Address: Helmsdale Rd, Waipu. (Northland)

The turn off for Shoemaker Rd West is directly opposite the turnoff for Waipu township on SH1.  Drive for approx  5mins and turn left onto Helmsdale Rd (there's a sign for North River) and then drive another 5 mins until you find the farm.

 

Contact: Phone +649 432 0565 or 0800 7433 44 (0800 RIDE GG) 

Phone bookings are essential.  Excellent, friendly phone service.  Ask for a brochure if you're unsure of your options or they'll go through them over the phone with you.

 

Website: North River Treks  Email: northrvr@igrin.co.nz

Price(s)/Ride Reviewed: (April 2000) $75 pp 1/2 day forest trails. (this was the "Off the Beaten Track" ride)  Credit cards accepted, NO EFTPOS.  

Horses: When booking your trek you will be asked for your height and riding experience to match you to an appropriate horse.  This will be checked when you arrive and you'll fill in a short form regarding your riding ability, how you found out about the trek etc.  North River were definitely the most thorough at making sure that they matched horses to riders.

 

The horses were a delight!  Quiet yet responsive, sensible and sensitive these aren't old farm hacks plodding out their retirement nor unresponsive beasts who've had too many first time riders to take much notice of what you want.  Whether you've never ridden before or are an experienced and competent rider, you'll find that the North River horses are a pleasure to ride.  There's plenty of variety in size, shape and riding level. Part of the North Rivers experience is the excellent guidance of Ian and his team.  He knows any quirks or traits of his horses and is able to give you expert advice on how to handle them without stress or worry.

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Equipment:  Riding helmets were provided and stock saddles were used on all horses.  I hadn't ridden in a stock saddle before and, apart from getting used to how high the back of the saddle was when mounting and dismounting, I soon found that I really liked it for the demanding terrain we covered on this trek.  All gear was immaculately maintained and everything was adjusted for each rider prior to departing.

 

Mounting: Mounting the horses was made easy for all by using a large mounting block.  At the mid-trek break there were plenty hillocks to use to get that extra couple of inches off the ground.

Guide(s): This is where this trek has the advantage on any of the others that I've been on.  Groups can be small and the trek customised to your riding skills and/or the weather.  On our trek we were led by Ian Benson who not only made sure that everyone was ok, but gave instruction on how best to ride the various sections, pointed out areas of interest and discussed various aspects of horsemanship.  Decisions on the pace were made with the safety of both horse and rider in mind.

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Scenery / Trails: Rivers, forests, pastures, tracks and roads.  This trek had constantly changing scenery, wading the horses through the rivers under overhanging forest at the start of the ride was peaceful and set the tone for a great ride.  Many of the tracks on this trek were steep and muddy but the horses handled them without fuss and Ian was constantly on hand to make sure that you understood how to keep your horse under you, whether cantering up a steep incline or sliding down a slippery slope.  There seemed to be endless tracks available for those who wanted gentler rides or different scenery.  The views from the tops of the hills were great and I plan to go back on a fine day when they would be spectacular.

General Comments: A fantastic trek!!  If you want to try horse trekking, try it here and find out how it should really be done.  There are different length treks for all sorts of abilities and ambitions, the horses are great, your hosts will make sure you have a fabulous time and learn something new and the overall experience is totally enjoyable.

 

Visit the North River Treks website for more information.