Waiheke Equestrian

Waiheke Equestrian is a family operation on Onetangi Road that takes riders out across farmland and up onto the ridges, where the view opens onto the gulf on either side of the island. The treks are guided throughout and the horses are matched to whoever is riding them, so a first-timer and a competent teenager can go out in the same group without either being badly served.

Rides are booked ahead rather than turned up for, and the summer months fill early. The farm trek is the standard outing, with a private option for families who would rather not share the ride. Older children and teenagers are the natural fit — this is proper riding over country rather than a led circuit, and a little confidence around horses makes the difference between a long hour and a good one.