The Twin Coast Adventure in the North Island of New Zealand (think Bay of Islands) is glowing with Globetrotting goodness – no wonder it’s on Amber Marshall’s bucket list!
For starters, there’s your host and guide, Jane, one of New Zealand’s top horse clinicians. Jane is immensely passionate about her patch of paradise and super keen to share it with Amber and the lucky globetrotters who’ll be riding alongside her.
Then there’s your mounts: naturally-trained, home-bred horses that are as brave and honest as the day is long. And as for the setting, you’ll skip, trot and canter across pristine beaches on both the east and west coasts of the North Island. You and your starstruck Globetrotting group will slide down butter-yellow sand dunes, trit-trot through native Kauri forests and splash through foaming waves. Plus you’ll sneak up on the herds of wild horses that live in the pine forests – a truly thrilling encounter.
Jane is lucky enough to have not one but two properties in this stunning region: her home farm, where you can get to know your horses both in the arena and on the trail, and her beachside property, where you’re just a hop, skip and a jump from some of New Zealand’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
You won’t want to leave this pocket of untouched beauty where it’s just you, your horse and the beauty of Mother Nature. Oh, and Amber Marshall, your equestrian idol! Needless to say, this will be the ride of a lifetime.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mix of Quarter Horses, Arabian and Tennessee Walking Horse crosses, Clydesdale-Thoroughbred crosses and warmbloods.
- Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter when the terrain allows, with some long stretches of trotting and cantering along the coast.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 105kg / 230lbs *please contact us if you're above this weight for a further assessment.
- Type of tack:Both English and Western tack is used.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 6 hours daily.
- Riding Ability:Intermediate to advanced. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Comfortable twin share cabins with all linen provided and shared shower and toilet facilities.
- Ride Length:5 days, 4 nights, with 4 and a half days of riding and half a day of sightseeing in the Far North of the North Island.
- Inclusions:
Twin share accommodation, riding, meals, transfers throughout the ride, and transfers to and from Paihia on days 1 and 5.
- Exclusions:
International and regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol (BYO is welcome), or airport transfers.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
SHOW ALL NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Availability | Total | |
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Late February 2025 *final dates will be released on approval of your booking. - Guided! | SOLD OUT! |
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes twin share accommodation, riding, meals, transfers throughout the ride, and transfers to and from Paihia on days 1 and 5.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol (BYO is welcome), or airport transfers.
PLEASE NOTE:
– Specific security and content requirements apply to participate in this ride.
– Rescheduling or cancellation on short notice may occur, and there are limited refund rights, so comprehensive travel insurance and fully flexible travel and accommodation bookings are essential.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
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.
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Transfer Information
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Amber Marshall
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Twin Coast Adventure
GILLIAN YOUNG
‘Even as an experienced rider, I have confidence issues on new horses, and I wasn’t sure how my body would handle long hours in the saddle. This was the perfect ride for me to discover that, yes, I could do it, and I had no reason to be nervous on my lovely horse, Cilla. The ride was just beautiful. Well paced with friendly and fun staff, fantastic food each day and cuddly dogs at the cabin. I just enjoyed myself the entire time. I will recommend this ride to anyone looking to do a long horse trek.’
Sally Lawson
‘Wow, I can’t believe I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine – going on a riding trek holiday! Even though I’ve been caught up with kids and businesses, I finally took the plunge and booked this trip. My husband even learned how to ride just to come with me! I chose this particular trek because it looked challenging, but I knew we’d be in good hands under Jane and her team’s expert guidance. And boy, did it deliver! The terrain was tough but exhilarating, and the scenery was simply breathtaking – we even saw wild horses running through the woodlands! Plus, the group of fellow adventure and horse enthusiasts made us feel right at home. Honestly, this trip was life-changing, and we’re already planning our next globetrotting adventure. It’s amazing to see how much the world has to offer, and we’re grateful to be a part of such a fantastic organization. My husband is now completely horse-obsessed, and we’re kicking ourselves for not doing this sooner. But hey, better late than never, right? We can’t wait to see where our next trips take us!’
