Whangarei

The Parihaka Forest is 183 hectares (128 ha pine),is part of the 370 hectare WDC forest estate (267 ha forest + native forest and pasture). Signs advise the public when harvesting is active and access is restricted. (According to the plan, harvesting finished in 2010)

Mountain bikers and horse-riders, as well as walkers, can access the forest from various entrances, including Memorial Drive, Whareora Road (Goetzee Track), and Abbey Caves Road.

Abbey Caves Rd does not have good parking for floats or large horse trucks currently - the parking spaces have been divided by wooden poles. So you will need to park in nearby streets. It is earmarked as the future primary entry point.

In the planning documents (2007) - "4 Walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers are permitted on the Goetzee Track. Recreational users are urged to use common sense and respect for other users on the track. (Parks Division) 15 The Abbey Caves Road entrance to Parihaka Forest will be formally developed as a major access point for mountain biking, horse riding and walking activities. Facilities will include a vehicle park, toilets, horse trough and mountain bike wash area. (Parks Division) "

The bylaw generally permits horses on beaches, but there are some restrictions:

• A summer time ban from 9am to 5pm from 20 December to 31 January

• Bans on some beaches for conservation purposes (Bland Bay/Teparapra, Bream Head/Ocean Beach, Matapouri, Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, Ngunguru/Horahora, One Tree Point, Ruakaka, Waipu and Whananaki)

• Safe zones as per the Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw

• Swimming a horse within 100 metres of a swimmer.

• Ruakaka beach from the Ruakaka river north to Karawai Street is a restricted area where permission is required to have a horse on the beach.