We are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the area on horseback and we are noticing a trend in qualified horse people looking for “real” horses and a real experience.
We are therefore pleased to be able to offer Guided Horse treks for the more experienced riders amongst our guests. We are can also offer pony & horse rides in a controlled environment for children and novice riders.
Come join us for a tailor made ride through native forests while enjoying beautiful farmland and extensive coastal views.
Make it a 2-hour trek or perhaps embark on a challenging half-day or whole day excursion that takes us over the Mountain, through rich native forest and onto 6 km of stunning undeveloped white sandy beach.
Bookings are essential and weather dependant– please enquire when booking your accommodation. Season runs from Oct to May.
Horse trek hours
2 Hour ride - NZ $ 120
Depart Ara Roa at 10am returning at 12am
Full day ride - NZ $ 195
Depart Ara Roa at 9:30 returning at 2:30pm.
BYO drink & picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach.
We are very fortunate to be located within and nearby some of New Zealand's premier coastal forest reserves which are the best examples of their type in Northland.
They provide a refuge for a diverse range of species brought together in a unique coastal broadleaf forest association including kiwi, kukupa (wood pigeon), threatened invertebrates,
bats, skinks, geckos, several bird species from offshore islands like kaka, kakariki (red-crowned parakeet) and bellbird, and nationally and regionally significant plants.
Within these forest reserves and along our naturally stunning coastline there are several walks and hikes to suit all levels. www.breamheadtrust.org.nz
Te Ara Roa National Walkway
What a coincidence! We established our accommodation "Ara Roa Unique Lodgings" unaware, that in the near future we would have New Zealand's National Walkway (Te Ara Roa "The Long Pathway")
passing right by our doorstep – and sharing a very similar name!
Our location puts us at the Northern end of 3 sections of the pathway, Kauri Mountain Track, Ocean Beach Track and Bream Head Track. Combined, these 3 sections offer the best of Northlands natural coastline.
By arrangement we can provide transport services that allow "one way" traverses of the trail sections.
Northland's Pacific coastline offers you exceptional sea kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, in the clear subtropical waters of New Zealand's warmest region.
We access a range of kayak destinations from tranquil harbours and mangrove ecosystems, to adventure kayaking on the open coast and offshore islands.
Join us for great scenery good company, and getting close to nature, and experience the best of coastal New Zealand. Contact; pc.kayaks@gmail.com
Twenty three kilometres off Northlands East Coast the Poor Knights Islands are an international icon.
A total Marine Reserve and Nature Reserve - and pending World Heritage Site - the 11 million year old Islands' volcanic origins provide myriad spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels.
Above and below water, the Islands are abundantly populated with unique and incredibly varied plant, animal and fish life.
Laying claim to an astounding Maori history and the world’s largest sea cave (and only living dinosaur and largest insect) the remarkable Poor Knights thoroughly deserve their protected status.
A Perfect Day – with Dive Tutukaka – The Poor Knights Islands are spectacular; there is as much to see and do above the water as there is down below.
Take command of a kayak, or don mask and snorkel, and find a whole other way to discover the Islands.
This very special day-trip, Perfect Day offers the ultimate non-diving Poor Knights experience, with sight-seeing, kayaking, cave explorations, snorkeling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting, snippets of fascinating
history and Island facts and great food. The boat is incredibly well fitted-out, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs viewing, plenty of facilities and the fabulous 'fish cam' feeding live
underwater shots right into the boat.
Air conditioned comfort and ample shade from the sun, or you can relax and get a tan! The indoor outdoor flow allows for maximum viewing, with two leveled decks to get that better perspective and a great
photo!
A Perfect Day runs from November to May; departs 11:00am and returns 4:15pm
Depart Ara Roa at 9:15 am for a scenic 65 min drive to Tutukaka.
Located 40 mins west of Ara Roa, , Zion Wildlife Gardens is a tranquil countryside retreat The park like environment provides a sanctuary to some of the world's rarest big cats and allows you a unique
chance to learn about these magnificent endangered animals.
