Saddles and Paddles!!!

This special deal gives you a choice of either white water rafting or Sledging on the Kaituna River combined with either a 1.5 or 2.5 hour horse trek.

Available only with online booking until 01 DECEMBER 2010.

Which should I choose???

The 1.5 or 2.5 hour trek???

The 1.5 hour is our most popular trek. This ride takes you through rolling pasture to the back of the farm where the bush comes down from the ridge to meet the farm. Rocky outcrops in the cliffs glow in early morning, and when it’s misty, it looks like a Lord of the Rings setting!
You’ll get glimpses of Lake Rotorua and magnificent views of the valley and Mt Ngongotaha. This trek does a full loop of the property so riders get a great experience of the workings of a true Kiwi farm.
Not too long, not too short, this trek is recommended for all riders, beginner to advanced.

On the 2.5 hour trek you will ride up to the back of the farm through grazing sheep and green pastures, and on through native New Zealand bush to the highest viewing point on the farm. Here you’ll see magnificent, panoramic views of Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. Pause to take photos and have a drink before heading back down to the terraces that run along the back of the farm on the bush line. You have the opportunity to have a canter, if you are an experienced rider, or relax and trek along flat paddocks under the cliffs and forest. You’ll then get a thrill as you descend from the terraces to another stream, and then up and over another ridge, before you get back to the front of the farm. You’ll complete your trek by crossing the Paradise Valley Springs and head back to the stables. An experience not to be missed for those who love the saddle.
This ride is recommended for confident beginners to fully experienced riders.

Rafting or Sledging???

A great option for both beginners and experienced rafters. The Kaituna boasts the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall (7m) in the World. In fact, there are 3 waterfalls among the 14 rapids; two smaller waterfalls to practise on before attacking the 7-meter drop named Tutea Falls. In amongst beautiful, clean/green NZ lives a great deal of Maori History - the area is renowned for the tribal wars of the past. Behind and around the Waterfall exists caves used for the hiding of women and Children, and later the burial ground of Chief Tutea. There are many Maori Myths and Legends associated with this River known to the locals as Okere (waterfall).

Sledging is an ideal option for water confident adrenaline seekers. Join our professional team on the Lower part of the Upper Kaituna River. The river is lake fed and therefore reasonably warm (unlike snow-melt rivers) and is an extremely deep gorge meaning that there are very few rocks to negotiate. Sledgers are in control of their own purpose-built sledge; manoeuvred by flippers on their feet. Please note: You must be a confident swimmer and have a good fitness level to enjoy this activity.