Taupo, Tongariro, National Park

Central Plateau Districts

* NOTE: Central govt bureaucrats have failed to ensure that boundaries for Regional Councils, and District Councils match, so some districts fall into multiple regional councils. Because the majority of Taupo is in Waikato, it is listed here.

Kinloch Bridle Trail - Acacia Bay, Taupo

Approx 1 hour quiet ride

Parking on Lisland Drive, and wide verges on Kinloch road.

Entrances on Lisland Drive (opposite #83) and Kinloch Rd (around #184-176), trail entry on western side of road past bridge.

Trail runs adjacent to walkers path all the way to Whangamata Rd toward Te Kowhai entry, wanders toward Pukeko way and Okaia Drive. Lovely bush and pasture scenery, simple earth trails. Around edge of duck pond and on to lake and runoff ponds, so plenty of water views.

Photo from Google Maps - Bo Hendl

Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve

DOC managed reserve. Horse riding allowed on main block and 2016 management plan was to clear logging road, and improve parking at new 'hub'

Horse riding access to Eastern Block which is land currently grazed and is accessed directly from Māpara Road. Padlocked gates, so you need to text for codes 0277 158822.

Taupo DOC Office 37 Motutaiko Street, Taupo 3330

Phone: +64 7 376 0072

Email: taupo@doc.govt.nz

National Equestrian Centre Bridle trails

Several kms of trails with some wonderful views over the Waikato River and Aratiatia Rapids. Parking at the NEC for a gold coin donation, or park on the side of the road.


Pureora Forest Park

Despite being a huge park (78,000ha ) horse riding is a limited activity within the Pureora Forest Park. You'll need a horse permit for each rider, available from the local DOC office.

DOC Te Kuiti Office