Photo of Horse Trekking Lake Okareka, Rotorua in Bay of Plenty
Horse Riding

Horse Trekking Lake Okareka, Rotorua

📍 Lake Ōkareka, Bay of Plenty

★4.4(244 Google reviews)

Guided horse treks across Longford's Farm with panoramic Lake Okareka views, run by qualified British Horse Society instructor Lucy Playne. Treks start from age 2 with horses matched carefully to each rider's ability.

✓ Lake Okareka views✓ Expert instructor✓ All skill levels welcome✓ Well-cared-for horses✓ City pickup available

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Every review awards five stars - Lucy's ability to read her riders is the common thread. Experienced guests trot and canter on request, beginners receive patient guidance, and children are matched to horses that suit their confidence. Reviewers describe the scenery as impossible to beat. The Knoll Trek is consistently called a Rotorua highlight.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡The 1.5-hour Knoll Trek is recommended for the most dramatic lake views and varied terrain
⏰Children from age 2 can join the half-hour trek with a guide leading the horse
🎟️Rotorua city pickup and drop-off is available for an additional fee per person
🚗Arrive 20 minutes before your trek for check-in and a safety briefing

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.4
★★★★★

244 Google reviews

5★
189
4★
15
3★
6
2★
10
1★
24

G Reviews from Google

J

jacob wynne

2 months ago

★★★★★

“I visited and when on there longest ride. as an experienced rider it was probably one of nicest hacks I've ever had. will remember it forever. really well behaved and well looked after horses needing little command but still capable of a canter across the field or a scramble across tricky terrain. other riding centers have just put me on a plod that's numb as hell. i will say you must say if you are genuinely experienced rider like you own a horse or have in the past and you will get a more spirited horse and a better ride. still doable for novice riders”

A

Annabelle Crainic

8 months ago

★★★★★

“Highly recommend ! The entire experience was very smooth, from booking (including pickup) and then arriving to see the beautiful setting and horses. I did the Knoll Trek and the views were breathtaking, a lovely way to see the surroundings and a very nice team taking care of us riders. As an experienced rider I got to have fun, the horses were very well matched for all of us. Thank you to the Team for a truly special time !”

N

Nyonya Sepatu

3 months ago

★★★★★

“One of the highlights of our time in Rotorua. The views were beautiful, the horses were fantastic, and the ride was so much fun. Lucy was warm, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable from the start. The horses were experienced and a pleasure to ride, which made the whole experience even better. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Rotorua. We hope to be back someday!”

📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Scenery

46 reviews

Guides

27 reviews

Lake views

23 reviews

Well cared for horses

20 reviews

Trek

15 reviews

Overview

Departing from 51 Acacia Road, treks cross farmland on the shores of Lake Okareka, about 20 minutes from Rotorua. Lucy holds her BHSAI certificate and brings 40 years of riding experience. Horses are described as beautifully cared for and wonderfully trained. The 1.5-hour Knoll Trek reaches elevated farmland with panoramic views. Helmets and tack are provided, wet-weather gear is available, and city pickup can be arranged.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday08:00-20:00
Tuesday08:00-20:00
Wednesday08:00-20:00
Thursday08:00-20:00
Friday08:00-20:00
Saturday08:00-20:00
Sunday08:00-20:00

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