Horses on the beach

Horses can go on all Kāpiti beaches, but there are some rules on urban beach areas during summer.

When riding on the beach, remember to:

respect the environment and other beach users
understand that others, especially tamariki, may not know how to act around horses
clean up after your horse where you can; take waste home if safe (like from car parks)
don’t let your horse eat beach plants
be aware of the other beach activities and their zones.

Where you can ride

When riding your horse on the beach, please do so safely and carefully. You should only ride below the high-tide mark or on marked beach accessways.

Keep your horse away from:

the dunes, as they are delicate and home to breeding birds and plants that help prevent erosion
flagged surf lifesaving areas
the estuary and foreshore areas of Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve, where riding is not allowed at any time (this is a rule from the Department of Conservation).

During summer, horse owners can't lead or ride their horses on the beach or foreshore in these areas:

Restricted areas are:

southern boundary of Kāpiti Coast District to mouth of Wainui Stream, north of Paekākāriki
official beach access at Jeep Road, Raumati South to Kāpiti Boating Club
Waikanae Boating Club to Waimeha Stream mouth, Waikanae Beach
beach access opposite 100 Marine Parade to beach access opposite 8 Marine Parade, Ōtaki Beach.

Maps showing these areas can be found on page 16 of our Beach Bylaw.

At all other times and places, you can ride or lead a horse on the foreshore.

When dogs are near horses, please keep them on a lead and pass wide and slowly.

Check out Looking after our beaches to learn how you and your horse can help protect the Kāpiti Coast's important plants and animals.