Kelsey Ivey
‘The Twin Coast Ride in New Zealand changed everything for me. It was my first horse riding holiday, booked on a whim to be more adventurous, and it awakened a desire in me to see more of the world on horseback. The experience was absolutely perfect. The scenery might as well have been pulled straight from a storybook, with green rolling hills and sunny blue water beaches. My horse, Izzy, was sure-footed and kind and I had full confidence in her to carry me to new parts of the world every day. I even learned how to swim on a horse for the first time! Most of all, I feel like I got a masterclass in horsemanship, thanks to Jane, our guide Gabbie, and the other riders who became friends. Our days were full of magical scenery, wild horses, and blissful long canters, while our nights were full of amazing food and belly laughs with friends around the table. I had the BEST time, and honestly did not want to leave. This trip is perfect for anyone like me who might be travelling solo, adventuring off on their first riding holiday, or who wants a refreshing, fun, gorgeous vacation.’
Charlotte Beresford
‘I absolutely loved the Twin Coast Ride, it surpassed all my high expectations. We were so well looked after and were always made to feel safe, happy, comfortable and well-fed! The scenery and terrain are just breathtaking and so varied. You ride through challenging bush, on gentle farmland, along atmospheric forest tracks, climb up and down glittering sand dunes, wade through deep lakes, then long, exhilarating beach canters and swim bareback in the sea. Just wow. And then, of course, there was my horse, Rocky. I totally fell in love with him. Riding such a big, beautiful, strong, fast, kind, and responsive horse was an incredible privilege. I couldn’t stop crying when I said goodbye to him – the ultimate dream horse. I would recommend this ride to any horse lover. I would return tomorrow if I could!’
Anne Spires
‘The scenery each day is so varied and stunning. The horses were exceptionally trained and such a companionable herd. I rode Beautiful honey, so responsive, gentle, super fit and willing . Marvellous guides, exciting adventures each day, gourmet food, wonderful new friends, the list goes on…Just magic!’
Kim Boast
‘On beautifully educated, super fit, forward-moving horses, we rode the endless beaches with not a soul in sight. Sand dunes that go for miles, endless pine forests, farmland with stunning ocean views – this ride has it all! Our guide Jane was an absolute legend with so much knowledge and patience, and Laura was super helpful. I rode Paula and Izzy, and both were beautiful to ride. I’ve never ridden a gaited horse before – I LOVED them and their ambling! The best riding experience I’ve ever had!’
Tanya Limbrick
‘An amazing experience with a beautiful group of people. Jane, Lorah and Gary were wonderful hosts, friendly and knowledgeable, and great horse people. I was lucky to be teamed with the beautiful Rocky, who was my perfect match: willing, forward-moving, and a lovely kind soul. The Northland is a beautiful and unusual environment; we cantered along deserted beaches, rode through whisper-quiet pine forests and slithered across incredible sand dunes. The trip to Cape Reinga was a highlight, especially surfing down the giant sand dunes at Te Paki! We were fortunate to see bands of wild horses, and the stallions guarding their mares were just majestic. At the end of each day we returned to great food, hot showers, comfy cabins and great company. I absolutely recommend this ride!’
Jane Thompson
‘If you want to see the most amazing, diverse scenery, wild horses, AND ride on both the east & west coast of New Zealand, then do not miss the Twin Coast Adventure. After two false starts (thanks to Covid), I managed to complete this fabulous ride in early December. I rode the paint mare, Cilla, and had a great time on her! She was especially fun to canter on the beach. Our guides were very knowledgeable about their horses and environment. We were blessed with beautiful weather as well, which topped off a fun few days.’
Alana Rowley
‘The Twin Coast Adventure was my first Globetrotting experience and what can I say… WOW. We really got to see it all. We rode over a myriad of terrains, cantered on pristine beaches on both the east and west coast of New Zealand, meandered through bush and forests, saw wild horses, made our way across and over stunning sand dunes and swam bareback in the ocean. We got to do some sightseeing (Cape Reinga) and had the opportunity to go sand boarding. I was matched with the most stunningly unique, beautifully natured and safe horse – Lizzy! The accommodation was lovely and our guides were knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I have absolutely no regrets, other than that I didn’t book this ride sooner!’
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