The wildlife gardens currently has a collection of Barbary and White Lions, Royal White and Orange Bengal tigers, at times some very cute cubs, two Serval cats, two Cheetahs, a Black Leopard and a Baboon.
All of the cats are extremely rare and most are extinct in the wild.
Zion Wildlife Gardens is dedicated to the preservation of endangered species of big cats. To help fund habitat development and the ongoing care of its big cats, Zion Wildlife Gardens offers a range of
guided tours available daily.
New Zealand has been described as a biological Ark – its native biodiversity is more primitive than most other countries, and many species are found nowhere else. Being surrounded by native bush makes Ara Roa
the ideal place to stay for watching birds. Brown kiwi is the second most numerous kiwi species, with a total population of only 25,000. We are very lucky to be part of an active kiwi conservation area and are
proud to have local kiwi living in the bush adjacent to the Guest House, Aria and the Bach. Apart from the Kiwi there is a diversity of species that can be observed at quite close range. At night you are quite
certain to hear the elusive Kiwi calling, sometimes very near the house. If you are keen on watching a wide range of shore birds, a visit to the Taiharuru estuary is a must.
Ara Roa is centrally located on a truly stunning stretch of coastline. From 6kms of
pure Ocean Beach (that you can often have to yourself) to the more intermit estuaries
and rocky headlands that should satisfy the most avid of beachcombers. Combined with
Northlands sub-tropical summer this creates an incredible natural playground of clear and
temperate waters. Children (and parents) can have hours of fun playing in the surf – and
boogie boarding is a favourite summer pastime.
Ara Roa is located on Latitude 35 South. This is equivelent to Santa Barbara, North
Carolina or the South of Spain.
SURF LESSONS AVAILABLE - PLEASE ENQUIRE
Kayaking - self explore
Grab a kayak and explore the lovely Taiharuru Estuary. Ride the incoming tide up this pristine waterway with its clear waters and sandy bottom.
The estuary is home to many different species of bird, and under the surface it is not uncommon to see eagle rays gliding over the sand below you. Small fish skim across the surface as they are chased by
the larger ones below! In some parts, native forest and grand old Pohutakawa trees line the shore. Life jackets provided.
Olive Harvest
Join us and fellow olive pickers during our olive season (April/May) and experience the "from tree to table" process of pure extra
virgin olive oil. Take part in a fun morning of olive picking followed by a casual lunch celebrating the good oil. Harvest times vary
so please enquire if you want to be part of our autumn event.
Golfing
This 18 hole golf course is at Parua Bay (10 minutes drive) with the most amazing views
to the bay and Mt. Manai. A very easy walking course with only one short incline. Clubs
and carts can be hired. Green fees are very moderately priced. Club house open daily
with catering and bar service.
Day Excursions from Ara Roa – Bay of Islands and Waipoua Kauri Forest
Waipoua Forest (Giant Kauri trees)
Many of our guests choose to take a day and visit the magnificent Kauri Forest on the West Coast. It is a 90 minute scenic drive to visit these ancient forest giants, but for anyone who appreciates BIG trees, it is well worth it. Stand beneath and marvel at Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) – New Zealands largest known living Kauri Tree, believed to have begun life around 2000 years ago! There are several easy, short walk options into the forest, as well as an interesting visitors centre – with the history of the forest and district.
Bay of Islands
This very popular tourist destination is just over 1 hours drive away from Ara Roa. Highlights of the Bay would be a visit to The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or the historic township of Russell – the first capital of New Zealand. However, the main object of any visit to the Bay of Islands would be to take one of the many boat trips offered out into the Bay. There are a large range of options, from the gaff rigged schooner R Tucker Thompson for that leisurely cruise/lunch - through to the high speed Excitor, which can whizz you through the Bay in 90 mins, the boat ride itself being part of the fun! There are many options in between and several operators to choose from.
Time out!
Actually you do not need to leave at all. Just kick back and enjoy the breathtaking views from the spacious decks. Do as much or as little as you feel like!!
