The Twin Coast Adventure in the North Island of New Zealand (think Bay of Islands) is glowing with Globetrotting goodness. Let’s start with the stars of the show, Ken and Jane Dromgool, New Zealand’s top horse clinicians and your hosts and guides on this ride. They’re immensely passionate about their patch of paradise and super keen to share it with you.
As for your mounts, you’ll be riding naturally-trained, home-bred horses that are as brave and honest as the day is long. And for the setting, you’ll skip, trot and canter across pristine beaches on both the east and west coasts. You and your horse will slide down butter-yellow sand dunes, trit-trot through native forests of Kaui and splash through the foaming waves. You’ll sneak up on the herds of wild horses that live in the pine forest, a truly thrilling encounter.
Ken and Jane are lucky enough to have not one but two properties in this stunning region: their home farm, where you can get to know your horses both in the arena and on trail rides across the farm, and their beachside property at Henderson Bay. This property is right in the middle of the action, putting you 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. Needless to say this spectacular ride, the Twin Coast Adventure, is going to make our Globetrotting community extremely happy.
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.
- Seasons:January to April.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 6 hours daily.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at all paces over uneven ground. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Comfortable twin share cabins on both properties 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
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, 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.
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.

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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
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Twin Coast Adventure

Robyn Smale
‘The Twin Coast ride is such a wonderful, genuine Kiwi experience from the back of a horse. Jane and Ken Dromgool have incredible passion and knowledge about horsemanship, their team are equally knowledgeable and their horses are as individual as their owners, which means you’re guaranteed a great ride! The trip up to Cape Reinga and bareback swimming at Henderson Bay was the icing on the cake. It was such a pleasure to ride over such a variety of terrain on incredibly surefooted, responsive horses. Everyone in the group was happy with the horses chosen for them. Nose-to-tail trail ponies these are not, which was fantastic. To top it off, our group felt like it was hand-picked. So many laughs and good times! Do it!’

Julie Debono
‘Jane, Chelsea and Lisa were absolutely incredible. They are beautiful people who you just enjoy being around. I was in awe of their knowledge, ability, energy and enthusiasm for a job they clearly love. All three of them were patient, kind and willing to help at all times. Their horsemanship was evident in the beautifully mannered, surefooted horses that we were privileged to ride. I was fortunate to ride Dolly, a 17 hand Clydesdale cross, who was willing to press forward in any terrain. We rode through native forests, slid down golden sand dunes and rode along the beach at sunset. The highlight was swimming my 650kg gentle giant in the surf… that was a bucket list tick for me!’

Jo Booth
‘The Twin Coast Adventure was one of those magical experiences where you ride beautifully trained horses in pristine countryside. The hosts were not only profoundly good horse people but also wonderful hosts who worked hard to make sure we loved every minute. Long beach canters, sliding down sand dunes, wild horses and forest pathways. A beautiful, isolated and diverse landscape explored on horses who keep you safe and thrilled with equal measure. I would retreat back at moment’s notice. Thank you for the brand new ‘happy place’ memories that will get me through the next 12 months while I plan my next Globetrotting adventure.’

Margie Baldock
‘From the scenery that rocked my world, to the sunset lopes across endless beaches, to the most beautiful horse in the world who was willing and eager to explore with me – I loved every minute of this ride. I had the great pleasure of riding Queenie and she was so much fun. We were happy with each other from the first moment. She was excited to get a gung-ho rider and I was excited to get a keen-to-play pony. It was bliss. She was almost human in many of the ways that she responded to me. Jane and her team were professional and fun and kept us well fed, safe and entertained. The Twin Coast lookout blew my mind, as did the bareback beach swim. This was a brilliant, bucket list adventure. If you get the chance, do it.’

Michelle Klocek
‘Our Twin Coast ride was fabulous. The Far North climate and scenery is fantastic. To ride on the beaches and through pine forests sighting wild horses was so exciting. The last day was my favourite, when we rode down to Henderson Bay and swam our horses in the sea. Such fun! Jane and her staff, Chelsea and Tania, were fabulous. Along with a crazy group of women, we laughed our way through the week. I would highly recommend this ride.’

Fiona Johnson
‘I’m not long back in Australia after the most wonderful riding experience in the north of New Zealand! It’s hard to settle down.
Ken and Jane and their dedicated staff host a brilliant riding experience! Beautiful, well schooled, kind horses. If you are honest about your riding experience and what type of horse and tack you prefer, they will offer you the perfect match! With an amazing group of funny, mad, accomplished horsewomen, I rode across and down vast sand dunes, walked and cantered through beautiful native vegetation and tall kauri trees, and enjoyed extended canters along majestic, pristine beaches. Then we swam and surfed on horseback! The scenery was breathtaking. Our cabin accommodation at Henderson Bay was newly constructed and had so much character. Magic!
If you are considering this ride, don’t think about it, JUST DO IT! You will have the ride of your life. I just want to go back and do it all again!’

Vicki Hooper
‘The Twin Coast Adventure is unique in many ways. Northland is still quite a remote part of New Zealand. Ken and Jane have an idyllic farm and a fabulous setup. Their horses have been trained well and I loved both the horsemanship lessons and the rides out. Henderson Bay was a highlight for me, and the rides out from there sensational. There were no people, except for the beautiful people riding – a remote hideaway with the horses. It was quite hot, but riding in the forestry was very cool, the beach was amazing and the sand hills – wow! Being taken up to Cape Reinga and swimming was a treat, and the experience of seeing wild horses was sensational. The whole team were laid back, hard working, totally supportive, and all friends after a few days together.’

Kaye Bracken
‘Beaches and views on steroids – who knew New Zealand had such beautiful beaches? However, the horses take centre stage! What a fabulous team, so beautifully trained and maintained by Ken and Jane. My mare, Dolly, was absolutely magnificent. Great manners, so responsive, in top condition, a beautiful nature and trained so well. The guides were totally professional – always helpful and cheery, always checking to make sure l was happy and safe, and offering lots of riding tips to help with the terrain.’
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