Horse Riding Tour – Pakiri Beach, New Zealand is an amazing experience for beach lovers and horse riders. With white sands and crystalline water surrounding you, the wind softly touching your skin, and the waves making that relaxing sound that we all love… What is the only thing that could turn that moment into a more majestic and unforgettable experience? That’s right, riding a beautiful, imposing horse all around this unbelievable land. This is definitely way different than most adventures, but you certainly won’t forget it.
Things to Do
The beautiful Pakiri Beach is one of the most amazing landscapes that you would ever see. Its beauty was once captured in the famous film The Piano, and other filmmakers have done the same as well. Located on a northern island of New Zealand, this beach offers you a wonderful view and the chance to ride a horse all over the place. If you love animals and landscapes, this beach will definitely be like paradise for you. For locals, this is a special, spiritual and historical experience. So be sure to enjoy it as much as they want you to enjoy their culture and their majestic animals.
The Te Kiri Warrior Trail
History can be found everywhere around this place, taking us far back to the first Maori settlers. Close your eyes and imagine them fishing off the shoreline with hand-sewn nets and cultivating the fields around. With supplies packed in a saddle bag, what better approach to appreciate this than by taking up the reins and riding along one of the region’s most rewarding trails: the Te Kiri Warrior Trail.
The view from Pa
Climbing over to Pa is a must when you are in Pakiri Beach. Here the fortress of Te Kiri, a previous Maori chief, once stood. Pa offers many clear views. First, views over the Hauraki Gulf to the Pacific Ocean, and the Little Barrier and Great Barrier islands (Hauturu and Aotea). Besides, the views to the Hen and Chicken Islands are stunning, and even Auckland itself can be seen.
Pakiri’s lovely people
You will also get the chance to ride like Taukokopu, an ancient Maori warrior known for being the watchman during war. He used to ride along the high points of Pakiri’s coastline, and warn his people of any enemies cloes by. Eventually you will reach the Omaha marae (meeting house) of the Maori people. Here, you can finally relax, put your horse out to graze and feel welcomed as you enjoy the karanga or calling on ceremony.
The Omaha marae
The Omaha marae is located around five hours south from Pakiri by horse. Once you get there, Maroi men will start narrating never-ending yet fascinating histories of their ancestors. And finally, you will be part of the heart-warming hongi ceremony, in which host and visitor touch their noses. At first you might feel flustered, but this special ceremony will truly make you feel like you are one of them.
When the night falls, being squeezed into covers and sleeping bags may not be the most extravagant choice, but the experience is rather extraordinary. A Maori legend says that you have been honored by the spirits if you sleep along these amazing people in this amazing place. After a couple of days of riding, clean air and stories of warriors, you will truly feel honored by every single spirit. And you will definitely never forget the days you spent in here.
How to get there
The beach is around two hours from Auckland, on the north-east coast, and it extends for 21 km. Hidden from view by dunes and a sea of moving grass, it is one of those concealed spots. With only a group of little, wood-slatted farmhouses sprinkled on its edge, there is plenty of space for you to jog, gallop and dash to your heart’s content. To start your trip, remember that Air New Zealand flies daily to Auckland.