Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
At Horse Trekking Lake Okareka you can explore 1500 acres of rolling sheep and cattle producing farmland on horseback. You will go on a guided trek through 500 acres of native bush between the volcanic Lake Okareka, Lake Tarawera and the famous Blue and Green Lakes. We have horses to suit all abilities. This is a horse rider’s paradise with stunning panoramic views. We cater for small groups of 1 – 12 people providing you with an exclusive riding experience.
Rotorua, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
829 reviews
Excellent
760
Very good
40
Average
12
Poor
8
Terrible
9
Jacqui S
10 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We cannot recommend Lucy and her girls more highly, coming from a person terrified of horses. My friends and I experienced the most perfect 2 hour trek on Saturday. The weather was ideal as we were led across Lucy’s family property riding the most obedient, gentle well cared for horses, mine, Joe was Ofcourse the BEST, 🤩 the minute I was assisted up onto what seemed like my giant horse, all my fears dwindled away. He was heavenly..We gently made our way up into the rolling hills to drink in the incredible 360 degree vista of iconic NZ landscape. Lake Okareka to one side and Tarawera to the other, amazing!!
Those in my party with more riding experience were given opportunities to press their foot on the gas and have a Canter which they loved. The entire time with Lucy and her equine friends was an experience never to be forgotten xx
Those in my party with more riding experience were given opportunities to press their foot on the gas and have a Canter which they loved. The entire time with Lucy and her equine friends was an experience never to be forgotten xx
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett Allen
Wellington, New Zealand1 contribution
Mar 2020
We booked in the day before for the 1.5 hour horse trek. From the moment we turned up we were made to fell like family. The horse we had were Joe and Percy .and they were fantastic.
The trek we chose allowed us to get a fantastic view of the surrounding lakes, including Lake Tarawera. Our guides Malin and Melanie were awesome and very knowledgeable about the region, even though both are from Germany.
The whole operation from guides through to horses was very professional.
You could tell Lucy, the owner, and her team were very passionate about the horses and the clients
Thank you very much Lucy, and your team, for a very memorable horse trekking experience.. Very well worth it.
If you are planning a Horse Trekking experience then I very highly recommend Lucy and her team, you want be disappointed. They caterer for all ages, but may pay to check in first.
The trek we chose allowed us to get a fantastic view of the surrounding lakes, including Lake Tarawera. Our guides Malin and Melanie were awesome and very knowledgeable about the region, even though both are from Germany.
The whole operation from guides through to horses was very professional.
You could tell Lucy, the owner, and her team were very passionate about the horses and the clients
Thank you very much Lucy, and your team, for a very memorable horse trekking experience.. Very well worth it.
If you are planning a Horse Trekking experience then I very highly recommend Lucy and her team, you want be disappointed. They caterer for all ages, but may pay to check in first.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tashabelle89
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Absolutely recommend coming for a ride here, we were a group of 3 being two confident beginners & 1 experienced rider, myself. The booking process was super easy & it’s well located being only 20mins from town. The guides welcomed us and were very friendly, we were matched with beautiful well cared for & well mannered horses, suited for each ability. The trek takes you across hilly farmland with unbelievable views, through stunning native bush trails and along well maintained country tracks. There were plenty of opportunities for photos which the guides take for you & I got to enjoy splitting away from the group for a few trots & canters on the beautiful & spirited Nala. I would highly recommend this ride for beginners & advanced riders, excellent value for money. Thanks for having us!!
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff Warren
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Couples
We have just had an hour and a half trek here and were very pleased. I must admit that out of curiosity I have just read the bad reviews and found it hard to believe some of the comments but I know from running my own business that you can’t please everyone and some people are just plain unreasonable and get enjoyment from complaining. My wife, despite having ridden for many years is a very nervous rider but was treated very sympathetically and was very well looked after and matched with a horse that suited her needs. I have ridden a lot in the past but not so much recently, I was put on a horse called Nico who has been on the receiving end of an experienced rider who put in a complaint. Yes his ears went back which is a sign of grumpiness and I was told that he was anti social but I had a lovely canter on him and had no problems at all with him on the trek. The ‘woofers’ (helpers) who were also criticised in a review were nothing short of excellent and couldn’t have been more informative or helpful, I do apologise but I’ve forgotten the young German girls name who came on the ride and led me on the canter but she couldn’t have been more helpful and made a point of asking my wife at the end of the ride if she had enjoyed the trek. All in all I’d give this experience a 10/10 if you wIsh to canter you can, if you don’t wish to you don’t have to. We were all very well looked after and the long waterproof coats that we were given prior to setting off were a great idea in case of rain which thankfully stayed away. Keep up the great work!
