Horse hire at Mack and Steve`s

Deutsche

Yesterday we went to see  Mack and Steve who started a horse hire business at Ohiwa . I read an ad in the local newspaper where they advertised horse riding for a really good price of $20 per hour and horse.






If you are coming from Whakatane, the 25 minutes drive to Ohiwa itself is worth doing as the road has some awesome views to offer of Ohiwa Harbour. The 6 ha property is located on Ohiwa Loop Rd and sits beatifully on a hill.




Größere Kartenansicht


Coming from Whakatane you can find a sign on the right side of the road with the title `Horse Hire´.

On the right, beside that sign, is the gate to a steep path that leads to the paddock. Even if you are not an experienced off road driver you wont have any difficulties with driving that path with a 2 wheel drive, just as long as you avoid the holes!

Arriving at the top you are rewarded with a gorgeous view (unfortunately the beauty of it is not really reflected in the pictures).

After a short walk across the property, Steve, who manages the horses, and Mack, who manages the property and the bookings etc., told us about all the offers which are included in their programme. There is a diverse range of horse rides in different lengths either through the bush or at the beach. Also horse rides during the night time are offered.  This might be especially attractive for people who are interested in the nocturnal wildlife. Steve loves to prepare a hangi meal (meal which is cooked in a Maori earth oven).  In New Zealand a very common sport is pig hunting. Steve offers this activity as well as cattle mustering. Steve, who will accompany you along the horse tracks if you want, is open-minded to all ideas of his customers. For example, if there is interest in learning about Maori medicinal herbs you can ask him about it during a horse ride. He told us a bit about his experience in this area e.g. how to recognise leaves with antibiotic properties and how he treats his wounded horses with it or which herb is the best if you want to loose weight as this herb reduces your appetite and many other things.

After a cup of tea, Steve and I went on a horse ride to Ohiwa Harbour. Steve is a very experienced rider who broke in all of his horses and trained them himself. And I can say that  I felt very safe during the whole ride (Btw. helmets are of course provided). The horses are very well trained and of such a good temper that beginners are able to ride them without a doubt. The more spirited ones are either ridden by Steve himself or reserved for those riders who are really advanced.

It should be mentioned that the operator doesnt have insurance for accidents. As the business is running on the basis of hire the operator is not obliged to have insurance. But it is obvious that this is mirrored in the very good price.
Here are some more photos:

Besides the many riding opportunities,  up to 4 persons also can sleep  for $60per night (plus $10 per extra person) in a basic but fully equipped rustic cabin with a fantastic view.

Currently there is only an outdoor toilet which really lives up to its name: `The loo with the view´.

While taking a bath you also can enjoy the amazing view.

(Hot water is available)

As I said Steve and Mack just started their project and they mentioned quite a range of ideas how to improve this gorgreous place. Hopes and best wishes to them that they may realise with all their enthusiasm the great ideas they have. A website does not exist yet so please contact Mack on:

0274991693

or after 6 pm

07 3158655

or, if you need help with contacting Mack and Steve, email me at fairychris@web.de