Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, Waitekohekohe Recreational Park is a unique 87-hectare reserve where nature, culture, and community come together. Just 5.5km from the coast and following the path of the Waitekohe Stream, this council-owned reserve offers a peaceful yet adventurous escape for outdoor lovers—and a true haven for equestrians.
Whether you're out for a relaxed trek or a challenging ride, Waitekohekohe’s dedicated equestrian trails provide something for every rider. The park boasts up to two hours of riding through a mix of forestry trails and purpose-built loops, with features like gentle river crossings, a galloping track for hill fitness, and the unique Jumping Alley—a one-of-a-kind training trail featuring 12 rustic jumps crafted from repurposed pine.
You’ll find everything you need for a great day out with your horse, including corrals, toilets, ample float parking, a picnic table and a wash-down station. Riders can access the trails from the Equestrian Carpark at 252 Thompsons Track, Katikati.
But Waitekohekohe is more than just a place to ride. With support from Ngāi Tamawhariua, Project Parore, and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the reserve is being developed to protect native biodiversity, enhance cultural heritage, and connect significant ecological and archaeological areas in a visionary 'Hills to Ocean' concept. Interpretive pou and storyboards will soon share the area’s rich ancestral stories, while native planting and pest control work will continue to restore the natural beauty of the landscape.
Created and managed by the Katikati Recreational Park Development Group (KKRPDG), the park welcomes riders, mountain bikers, walkers—and even dogs (on leads)—to experience the very best of Katikati’s outdoor environment.
To view the equestrian trail map and learn more about riding at Waitekohekohe, visit www.waitekohekohe.nz/equestrian-trails.
Come explore Waitekohekohe. Ride the trails. Listen to the forest. Be part of something special.
Admin Login