Rotorua
Where to horse ride around Rotorua District
Hannahs Bay
Between Rotorua airport and Lake Rotorua, Hannah's Bay reserve includes a bridle trail. The current management plan says "horses to be discouraged" so please use this area, and advocate for it's continuation or you will lose it!
Access off Willow Ave, where there is a large amount of public parking near the boat ramp. Area also shared with dog walkers (off leash area) and parking is shared.
The local pony club also has any all-weather arena here, but I cannot find any info about which branch this is- so please update this page if you have local knowledge.
Whakarewarewa Forest | The Redwoods
The Redwoods is located on Longmile Rd, 5 km south east of Rotorua city centre adjoining the larger Whakarewarewa Forest. Tokorangi Forest is a 286 ha mixed exotic forest on the southern edge of Rotorua city, and is part of the larger Whakarewarewa Forest.
Facilities include compost bins, tie-up rails, horse pens, and mounting blocks.
The main gates are open for vehicle access at 5.30am and close at 8.30pm.
Parking
Dedicated equestrian parking area is in a separate area just south of the bus parking area. There is more parking available within the old horse corral approx 100m down Long Mile Road. *** Checking this information
Trails
Horse riding on dedicated horse trails and forestry roads, the horse trails are well marked. You can enjoy a short 10 minute loop, a ride to the lower Pohaturoa lookout or ride along Tokorangi Pa Road for a variety of views of Rotorua city, lake & surrounding countryside.
Bridle Trail 30 mins (Dark blue track)
This is a very short loop that winds through the main Redwood Grove and a stand of Eucalypts. Suitable new or novice riders.
Tokorangi Pa Lookout Trail 1 - 1.5 hours (Yellow track)
This trail takes you through the tranquil Redwoods before a steady climb that offers a very beautiful trail with views of Mt Ngongotaha, Rotorua City, the lake, airport and countryside.
Katore Wash Trail 2 - 2.5 hours (Orange track)
This trail starts off similar to the Tokorangi Lookout trail, but will take you down to the valley floor following ‘The Wash’ and then Nursery Road to link back to the main entry.
Radio Hut Lookout Trail 1 - 1.5 hours (Light Blue/Teal track)
This trail heads west taking you to the lower Pohaturoa lookout where you get superb views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. If you are lucky you may even see the Pohutu Geyser erupting and on the way back, a small pool of bubbling mud called ‘Whanga-pipiro’.
Timberlands Forests
Kaingaroa, Whirinaki, Rotoehu, Waimangu, Whakarewarewa
These are working commercial forests and recreational permits are required. Recreational hunters and fishers also access these forests - comply with all safety requirements.
Recreational access applies to daylight hours during the weekend and public holidays only and is subject to safety or weather conditions.
Recreational Permits are required for all recreational access. Every permit holder must carry with them photographic identification along with their Access Permit.
$50 Permit Registration Fee, and H&S induction must be completed
ALL recreational forest users are required to wear day/night hi viz vests.
map of timberlands forests
Access is by permit to each forest, and may be revoked at any time if forestry operations change. Entering the forest without a permit, or sticking to the H&S rules will result in trespass. To apply for a permit or check current access go to the following pages.