There is SO much goodness packed into this ride in the North Island of New Zealand. A circular point-to-point ride, it starts and ends at your guide Nicola Megaw’s family home, River Valley Lodge: a fifth generation family-owned lodge that sits poised on the wild Rangitikei River. Thanks to the on-the-move nature of this ride, you’ll traverse jaw-dropping, ever-changing scenery. Just imagine: dreamy canters across bowling green pastures dotted with flocks of happy sheep, getting lost in pristine native bush where the silver ferns tickle your horse’s belly, loping across wispy pampas and swimming bareback in the river.
The absolute gift of an eight day ride is the flow that comes with consistent time in the saddle. You’ll fall into a gentle rhythm with your horse, your fellow globetrotters and your guides, giving yourself the time to disconnect so that you can reconnect. Not only that, you’ll get a lovely sense of the rural Kiwi way of life, with long-time local and host Nicola personally guiding you through generational farming properties that aren’t accessible to the general public. You’ll also be privileged to spend a night at a local Marae, which is the focal point of Māori communities.
For those Globetrotters who yearn for the rhythm and sense of accomplishment that comes with eight glorious days in the saddle – for those who hold a deep desire to return to mother nature, lift the veil on this enchanting part of New Zealand and be swathed in Māori culture – The River Valley Ride is for YOU.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mix of Kaimanawa (NZ wild horse) and NZ Station Bred, which is a cross of Clydesdale, Standardbred, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Arabian. There are also a few Tennessee Walking Horses and American Saddlebreds in the herd.
- Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter when the terrain allows.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs *please contact us for a further assessment if you’re above this weight.
- Type of tack:Both Australian stock saddles and Western tack are used. *All horses are ridden barefoot and bitless.
- Seasons:December through to March.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 6 hours daily. Please note, this is dependent on the pace of your group, so on some days it could take a little longer to reach your campsite.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at all paces over uneven ground.
*Please keep in mind that this ride involves 8 days in the saddle, so suitable saddle fitness is a MUST. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:The accommodation varies throughout the ride. While staying at River Valley Lodge (the first two nights and the last night), you’ll enjoy comfortable twin share rooms with ensuites. You’ll spend two nights ‘glamping’ (bell dome tents, camp stretcher and all bedding provided) with access to basic shower and toilet facilities. You’ll also spend one night at a traditional Maori Marae (communal space, no single room available) and one night at Tarata Lodge with comfortable twin share rooms.
- Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights (8 riding days).
- Inclusions:
Twin share accommodation, riding, meals (from lunch on day 1 through to lunch on day 8), and transfers to and from Taupo on days 1 and 8.
- Exclusions:
International and regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), accommodation in Taupo the day before and after the ride and alcohol (BYO is welcome).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes twin share accommodation, riding, meals (from lunch on day 1 through to lunch on day 8), and transfers to and from Taupo on days 1 and 8.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international and regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), accommodation in Taupo the day before & after the ride and alcohol (BYO is welcome).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN NZD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

-
Day 1
-
Day 2
-
Day 3
-
Day 4
-
Day 5
-
Day 6
-
Day 7
-
Day 8
-
Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The River Valley Ride

Wendy Bayley
‘The accommodation on this trip was outstanding, especially the glamping. The marae was just wonderful. The highlight was the input from the local community, which provided a special flavour to the experience and set this trek apart. The picnic in the glade with wine and cheese and the newly-erected timber pop-up bar was unparalleled! And, of course, the lodge itself was just wonderful. Fabulous staff, and the environment was perfect.
I rode Calibre and we got on just fine. Our guides did a wonderful job matching riders to horses. My favourite experience was swimming the horses. The community input of the locals was also a highlight. The whole experience was outstanding and set the scene for many more very successful treks to follow.’

Helen Down
‘I have to say, I am finding writing anything about this adventure very difficult. In some way, I feel like I am still there. It was the best horse related experience I have ever had, even though I have ridden for 30+ years.
While I had been waiting for the ride for almost a year and had huge expectations, it was beyond anything that I could have imagined. Calling it a holiday goes nowhere near to describing those eight days. It was a real adventure – exhilarating, calming, peaceful, exciting, challenging, beautiful and an experience I will always treasure. The horses were fit, happy, independent and so confident in themselves. Mine – Dakota – was the best horse partner you could ever want on such an adventure. He was fit, energetic, honest, confident and so much fun, with impeccable manners, and he listened to me every step of the way. If I could have taken him home, I would have. And as for our two fabulous guides – I cannot imagine any other horse people who I would rather ride with. I learnt so much from Nicola and Tommy and would ride with them again anywhere, anytime.
The marae visit was out of this world and all the locals went completely out of their way to make sure we felt more than welcome and had everything we wanted. I loved the mountains we rode up, and the valleys we rode down into, the gallops across long rolling hills, the stops on the mountain tops to admire the views and the huge country that we had ridden or were about to ride that day. On one such hilltop, we stopped and were lucky enough to watch a band of wild Kaimanawa horses beneath us. They were so curious and beautiful. A sight I have never seen.
As a fellow kiwi, one thing that really stood out for me is that this ride is an opportunity to experience the real New Zealand High Country. This is not a touristy, commercial riding holiday option – this is the real deal, experiencing a slice of true kiwi life on the best horses.’

