Apiti: Horse Riding, Caves and Local Culture

Apiti combines rural scenery with horse riding, local culture and natural destinations nearby. As part of The Iron Gates Experience, the town is one of the two northernmost villages in Manawatu. For a stay, it is worth balancing activities in Apiti with trips to the surrounding area: options range from tours on a sheep farm to caves where glow-worms can be seen at night. This gives you different kinds of experiences to consider when planning.

Horse riding and rural experiences

Table Flat Trekking is located in Apiti and offers horse rides and trekking tours on a 600-acre sheep farm. Tours last between 45 minutes and three hours. The horses are calm and well trained, and an experienced guide always accompanies participants. Horse hire is also available for larger groups with less experience. Apiti Golf Club has a 9-hole course. Alongside the rides, this gives you more options for active pursuits in town.

Village show, museum and hearty food

You can visit a local museum in Apiti; Eric Brew’s local artist’s studio is another possible place to visit. The annual Apiti Show takes place in February and includes a shearing competition. If you want to plan your trip around the show, check the dates for the relevant year. For a meal, Apiti Tavern & Eatery serves hearty food. The venue is located at 755 Oroua Valley Road in Apiti.

Caves, walking and nature in the surrounding area

The Limestone Creek Glow Worm Caves are about a 20-minute drive northeast of Apiti. A stream flows through the almost triangular caves, where glow-worms can be seen at night. Timing therefore matters for this natural experience. Check the current access conditions before setting out.

The walk to Iron Gates Gorge via the Stoat Traps Track takes about two hours return. Check the current track and access information before setting out, as it may change. As a general guide, after driving through Apiti, Ruahine State Forest is less than a 30-minute drive away. There are opportunities for tramping there, as well as access to huts. The Ian McKean Pinetum is also located between Rangiwahia and Apiti and is now part of the Queen Elizabeth II Trust.

Use your day-trip plans as a guide to your search

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Apiti, your preferred daily rhythm can be a useful starting point: will your stay focus mainly on activities and culture in town, or would you also like to plan destinations nearby? For a time comparison, the horse riding tours range from 45 minutes to three hours, while the walk to the Gorge takes about two hours return. The caves, with glow-worms visible at night, offer a different kind of timing. These differences can help you decide what to prioritise during your stay and tailor your holiday rental search accordingly.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Feilding, Awahuri, Halcombe, Himatangi.

Go to the main travel overview: Manawatu District.