Forest Riding
There are many large forests within the Auckland region. Most are plantation pine forests, but there are also large tracts of native bush and forest. Several currently allow horse riding.
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Plantation Forests
Plantation forests are usually pine forests in New Zealand. Some are privately owned and run, while others are Crown Licenced forests. This means that the Crown (we, through the government) own the land and lease out the right to cut the trees to forestry companies. Crown Licence forests and Crown owned forests are most likely to provide public recreation.
Forests you can ride in:
- Mahurangi Forest(Rayonier Forests) Dome Valley *** Need Information ***
- Mangawhai Forest*** Need Information ***
- Riverhead Forest (Rayonier Forests). Located north-west of Auckland city. Operational pine forest. No formal facilities, limited parking. Voluntary annual fee.
- Te Arai Forest ***Need Information ***
- Whitford Forest (Rayonier Forests) Maretai-Beachlands Rd, pine forest.. Permit required for all users (walkers\cyclists\riders) but they now offer daily,weekly and annual permits.
- Woodhill Forest (Hancock Forests). Located north-west of Auckland city, runs inland from Muriwai beach. Operational pine forest. Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park has full riding facilities - registration required. ARC trails - free.
- Waiuku Forest (Crown Forests). Located south-west of Auckland city. Operational pine forest with some horse riding trails. Free. Sometimes referred to as Maioro.
- Hunua - Hunua Regional Park is a conservation area of native bush and forest. The solitary horse trail is a bit boring but hopefully we will get more access to ARC Parks in the future.
Woodhill Forest
Native or Conservation Forests
Native forests are much harder to get access to, due to the conservation arguments. However, even within native forests there are usually traditional routes (kauri, logging or historic roads) that can be opened to horse riders and non-motorised recreation.
Hunua Ranges