In 1999 we purchased our 41 hectare, bare block
of land, on Okau Road located near the small Ahititi settlement.
Figure 2 Homestead
-taken from back ridge ~2003 |
We arrived with 26 horses, a horse truck
full of recycled building materials and a vision. Our vision was to create a
sustainable lifestyle that encompassed our passions for horses, the earth and teaching. Our qualifications as a teacher and
electrician helped us obtain part time employment to support us financially and allow for the development of Okau Horse Treks.
Enthusiastically supported by Ahititi locals, Okau Horse Treks
began in a very small way in early 2000. Advertising began around then with the addition of a phone line, this was limited to locally placed posters,
this was limited to locally placed posters, occasional newspaper advertising and word of mouth.
Okau HorseTreks went online in late 2003. The introduction of a photosite, combined
with placing ads on tourism websites with links to the photosite, created a slow but steady increase in business. The tourist
market increased immediately. Yellow Pages advertising began in 2005 and resulted in more local (Taranaki) custom.
Okau Horse Treks has developed a reputation for having great horses, being good fun and safe
for riders of all ages and levels of experience.
Buildings now include a home, tack shed, hay shed, separate flushing toilet,
a tool shed and a recently added bach. All buildings have been built using recycled materials wherever possible. The overall effect is pioneering, authentic and unique. Bryan
has built the complex entirely by hand, the only power tool used being a chainsaw.
Before 2000 no power was available. Since 2000 power has been supplied in the evenings by a petrol
powered generator.
