Horse riding
Many of Auckland’s open spaces can be enjoyed from horseback and have designated horse trails.
Where you can ride horses
Recreational horse riding is currently allowed in the nine regional parks and several Auckland beaches.
You will need a pass to ride in a regional park.
Apply for a horse riding pass
You need a pass to ride horses in the regional parks. The pass is valid for 12 months and is free of charge.
Registered riders get updates on:
- the park combination codes needed to open some of the gates
- information on track or park closures
- details on new riding opportunities.
Registration also gives us riders’ details in case of an emergency, and helps us monitor the demand for horse riding across the region.
All riders need to have their pass on them while riding.
If you want to ride in a group larger than the park limit, organise a horse riding event or if your horse riding could be defined as commercial activity, call us on 09 301 0101.
You can arrange riding at Ambury Regional Park separately through the Mangere Pony Club, which holds a licence and is therefore not subject to this pass.
How to apply
Complete an application form the first time you apply for a pass:
Email the completed form to regionalparks@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or post it to:
Auckland Regional Parks
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Auckland 1142
We will contact you when we receive your application.
Horse riding on beaches and other public places
Noticeboards at the beach entrance include all the rules relating to horse riding.
In a public place, horse owners must:
- remove or safely dispose of horse manure
- show consideration for other users at all times
- ride or lead their horse in a manner that does not intimidate, cause a danger or nuisance to other people
- ensure horses are not ridden or led through bird breeding areas
- not ride or lead their horse on coastal dunes except when accessing the beach, an adjoining property or road – use a direct route
- ensure horses are ridden below the high tide mark if on a beach, so manure can be washed away
- not ride at high tide to avoid potential conflict with other beach users.
Kauri dieback
If you come across kauri dieback cleaning stations, follow the instructions and spray both your footwear and your horse’s hooves.
Pay special attention if riding in the Hūnua Ranges or you have previously ridden in areas with kauri.
Horse floats and trucks
Horse floats and trucks must remain at the designated unloading and parking areas.
Be careful there are no hay seeds in your truck or float and remove all horse manure from the unloading and parking areas. This is to prevent the spread of weed species.
Consider the environment and other people
Some tracks and trails are shared with walkers and mountain bike riders.
Many people are frightened of horses so avoid startling others. Make way for others if you can.
Consider the following guidelines:
- Protect plants and other animals.
- Remove your rubbish.
- Avoid sensitive natural, historical and archaeological areas.
- Leave farm gates as you find them (unless there are specific instructions).
- Stick to marked trails or tracks unless you are sure paddock riding is permitted.
- Ride slowly through any farm paddocks so farm animals are not disturbed.
- Report any damage, graffiti or inappropriate behaviour to a ranger.
- Respect areas set aside for other users.