South Kaipara Horse Treks & Riding Holidays
Rod and Bev Hedley have been running their half-day, full-day, overnight and multi-day treks for around 20 years: “That’s a lot of time on a horse,” says Rod.
The treks attract international tourists, mainly from England, the USA and sometimes Europe, all of whom are horse lovers—“You wouldn’t put yourself through four days on a horse if you weren’t,” points out Rod—who often have horses of their own at home.
The Hedleys have 25 horses, which they graze together in big paddocks. Bev doesn’t ride so her job is to prepare the meals and lunches while Rod leads the treks, which last up to four days.
These treks are not for the inexperienced. Although Rod and Bev ensure the rider is matched to the horse according to their respective experience and temperaments, horses can reach speeds of around 60km on the beaches and, says Rod, “You need to know how to stop them.”
Less experienced riders, however, can enjoy the half-day treks so long as they are in a group with other riders of similar ability who will ride at the same pace: “Horses are social,” says Rod. “The like to be with their mates.”
One of the unique features of the South Kaipara Horse Treks is the views across the Kaipara Harbour, which, says Rod, are stunning. One of his favourites is from the top of South Head from where the entrance to the harbour can be seen: “It’s a very grand view… but there are lots of pretty little views along the way, too.”