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.
🏆 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 →19 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Amelia L. Saeverin
10 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.”
Stacey Smith
2 months ago
“Beautiful team.”
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 👍”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsScenery
4 reviews
Trail ride
2 reviews
Owner
2 reviews
Horses
2 reviews
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.
