Lake Kareta
Horse riding the unformed road through Woodhill Forest
Horse riding at Lake Kareta
There are a number of lakes in the dunes in the northern section of Woodhill Forest. The only place you can ride along-side one of these lakes, is on an unformed road that joins Wilson Rd, with the beach, and skirts Lake Kareta. The entire length of the road was cleared by locals, and you must stick to the track.
Entry to the forest on either side is forbidden. RIding within the forest is strictly controlled by the owners Ngati Whatua o Kaipara and forest managers Hancock Forest management.
The Ride
Approx 2km each way
Apart from the entranceway the entire length of the 'road' is mostly sand, and onto the back of the dunes if you reach the beach.
At the beginning the sandy trail is a pleasant and rolling, through the trees with lovely views as you ride around the shores of the lake. There is then a steepish sand track up to the top of the track where it again continues as an almost flat, straight track until you hit the back of the dunes. The dunes are very steep, and change often depending on storms or vehicle use.
As this is an unformed road, you must be aware of 4WDs and motorbikes using it. Weekends can be very busy. Most of the road is wide enough to keep out of the way, but there are idiots - so be prepared. The sand can also make this a very hot ride for your horse, so sticking to weekdays, mornings and avoiding mid-summer days is recommended.
Getting there, and parking
Approx 20km from Parakai. Drive up South Head to Wilson Rd, and turn down Wilson Rd. As you get to the bottom of a steep and winding hill you will see an opening in the fence just past the end of Lake Kareta (very approx 575 Wilson Rd).
There is a wide grassed\sand area which easily fits several trucks or floats. Do not block the track itself. Council has gravelled the entry since the photo (right) was taken.
