Taupo, Tongariro, National Park
Central Plateau Districts
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.
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.
50ha block opposite NEC
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
78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti 3910
Phone: +64 7 878 1050
Email: tekuiti@doc.govt.nz
Tongariro National Park - 42 Traverse
Go to the Manawatu Whanganui page as this straddles both areas