Australian Olympics hopeful Shane Rose cruised to victory in the Kihikihi international horse trial, heading home New Zealander Joseph Waldron by more than 20 points.

In his fourth time at the trials, Rose guided Taurus to his third win from three outings this season.

He finished with 53.8 points to Waldron's 74.2, with Australia's Natalia Blundell on Algebra third with 88.8.

Rose also fronted an excellent Australian effort in winning the senior trans-Tasman team competition for the first time on New Zealand soil.

Ten riders started the final showjumping phase, but only Australian Katja Weimann on Blundell went clear inside time over the Gerrit Baker-designed course. Waldron and Rose also went clear but picked up time faults.

Waldron, on Springvale All Black, was quietly satisfied by his second placed efforts.

"It's just awesome," he said.

"The best thing is that it proves your horse power and makes you realise whether you've got a decent horse or not. He's a pretty special horse."

New Zealand team coach and adviser Tinks Pottinger felt her team had done well, especially considering their experience.

"It's been a great learning opportunity for our four riders who have now earned their first New Zealand caps," she said.

"It's good for them to see where they need to be to compete against the likes of this Australian team."

AAP