About this tour
When Lily from our team ran this six-hour private tour north of Auckland, it hit a sweet spot between activity and indulgence. You start on horseback through native bush tracks — there's a level for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned riders — then move on to Brick Bay's Sculpture Trail, where contemporary art sits amongst towering trees and vineyards. The day wraps at The Glass House Kitchen with lunch and NZ wine tasting overlooking the lake. It's the kind of rural escape that feels properly curated: countryside, culture, and good food in one arc, suited to couples, small groups, or anyone keen to see beyond Auckland's urban sprawl.
Highlights
- Horse riding through peaceful native bush with customised difficulty levels
- Sculpture Trail set among native trees, palms, and vineyard vistas
- Lakeside lunch at The Glass House with premium NZ wine tasting
- Private transport with pick-up from Auckland hotels, airport, or cruise port
- Art and nature blend — birdlife and contemporary sculpture in one walk
- All-inclusive pace: no rushing between stops, proper sit-down meal
- Guides adapt to experience level; no previous riding needed
What to expect
Lily's day started with a relaxed hotel pick-up in an air-conditioned vehicle. The drive north gave you a real sense of Auckland's hinterland — green, spacious, a world away from the city. Once at the stables, the guide assessed her riding experience and matched her to an appropriate horse. The ride itself wasn't breakneck; it was a gentle meander through native scrub with native birds punctuating the quiet. The track work was well-maintained and felt safe even for nervous riders.
After an hour or so, you head to Brick Bay. The Sculpture Trail is genuinely thoughtful — artworks aren't crammed in; they're positioned to complement the landscape. Walking it takes a proper hour, and the mix of palms, vineyards, and contemporary pieces creates an unusual rhythm. Lunch at The Glass House is the payoff: proper table service, local wine pours, and views of the lake that justify the day's journey. The whole operation felt unhurried.
What travellers say
- Riding levels tailored to experience — no gatekeeping for newbies
- Three distinct activities cohesively woven into one day
- All transport, lunch, wine, and snacks bundled; no hidden costs
- Sculpture Trail genuinely beautiful — not a tourist tick-box
- Private tour format — moves at your pace, no group herding
- 100 kg rider weight limit may exclude some participants
- Sculpture Trail requires solid walking over uneven ground
- Minimum two-person group requirement; solo travellers need to find company
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a smart half-day for couples or small groups who want variety without exhaustion. The horse riding is genuinely accessible — L-level riders (fewer than 20 rides) get matched with calm, forgiving mounts. The wine tasting isn't a quick taste; it's paired with lunch. Private transport means no waiting for a coach or coordinating with strangers. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, allergies) are catered if flagged at booking. Wheelchair users can access parts of the experience, and infants in prams are welcomed.
There's a 100 kg rider weight limit — worth noting upfront. The Sculpture Trail involves steady walking over uneven terrain; if mobility is limited, it's worth discussing with the operator first. Wine tasting is 18+ only. Peak times (weekends, school holidays) might mean busier stables, though the private tour setup keeps you separate from larger groups. Gratuities aren't included, so budget for tips. Booking requires at least two people to operate. Infant car seats cost extra and need 24 hours' notice. New Zealand autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are ideal; summer can be hot for horsing around, and winter brings rain.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.