Rotorua: Horse Trekking Adventure by Mt Ngongotaha Views

Summary

Horseback trails near Rotorua with lake views and local stories

You’ll ride gentle horses through Rotorua farmland with a local guide who shares family stories along the way. Feel the breeze as you climb up Mt Ngongotaha for wide lake views, pause for photos, and laugh at your own beginner moments — all safety gear included so you can just focus on enjoying it.

What’s the experience like?

I was a bit nervous stepping into the paddock outside Rotorua — I hadn’t been on a horse since I was a kid, and my shoes definitely weren’t “riding boots.” But our guide, Tania, just grinned and handed me a helmet. She matched each of us with a horse (mine was called Blue — he had this lazy blink that made me trust him instantly). The smell of grass mixed with that earthy New Zealand rain; it had drizzled earlier but now it was just cool and fresh.

We started slow across the lower farm, following Tania’s voice as she pointed out which paddocks belonged to her uncle. There were sheep in one field, staring at us like we were the odd ones. The track got bumpier as we headed up towards Mt Ngongotaha. At one point my horse stopped dead to scratch his nose on a fence post — I didn’t expect that part, but Tania laughed and said Blue always does that when he’s bored. The view opened up suddenly and there was Lake Rotorua spread out below us, silver in the patchy sun. It was quiet except for the wind and the creak of saddles.

I tried to say thank you in Māori (I probably butchered it), but Tania just smiled wider. She told us about riding here as a kid, before there were tours or helmets or even fences in some spots. It felt honest — like we were borrowing something from her world for an hour. On the way back down, my legs were already sore but I didn’t really care. That view is stuck in my head now every time I hear horseshoes on gravel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided horse trekking near Rotorua

• Receive riding hat and safety gear
• Get horse matched to ability
• Follow guide on horse trek
• Ride through paddocks and farmland
• Reach lookout over Lake Rotorua

Top questions

How long does the Rotorua horse trekking tour last?

The guided horse trek lasts about 1 hour from start to finish.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No experience is needed; guides match horses to your ability level.

What is the minimum age for riders?

Riders must be at least 12 years old to join this trek.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, there is a maximum weight limit of 100kg per rider.

Are helmets provided for safety?

Yes, all riders are given helmets before starting the trek.

What should I wear for horse trekking near Rotorua?

You need enclosed shoes; wet weather gear is provided if needed.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the farm near Rotorua.

Can children under 12 join if accompanied by an adult?

No, all riders must be at least 12 years old regardless of supervision.

What’s included

Your adventure includes safety helmets and wet weather gear if needed, plus a friendly local guide who matches you with a suitable horse before leading your small group through farmland trails up Mt Ngongotaha overlooking Lake Rotorua.