
Falling Creek Ranch
π RD12, Manawatu-Wanganui
Falling Creek Ranch is a 91-hectare working farm 15km from Whanganui run by Mel and Zane Scott. Riding lessons, scenic treks across the property (creeks, ponds, forestry), school-holiday camps for kids and teens, and birthday parties for groups of up to ten.
π Family Action Verdict
Beginner-friendly through to experienced. Reviewers consistently name Mel as the guide and call out how she takes time with first-time riders, including kids as young as nine. Treks include creek and pond crossings and the chance to help herd cattle. Birthday parties run for groups of five to ten kids.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β179 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Marissa
5 months ago
βThis genuinely felt like stepping into a fairytale. I live nearby and was just looking for a relaxed, scenic trail ride-something easy and beautiful. When my brother visited from the U.S., we booked on a whim, and it ended up being his favorite experience of the whole trip (even over skydiving). We rode through rolling hills, past cows, along cliffs that seemed to stretch forever-with horses scattered across the landscape like something out of a dream. The weather was perfect, the views unreal, and the whole experience felt peaceful and effortless. And the guide (who I think runs the farm) was amazing-so friendly and easygoing, and kind enough to take tons of photos so we could just be in the moment. If youβre nearby, donβt think twice. This is one of those experiences youβll remember long after itβs over.β
Life lover
4 months ago
βHidden up a valley rd just out of Whanganui, is a very special place called Falling Creek Ranch, the owners Mel and Zane offer a family run business, where everyone is looked after, home cooked meals and baking, comfortable accommodation, and well trained horses for trekking and other horse related activities. Whether you are a learner rider or experienced, everyone is cared and catered for accordingly. You leave feeling, well grounded and relaxed, they offer, group camps for adults ,teenagers ,well worth making contact for other special events they maybe able to cater for if asked... They also cater for lessons and you can take your own horse to their camps, which was great for my young pony and myself. Best horsey, camp I have ever done, and one day look forward to attending another, thanks team π₯°β
Kirstin Thompson
4 months ago
βMy daughters attended a kid's camp in the April school holidays. They had an absolute blast and thoroughly enjoyed the riding and horsemanship aspects along with the other fun activities. We were impressed with the low ratio of campers to counselors as well as all of the trail riding and other outdoor activities they managed to fit in despite less than cooperative weather! Mel and Zane were very welcoming and obviously passionate about people and horses. Both girls are very keen to return, I can see it becoming an annual tradition- perfect as a Christmas or birthday gift for relatives to contribute to as it is a dream come true for horse loving kids!β
π Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsTrekking
31 reviews
Confidence building
19 reviews
Horse trek
15 reviews
Farmland vistas
15 reviews
Creeks
9 reviews
Overview
Falling Creek Ranch sits on a 91-hectare working farm near Okoia, 15 km out of Whanganui. Owners Mel and Zane Scott run riding lessons, guided treks across the property (creeks, ponds, and forestry tracks), school-holiday camps for kids and teens, and birthday parties for up to ten participants. Beginners are welcomed with a structured introduction to handling and riding; experienced riders can take longer paced rides. The ranch was featured on Country Calendar in 2025.