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryb
Bangkok, Thailand6 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Joined a 2.5hr ride with a very small group, and was fortunate enough to be led by Lucy up through a native forest trail out onto rolling hilly pastures and up to the highest point of the property, with views of the surrounding lakes. Despite initial rain, we were toasty warm & dry with the drizabone coats that Lucy lent to us. Lucy’s family property is extensive and very beautiful, and the horses were strong, calm and responsive. Young springer spaniel pup George was a total hit with my non-horse-riding partner too. An absolutely magical experience and highly recommend!!
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda W
HONOLULU9 contributions
Jan 2020
I used to ride a lot in high school as we had horses. I missed riding and was keen to ride when a member in our small group suggested a trek on our vacation in New Zealand. I am so glad we did the event. Horse Trekking at Lake Okareka with the amazing views was the best ride ever.
The views on the trail around Lake Okareka left me speechless. The guides were great and made us feel at comfortable for the whole event. The horses were good and matched each persons level of experience. Marley had a little spunk and added to my memories. Please give Marley an extra handful of feed from me.
We did a two in a half hour trek through farm land and by the huge lake. It was very doable and just about the right amount of time for someone who hadn't ridden in over 25 years. If you want a fantastic experience check them out!
Check out their Facebook for amazing pictures and more information.
Thanks again for a fun morning!
The views on the trail around Lake Okareka left me speechless. The guides were great and made us feel at comfortable for the whole event. The horses were good and matched each persons level of experience. Marley had a little spunk and added to my memories. Please give Marley an extra handful of feed from me.
We did a two in a half hour trek through farm land and by the huge lake. It was very doable and just about the right amount of time for someone who hadn't ridden in over 25 years. If you want a fantastic experience check them out!
Check out their Facebook for amazing pictures and more information.
Thanks again for a fun morning!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah L
Melbourne12 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
As an inexperienced group of horse riders we found this event informative, reassuring and delightful! The whole stable team were organised, safety orientated, knowledgeable about the area and friendly. We were instructed how to care for our horses and ourselves and were gently corrected if we forgot what to do.
This really was an absolute pleasure. Thank you to Lucy, Charlotte and the other stable team members that made it possible.
This really was an absolute pleasure. Thank you to Lucy, Charlotte and the other stable team members that made it possible.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebekah D
Auckland Central, New Zealand2 contributions
Oct 2022
Had the most incredible experience at Horse Trekking Lake Okareka! My husband Steve and I were warmly welcomed by Lucy and her two gorgeous doggies when she picked us up from our hotel in Rotorua. Lucy is a wonderful conversationalist and when we arrived at the stables, we got to pat some of the horses and were introduced to the staff (bonus that we saw an adorable pet lamb!).
Steve rode Dallas who was a very cool horse and very fitting for him as they both enjoy eating non-stop ahahah (it was hard for my husband to prevent Dallas from enjoying the grass as he felt bad bahaha). I was riding on Dex who had a lovely personality and was easy to control and manage, especially when it was my first proper time riding a horse.
Lucy was very sweet when making sure if I was okay and feeling comforable and we saw the most spectacular views of the lake! Riding through the forest and the paddacks was so stunning and it was incredible experiencing being in nature when on a horse! This was definitely an awesome two hours and highly recommend this Horse Trekking company to all who want a great riding experience!
Steve rode Dallas who was a very cool horse and very fitting for him as they both enjoy eating non-stop ahahah (it was hard for my husband to prevent Dallas from enjoying the grass as he felt bad bahaha). I was riding on Dex who had a lovely personality and was easy to control and manage, especially when it was my first proper time riding a horse.
Lucy was very sweet when making sure if I was okay and feeling comforable and we saw the most spectacular views of the lake! Riding through the forest and the paddacks was so stunning and it was incredible experiencing being in nature when on a horse! This was definitely an awesome two hours and highly recommend this Horse Trekking company to all who want a great riding experience!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Z
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
Took the plunge as a first time rider this morning on the 90 minute trek and had a wonderful time. Charlotte and Malin our guides were very helpful and entertaining. We had driven to the lake the day before, but the views on the hike were very unique and the surrounding farmland was very picturesque. The highlights were our beautiful companions Dallas and Kipper. Just like all the horses on the property they were very well looked after, good-natured and just a little bit cheeky!
