1 / 3Coastal Riding Whangarei Heads
📍 Taiharuru, Northland
Carol runs small-group scenic horse rides at Taiharuru on the Whangārei Heads. Treks head through native bush and along the coast, with horses matched to rider ability. A water-play option lets you swim with the horses.
Had an amazing day out with the wife on these amazing horses today. Carol was an awesome guide for us, giving helpful riding tips and scenic commentary the entire horse trek. Was pretty much my first time on a horse, but thanks to my horse adjusting for me , I enjoyed myself the entire ride through paddocks, Bush and along ridges to take in the incredible scenery along the eastern coastline. Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely go again 👍
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids old enough to ride a real horse rather than a paddock pony — beginners are welcomed, but this is real terrain. Reviewers consistently name Carol and call out the small-group format, the bush and coastal scenery, and her care for the horses. The water-play option is mentioned as something unique for confident riders.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →18 Google reviews
Jimmy
7 years ago
“Had an amazing day out with the wife on these amazing horses today. Carol was an awesome guide for us, giving helpful riding tips and scenic commentary the entire horse trek. Was pretty much my first time on a horse, but thanks to my horse adjusting for me , I enjoyed myself the entire ride through paddocks, Bush and along ridges to take in the incredible scenery along the eastern coastline. Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely go again 👍”
Kelly
a year ago
“Highly recommend 👌 Carol was an absolute star 🌟 My daughter who loves horses asked if I'd like to do a horse trek with her so we made contact with Carol. When we arrived Carol had the horses all ready to go. She was very professional and very knowledgeable about the area and the horses. Carol helped us to feel very relaxed and wesoaked up the scenic views. The horses were great to ride and you can tell the are very well looked after. I'm sure we'll be back!”
ConniieMay
a year ago
“had a one-on-one trail ride with Carol back in November and will say it was one of the best trail ride i have ever had, got to admire the many sights of NZ ! I really enjoyed her company on our trail and her horses are just beautiful - thank you again Carol for the small jumping lesson. When i return to NZ - i will definitely be back again for another ride☺️ See you again soon Coastal Riding Whangarei Heads !”
Amelia L. Saeverin
4 months ago
“Today I had a beautiful trail ride to the local estuary. Stunning nature and very peaceful. Great canter! I rode Kudos, a very reliable, sure footed and well trained horse. I really liked to ride him. Carol, the owner, took good care of me. The horses are healthy and treated very well. I highly recommend this stable.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Coastal Riding Whangārei Heads is a small-group horse-trekking operation run by Carol (with Mandy on some treks) at Taiharuru. All visits are by prior arrangement — call ahead. Treks head through native forest, along ridges with east-coast views, and along beaches; a unique water-play option lets riders take the horses into clear shallow water. A safety briefing is part of every visit; horses are matched to rider experience. Cash and bank transfer only — no credit cards.