Anthony Tietze
‘This was a special holiday where our hosts, Nicola and Tommy, went above and beyond to make the ride a success. Beautiful countryside with ample opportunity to go far a canter if you chose to. Riding through the rolling hills each day was something to remember and the eight nights gave us a little extra time to relax and maximise our enjoyment. The night at the marae was special, and swimming with the horses was great. We had a great group and, importantly, there was the opportunity to mix, talk and party with the locals every evening.’

Heidi Cooper
‘Wow, what a fantastic eight days we all had. Nicola and Janie are a fantastic team and the other two lovely guides who helped out every day were pretty special too. I felt so proud to be a New Zealander while on this trip. The land we rode over was spectacular, picturesque and at times very exciting, with some small challenges along the way. I always felt very welcome and cared for. I would recommend this trip to anyone – in fact, I would definitely do it again. The food was amazing, healthy and very tasty. After each ride we celebrated together and talked about our amazing day with drinks and snacks before dinner. I rode Dakota; he was a great choice for me, exactly what I asked for in the description I gave of my dream horse. Very safe and steady on the steep hills, he had energy but could be controlled easily. The support and care our guides gave us was so heartwarming; it felt like we had become family over eight days. I wish them all the best on all their rides to come.’

Michelle Lampe
‘The River Valley Ride was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Amazing horses, people and scenery – what more could you ask for? I rode Miss T… I loved her and it was sad to say goodbye. She was comfortable and easy. She also had a very forward-moving walk and was easy to push into a trot or canter. The accommodation was varied, but we always had a comfy warm bed, and sleeping at the marae was quite a special experience. Nicola and Tommy were the best. Always accommodating, they had fantastic knowledge of the environment and the land owners. We couldn’t have asked for two better guides. I loved every day and every minute. The whole experience was unforgettable.’

Mieke Abels
‘For me, this was a ride that exceeded my expectations, and I would love to be able to do it again. Every day was varied and surprising, whether we were riding through bushland, over hills and mountains, or crossing rivers. The meals were carefully prepared and very tasty, and the accommodations were better than I expected: good locations, and really nice places to spend the night. Everything was so well organised! Both guides were very familiar with the environment, and were able to give us a lot of information about the area, flora and fauna, culture, etc. I rode Rio, a palomino who was not very tall, which I preferred. In the beginning he was a little unsure, but we came along together very quickly. He was very surefooted when climbing or descending, which was awesome!’

Patricia Harkness
‘This experience was so warm with emotions. Having the guides and their friends share their land, their homes and their farms with us was the highlight of the trip. The horses were top of the line and very well cared for. I rode Shamrock. He took care of me, and he let me enjoy the ride because I trusted him. I was able to see the beauty of the country we were riding in.
The hospitality was also outstanding. The people who helped transport, feed and entertain us were the best. The guides’ level of knowledge of the environment was incredible. There were many hours of riding when I didn’t understand how the heck they knew where we were going, but I trusted them. I was in their home, their backyard.
Every day was wonderful. I loved seeing the wild horses in the distance and cantering across the wide, open, green fields. Another favourite moment was spending time with Richard and the other Maori locals in the small village where they lived. Learning their history was so beautiful. They are such a proud and generous people.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
-
Meet our Guides: Nicola and Janey
The River Valley Ride is our newest and most intrepid horse riding holiday in New Zealand. Taking you ...
Read More -
Globetrotting Guest Horse: Te One
When we asked Nicola, one of the amazing guides on our epic River Valley Ride in New Zealand, ...
Read More -
Feedback on The River Valley Ride
Well, the first season of The River Valley Ride is done and dusted! Over three departures, 24 very lucky ...
Read More -
Meet a Globetrotter: Anthony Tietze
Okay globetrotters, I know we’re not allowed to pick favourites, but Anthony Tietze is a legend in ...
Read More -
Horse Breed: Kaimanawa
Name of breed: Kaimanawa Country of origin: New Zealand Breed origin: Kaimanawa horses are a population of feral ...
Read More -
A Day Spent in Taupo
Booked a saddle seat on our epic River Valley Ride? Great choice, globetrotter – you’re in for a ...
Read More -
Packing for Mountain Rides
Having just come back from guiding The Patagonia Trail in Argentina, we are again SO thankful that we’...
Read More