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben TW
2 contributions
Dec 2020
Lake Okareka is a beautiful place for a trek - native bush, fabulous views from farmland over the Rotorua lakes. The riding was very professionally organised, humans thoughtfully matched to horses and the horses clearly knew what they were doing. Sarah, our guide, was a delightful human being and particularly lovely to our 8 year old who was having a minor attack of horse-nerves.
Written 29 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anfelawarness
Rotorua, New Zealand
What is the cheapest deal please as we are a big family
Written 30 December 2020
Would you allow baby-wearing on a trek? I miss riding but have a toddler who can’t ride yet!
Written 15 September 2019
Hi. I am sorry but under our health and safety rules we cannot allow for 2 people on one horse. We do allow 3.5 year olds on the 1.5 trek because at this age they are strong enough to hold on while a guide leads their horse for them. Thanks, Lucy.
Written 16 September 2019
Hej
Ska till Nya Zeeland Jan - feb 2019 o vill gärna rida. Vad finns det för alternativ hos er o vad kostar det. Vi är två kvinnor där en har häst o en har ridit i ungdomen men är”orädd” . Får manntrava o galoppera??
Written 20 September 2018
Hi Going to New Zealand Jan - Feb 2019 o would like to ride. What are your options at your disposal? What does it cost? We are two women where one has a horse o one has ridden in youth but is "afraid". Can manntrava o gallop?
Hi, Thanks for your message. All our treks and prices are on our website. I would recommend either the 2 hour for $110 or the 2.5 for $130 especially for people with riding experience. Yes you may go faster when the terrain permits. Thanks, Lucy.
Written 21 September 2018
Hi, can anyone share how to drive to Horse Trekking Lake Okareka Rotorua? On Google map, when I input "Horse Trekking Lake Okareka, Rotorua", it is in the middle of a grass field. When I input "51 Acacia Road", it is by the road side with no building and on Google map, I cannot see any road leading into the field - or is Google map wrong? Appreciate kind feedback.
Written 16 September 2018
Google maps is good. Just follow Acacia rd counter clockwise around the lake from the village (Lake Okareka) . They have a sign (white with on the bottom a red banner) mounted against a tree on the right hand side of the road (Acacia rd 51), next to a set of mail boxes. Turn right and after 100m, on the right hand side you’ll see the stables.
Otherwise call them.
Have fun, they have great rides with epic views from the hilltops
Written 17 September 2018
Evening. My daughter and I are experiences riders that would love to go on a hour max trek where would get great views and be able to open up and have some high paced fun. Do you cater for this kind of ride? Cheers
Written 7 March 2018
Hi, Yes we do cater for people to go faster but there is not a lot of opportunity to do this on the one hour trek. I would recommend either the 1.5 or the 2 hour trek and you will be able to trot and canter. Thanks for your enquiry.
Kind regards, Lucy.
Written 9 March 2018
Hi my partner and I are coming to nz in October we are not experienced riders but would like to go on a trek is this possible ?
Written 2 July 2017
Hi. The majority of our clients have never ridden before and we have quiet horses to cater for beginner riders. I would recommend either the 1.5 hour trek or the 2 hour trek. Both have fabulous views with slightly better ones on the longer trek.
Thanks for your enquiry.
Kind regards, Lucy.
Written 4 July 2017
Hi there,
I am coming out to NZ from England to visit my daughter and would like to book a half day trek on the 12th April- is this possible please and how do I go about booking it? We can both ride.
Many thanks,
Mandie Bevington.
Written 2 April 2017
Hi Mandie,
You could ride for 2.5 hours at 10am on the 12th or 3 hours at 1.30pm on the same day. The easiest way to book is to visit our website at treklakeokareka and book online. We look forward to seeing you.
Kind regards, Lucy.
Written 2 April 2017
Hi there,
Do we need to book in advance? or we can just "walk-in"? Or do you have a time-slot for each ride?
Thanks
Written 17 November 2016
Hi. Yes you do need to book. We normally ride at 10am and 1.30pm and the best treks are the 1.5 hour and the 2 hour trek. Thanks. Lucy.
Written 17 November 2016
Hi, is there an age limit for the 1.5hr trek? My son is 6 years old. He's only ever been on ponies led on a rope, is he too young/novice for a trek?
Also is their a weight limit for riding?
Thanks
Written 1 August 2016
Hi Ray, Thanks for your question. The age limit for the 1.5 hour ride is 4 years of age. The weight limit is 110 kilos. Thanks, Lucy. Horse Trekking Lake Okareka.
Written 7 August 2016
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