hosts Sharley and Laly Haddon, descendants of the great Ngati Wai Chief Te Kiri, have farmed in this area for the greater part of their lives and between them have years of experience in all equestrian disciplines.

Day One

Pick up from Auckland City midday and travel by shuttle bus to Pakiri Beach. Approximate arrival Pakiri 2.30pm. Pakiri is one and half hours driving north from down town Auckland city and approximately 2 ½ hours driving time North from Auckland International Airport. Time for an introductory ride along the beach to get to know your horse. Dinner with your hosts Sharley and Laly Haddon then overnight in the very comfortable and private beach house.

OR If we have a large group of 6 or more riders and depending on availability we may be able to offer you the experience of a welcome and visit to our local Maori marae. Here you will meet our people, share stories and legends with them and maybe stay over with them sleeping on comfortable mattresses on the floor as is traditional.

Approx 2- 3 hours riding 5 – 6 hours if we ride to the Leigh Marae.

Day Two

After a hearty breakfast depart for a full days riding The rolling surf of the South Pacific Ocean breaks on the unpopulated white sand beach. We ride through the dunes with breath taking views to the islands of Hauturu (Little Barrier) Aotea (Great Barrier) and Taranga (the Hen and Chickens)and in the distance Motuhinau Island and Hawea (Goat Island) Marine Reserve., these you will see as you ride high above the sea over Te Arai Point these are known as the mythical floats on the nets of Toi the discoverer of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We may stop for lunch by the fresh water Tomarata lakes in the pine forest or at the Te Arai beach. You will ride through ancient Pohutukawa groves where in Summer the pohutukawa trees or New Zealand Christmas tree are ablaze with red flowers. And along a native bush track where you can see the southern most palm the Nikau.

This ride shares with you the lands of the Ngati Wai an ancient seafaring Maori tribe who first discovered this land after following the call of the whales through the Pacific. Your hosts are descendents of the paramount chief Te Kiri whose Pa site over looks the entire area.

Overnight in beach house at Pakiri.

Approx. 6 hours riding

Day Three

Today you will ride over green farmland through New Zealand native rain forest. You will follow an old kauri logging track through Whangaripo Valley to the top of the Matakana Hill. You will then pass through beef cattle and sheep farms. Te Whio sheep farm owned by an old farming family. Overnight in home stay "on top of the world"high above the valley.and at the source of the Hoteo River.

We stay at a lodge which is part of a bird sanctuary. Here you will meet many rescued birds of all types and enjoy wonderful vegetarian food with your hosts Shaun and Michael and a hot spa. We may change this route if conditions are unfavourable.

Approx. 6 hours riding

Day Four

Sometimes in the early morning we may be able to visit the Matakana Farmers Market before setting off on our ride. You may need to bring pocket money to try some of the yummy things for sale here.

A more leisurely ride through the Dome State Forest-a pine forest and some native bush, following logging roads to Spring Hill Stud Farm, where we will ride over some very picturesque farmland. After we have settled the horses we may visit a small town bar El Tapora in Wellsford for dinner at your expense and return to our accommodation with Jeannie and her dog "Pocket" at her lovely little home in Wellsford or we will dine with Jeannie and enjoy her company.

If the group is too large for Jeannie to host we will stay at a motel or if the group prefer we can camp in a real working wool shed, sheepy smells and all!

Approx. 5 hours riding

Please note: If weather conditions or logging activities are unfavorable and render this ride unsafe we may have to do an alternative route.

Day Five

Depart Spring Hill Farm passing under State Highway One following the Hoteo River.

We travel over the Whisky Hill farm, along the tree-lined edge of the Hoteo River to enter the Kaipara State Forest, where we follow logging tracks through the pines. Stopping for lunch by the pretty Awarere waterfall where those who want to can swim in the clear water pool under the falls and then continuing on through pine forest we may call and meet some local people on the way .

We over night at Kaipara Flats once an important small village and stay with Colin and Vicki at Willow Lodge. Here we enjoy a BBQ meal with our hosts.

Approx 5 – 6 hours riding

As For Day 4 if the guides deem the ride unsafe we may have to take an alternative route..

Day Six

We will need an early start today, we ride over 4 beautiful hill country sheep and beef cattle farms enjoying spectacular views over to both coasts. On our way you will pass an old "wim" used in the pioneer days to haul logs. We stop for lunch at a beautiful secret waterfall, here those who wish can swim in the pool beneath the falling water. We follow the Hoteo River as it continues its path to its mouth in the West.

Then we ride over Mt. Taranaki the Sister Mountain to Mt. Auckland or Atuanui, along a remote dirt road through rugged and spectacular hill country with views to the West Coast over the Kaipara Harbour. This is New Zealand's largest water mass and also boasts the most treacherous bar to its entry. It is also the largest water mass in the Southern Hemisphere and the 2nd largest on the globe. From the top of the ridge on a clear day you may be able to see the Sky tower of Auckland city. You are now in Ngati Whatua territory.

We ride down steep hillside paths OR due to the difficulties caused by recent logging we may divert through rolling farm country owned by one of the original settler families and ride to the west coast road and then load the horses and truck to the main road..SH16. We will then finish the day dining and overnight with Jenny Hood at her charming lodge Mataia a historic house built in the villa style of the last century.

Approx 7 hours riding

Day Seven

After breakfast we load the horses on to the truck and drive a short distance to Rimmer Rd Helensville. Maybe stopping at the Arts Café in Helensville for an espresso for those who are hanging out for a coffee hit!

Today we ride through the Woodhill Forest where you may see fallow deer or wild pig as you ride to the sea… Muriwai beach…the west coast with its black sand and wild seas so different from the East coast we have come from! A gallop down the beach (if the tides out) and lunch in the forest and ride back through the pines along forest tracks to the truck and say goodbye to your horse.

Approx 4 – 5 hours ride

And then transfer on to Auckland by shuttle OR you may prefer to return with the horse truck to Pakiri, stopping on the way for a quick beer at the Kaukapakapa Pub and at Wellsford, and then enjoy a last dinner with your hosts. An optional extra night at Pakiri in the beach house

Rider Information

This ride is not for first time riders, riders must be able to mount and dismount unaided and be comfortable at all gaits. They must be comfortable walking on foot over rough terrain. We have a weight limit of 95 kgs. WE DO NOT TAKE ANY HEAVIER RIDERS. And we reserve the right to turn away riders who are over this weight upon arrival at the farm.

Ride includes:

• All meals country style and BBQ, a glass of wine. Riders are welcome to bring wine to share if they wish or to buy wine on route.
• Accommodation in home stay, lodges, nice beach house, cabins.
• Alternative arrangements can be made at extra expense to stay in motel or lodge accommodation in stead of the accommodation provided. This price covers only the accommodation in the itinerary.
• Riding and safety helmets are included.
• Transport and return from Auckland City.
• Taxes.
• Clients may wish to dine at a restaurant in Wellsford at their own expense.
• You may need to bring some pocket money for extra purchases at the markets, cafes or extra wine.

Schedule of rides 2010 / 2011

2010	2011
November 10 - 16	February  9 - 15
December 8 -14	March 9 - 15
	April 6 - 12
	May  4 - 10
	November 9 - 15
	December 7 - 13