Do I need to be an experienced rider?
We have horses to suit beginner riders right through to very experienced ones, so riders of any level are welcome.
What can non-riders do at the CCRA?
The country atmosphere in Ohariu Valley is typically rural New Zealand, so even if you’re not riding we know you’ll enjoy your visit.
There are opportunities for non-riders to:
- Eat, drink and be merry at Saddleback Café where you can also feed the eels.
- Browse The Horseman’s Centre Saddlery shop
- Play a quick game of golf at Ohariu Valley Golf Course
- Watch the riders in the sand arena
- Take a walk on the Old Coach Road.
When are you open?
Our shop and office is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm all year round except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Trekking is available weekends and Wednesdays during school holidays.
Can we hire horses and go out by ourselves?
No, all our horse treks are led by experienced trek guides to ensure your safety.
Can we go fast on the horses?
We strive to please all levels of ability, so this is assessed on a ride-by-ride basis according to the riding experience of our clients. There is usually an opportunity to ride at a brisker pace for those who are capable.
What equipment do I need?
Only safety helmets are provided. We recommend you bring warm clothes, long pants and good footwear. Jandals, open foot wear and sports shoes are not recommended.
Find Us
The CCRA is situated in the beautiful Ohariu Valley, only 20 minutes drive from the Wellington CBD and 10 minutes from Johnsonviile.
Driving from Wellington and the south
- Take the Johnsonville turnoff at the top of Ngauranga Gorge.
- Drive straight through the main street of Johnsonville and the round-about at the end. When reaching the second round-about, just below the Church of England, turn hard left onto Ironside Road.
- Ironside Road then becomes Ohariu Valley Road, stay on this road for approximately five kilometres. This will take you through the countryside until reaching crossroads.
- At the crossroads, turn right, which is still Ohariu Valley Road.
- Once you go past the indoor riding school, go over a small one-way bridge, after the bridge, turn hard left where you will arrive at the Country Club Riding Academy.
Driving from the north
- Take the Johnsonville turnoff, drive three quarters of the way around the round-about.
- Drive to the second round-about just below the Church of England, turn hard left onto Ironside Road.
- Ironside Road then becomes Ohariu Valley Road, stay on this road for approximately five kilometres. This will take you through the countryside until reaching crossroads.
- At the crossroads, turn right, which is still Ohariu Valley Road.
- Once you go past the indoor riding school, go over a small one-way bridge, after the bridge, turn hard left where you will arrive at the Country Club Riding Academy.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about directions.