Top 5 horse riding trails
Complete with picturesque beaches, gentle riverbanks, urban bridleways and vast nature reserves, the Kāpiti Coast is a horse rider’s paradise. Here are just 5 of the favourite riding trails available on the Coast.
Ōtaki River
15km | Suitable for: cycling, walking, horse riding
Ōtaki River to Ōtaki Beach
Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and mountain biking trail. Walk towards the mountains or walk down to the beach. Horses are also permitted on Ōtaki River trail, with the exception of private land upstream of Chrystalls Lagoon on the northern side of river and Iwi land (Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku) on the southern river bank.
From State Highway 1 to the coast, this trail first passes a working quarry so please take care and follow the signs.
Horse float parking is available on the Eastern side of the Ōtaki River Bridge.
Waikanae River Trail Loop
7.5km | Suitable for: cycling, walking, horse riding
A beautiful, mostly shaded walk from Waikanae to Waikanae Beach via the Waikanae River.
Park on the north bank of the Waikanae River at the Tutere Street entrance by Waikanae Beach, take the gentle route along the north bank towards the old SH1. Come back towards the beach on the south bank, crossing the footbridge at Otaihanga Domain. Tree-lined most of the way, large poplars, willows and pines, along with increasing native plantings make this 10km loop walk (with several bridges and opportunities to shorten the walk) a great shaded walk.
Look out for diverse bird life and swimming spots.
Horse float parking and mounting blocks are available at the Greenaway Rd entrance, Waikanae.
Te Horo Bridleways
10-15km | Suitable for: horse riding
North Te Horo - South Te Horo
Extensive beach riding opportunities with mounting blocks provided at the beach end of Peka Peka, Sims and Te Hapua roads. From Te Horo Beach, riders can join the Waikanae to Peka Peka Loop.
Horse float parking and mounting blocks are provided at the beach end.
Waikanae Beach to Peka Peka Loop
14km | Suitable for: cycling, walking, horse riding
Waikanae Beach via Peka Peka
Park at the beach and follow Kāpiti Coastal Cycle route north to Peka Peka. Join the Kāpiti Cycle Route - Expressway south then follow Te Moana Road and Rauparaha Street back to Waikanae Beach. You can link to the Waikanae River Loop.
Take care on Paetawa and Peka Peka Roads where the footpath ends.
Whareroa Farm
Suitable for: cycling, walking, horse riding
3.5km north of Paekākāriki. From State Highway 1, take the Mackay's Crossing exit to Queen Elizabeth Park.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a day out at this shared recreation reserve near Paekākāriki. It doubles as a working farm and network of walking, mountain biking and horse riding trails through retired pastureland, native bush, and wetlands.
With eight different trails on offer and links to the adjoining Akatarawa Forest and Queen Elizabeth Park, this is the perfect spot to pack a picnic and enjoy a day out in an area of uninterrupted natural beauty.
The mountain biking trails within the park are continually being developed by the Kāpiti Mountain Bike Club. Keys for horse bridleways are available by prior arrangement with the Kāpiti Coast District Council.
Horse float parking is available at the main farm entrance, Mackays Crossing.
Visit the Find Your Wild website for details on some of the most popular trails for beach and river trekking, urban rides and Hill hacking.
Kāpiti Coast Riding Trails