Horse trekking in the Karamu hills, near Hamilton
Fully guided horse treks through the Waikato countryside, for all ages and abilities. No experience necessary, just come and give it a go.
Guided horse treks in the Waikato
Karamu Horse Adventures, formerly Karamu Trail Track, is a family-run horse trekking experience in the Karamu hills, a short drive from Hamilton in the heart of the Waikato. Our scenic guided treks wind through rolling farmland, native bush and beautiful hill country.
Whether you've ridden for years or you're stepping into a saddle for the first time, our friendly guides look after you every step of the way. Follow along at a walk, try a trot, maybe even a canter. A full safety brief and basic riding instructions come before every trek, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
More about us
Find the ride that suits you
From a gentle one-hour walk to a full two hours with a few runs, there's an option for every age and confidence level.
1 hour trek
First-timers, younger children, and anyone unsure about a longer ride.
Suitable for anyone, but particularly good for younger children, those who have never ridden before, and anyone worried that a longer trek might be a little much. Mostly a walk, with one or two runs usually offered where possible.
Book this trek1.5 hour trek
Confident riders wanting a bit more time and terrain.
A little longer in the saddle for those who want more. This trek usually has more opportunities for runs and can sometimes include slightly more challenging terrain. A great step up from the one-hour trek.
Book this trekLead pony
Children under five, or younger riders not yet ready for a full trek.
You (or another capable adult) lead your child around the flatter areas of the farm while they ride. The child rides, you walk, and instructions on how to lead are given before you go. One pony is $20, or $60 for two ponies. There's no extra charge per child at the moment. Ponies come from our trekking herd, so they aren't necessarily small.
Book this trekHorse trekking for locals and visitors alike
Our Karamu horse treks are an easy drive from Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Raglan, and well worth the trip if you're visiting the Waikato from further afield. If you've been searching for horse trekking near you, you're in the right place.
Horseback riding is for everyone here. First-timers, nervous riders and seasoned horse people all ride together, with our guides matching each person to the right horse and keeping the pace comfortable. Younger children can take a lead pony, while confident riders can enjoy a trot or a canter on the longer treks.
Every trek is fully guided and starts with a safety brief, so you can simply soak up the scenery and enjoy the ride. It's a genuinely memorable day out, whether you're marking a birthday, entertaining visitors, or just fancy a bit of adventure in the company of horses.
Karamu Horse Adventures has been a favourite Waikato horse trekking spot for years, and under its new owners it's still all about happy horses, friendly guides and great days in the hills.
Perfect for groups of every kind
Work groups, friends, large families, schools and sports teams, we've hosted almost all of them. Tell us what you're after and we'll help put it together.
- School and youth groups
- Corporate and team days
- Birthdays and celebrations
- Private and specialty treks
“Had an absolutely amazing experience doing this horse trek with my partner. We were both very nervous beginner riders and by the end of the trail we were much more confident than we were to begin with. The staff were very helpful.”
Jayden BondGoogle review“Awesome experience and great instruction for kids to understand. I was surprised my 8 year old managed so well through the trek. Lots of support staff if needed.”
Courtney HeyworthGoogle review“The best tracks, views, experienced guides and wonderful horses. I've been 5 times and can't wait to be back again.”
Patricia RochaGoogle review“One of the best places to do horse riding in New Zealand. Great team and hospitality! David and the team were amazing. A lot of us were first-timers and we had great fun.”
Habib AliGoogle review“The best horse riding place I've ever been to. The horses were well kept and the equipment well maintained. The track had some lovely scenery, the guides were very nice and answered every one of our questions, and they even let us canter for a bit.”
Caleb LiuGoogle review“My partner and I loved our experience. It had been raining the night before, and although it was a little wet we still had a wonderful time. The staff are incredibly friendly and great instructors, and the horses were friendly and well-loved.”
HollyGoogle reviewHorse trekking questions
How much does a horse trek cost?
Treks are priced per person: a one-hour trek is $40 and a 1.5-hour trek is $50. A lead pony is $20 (or $60 for two ponies), and you're welcome to bring your own horse for $15. Prices are the same for adults and children, plus a $5 booking fee per booking.
Do I need experience to go horse trekking?
No experience is necessary. Every trek is fully guided and starts with a safety brief and basic riding instructions, so complete beginners are very welcome. It does help to have reasonable balance, which is all most people need for a walk, and confident riders can enjoy a trot or canter.
What is the minimum age to ride?
Riders must be at least 5 years old and on their own horse. Children under 12 must be accompanied on the trek by an adult. For younger children, a lead pony is a great first experience.
Where is Karamu Horse Adventures?
We're on Smith Road in Karamu, a short drive from Hamilton in the Waikato. Just follow the signs to the trekking area from Smith Road.
When do your horse treks run?
Regular treks run on Wednesday afternoons, plus Saturdays, Sundays, school holidays and most public holidays. Wednesdays currently have a single 12pm trek, while weekends and holidays run at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Group and out-of-hours treks can be arranged on request.
Ready to saddle up?
Book your trek online in a couple of minutes. Choose your day, time and trek option and we'll take care of the rest.
Book your trek