Twin Coast Adventure | Horse Riding Holidays New Zealand | Globetrotting

Twin Coast Adventure, New Zealand

4 NightsBeginner to AdvancedFrom $3,495 NZD?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD

Discover some of New Zealand’s best kept secrets – think wild horses, honey-yellow beaches and ancient forests – on this North Island ride.

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 star of the show, Jane Kennedy, one of New Zealand’s top horse clinicians and your host and guide on this ride. Jane is immensely passionate about her 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 Kauri 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.

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 a trail ride across the farm, and her 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 makes 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:November through to April.
  • Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests.
  • Time in Saddle:Intermediate to advanced departures: on average, 4 to 6 hours daily.
    Beginner-friendly departures: on average, 3 to 5 hours daily.
  • Riding Ability:Some departure dates are beginner-friendly, while other departures are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. This is specified alongside each date. 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

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
December 7, 2023December 11, 2023SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender

December 14, 2023

**All abilities welcome**

December 18, 2023SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender

January 11, 2024

**All abilities welcome**

January 15, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 18, 2024January 22, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 1, 2024February 5, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 8, 2024February 12, 20245 spots left
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook

February 15, 2024

**All abilities welcome**

February 19, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 29, 2024March 4, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 21, 2024March 25, 20248 spots left
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
March 28, 2024April 1, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
April 11, 2024April 15, 20248 spots left
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
April 25, 2024April 29, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,495 NZD ?Tour costs $3,495 NZD which is approximately $3,269 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender

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

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*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

    It’s finally happening! Today you get to say ‘Kia Ora’ to the guides and horses who will take you along the North Island’s spectacular coastline! Your guide, Jane Kennedy, will pick you up from your accommodation in Paihia and bring you to her home property, where you will have morning tea and a chat as you get to know your hosts and fellow guests. You’ll then be introduced to the superb string of guest horses and paired with your equine partner for the week, based on your riding ability and size.

    To help you get to know each other in a fun and stress-free environment, you’ll have a welcome session in the arena where you’ll do some groundwork, followed by some ridden obstacle challenges and a few games. Then Jane will take you on a ride over the farm, through spectacular native bush, along an historic road cut by British Soldiers in 1845 during the Maori Wars and finally to the awe-inspiring, massive, ancient Kauri trees (prepare to be impressed, globetrotters). Coming back to the farm, you’ll have a late lunch then pack up and head to Henderson Bay. You’ll be driving up the scenic east coast, where you’ll gasp at the stunning scenery of Doubtless Bay. There’s a mandatory pit-stop (it’s tradition) at the ice cream shop (included in the ride price), which sits near the beautiful pink sands of Cable Bay. Finally, you’ll reach the beach cabins at Jane’s spectacular Henderson Bay property, which you’ll call home for the remainder of your trip.

  • Day 2

    This morning you get to rest your riding muscles as you enjoy the best of the local sightseeing. Your guides will drive you up to Cape Reinga, where you can observe the ‘Columbian Bank’ where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. You’ll see the spectacular Cape Maria van Diemen and the incredible, snow white sands of the Parengarenga Harbour. You’ll enjoy a leisurely swim at the beautiful Tapotupotu Bay, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can hire a boogie board (included in the ride price) and surf down the giant Te Paki sand dunes! Or, if you prefer, you can sleep in and sit on the beach with a good book.

    Later in the day, you’ll mount up and head out from Jane’s property onto Henderson Bay. Along the way, Jane will point out the remnants of the 32-metre-high tsunami that made landfall in the 1400s. Reaching the bay, you and your forward-moving horse will walk, trot and canter over the pink sand beach while absorbing the breathtaking, sprawling sand dunes. Jane will time the ride so that the tides allow you to swim the horses bareback in the ocean, if you’d like! It’s a glorious ride of windswept canters and playing in the salty waves. If the tides work in your favour (fingers crossed), you’ll get to enjoy a moonlight ride.

  • Day 3

    TODAY is the day. The first of your wild horse rides is scheduled for this morning – after another filling breakfast, of course. Trucking the horses out to the west coast, you’ll ride through forestry, tussocks, sand dunes, and the wild 90 Mile Beach, where you’ll stalk herds of wild horses. Oh, and the BEST part: not a gate to be seen! With lunches packed in your saddle bags, you get to enjoy a full day in the saddle. You’ll dismount by a water hole for lunch, hopefully observing a mob of wild horses interacting with each other nearby.

    Today’s ride is jam-packed full of SO MANY highlights: lovely long canters up and down the beach, sand dune riding (it’s exhilarating, let me assure you) and tiptoeing through ancient forests laden with ferns.

  • Day 4

    After a well-earned night’s rest, you’ll wake up at Henderson Bay, re-group over brekkie and do it all over again! Yep, you’ve got another day out on the west coast – more wild horses to be spotted, breathtaking scenery to be absorbed and secrets waiting to be discovered. Rest assured there is so much country on offer, you won’t ride the same trail twice. Jane will colour the ride with historical stories while pointing out native flora and fauna. In the evening you’ll return to your beachside cabins to enjoy a hearty dinner and recap the day’s highlights.

  • Day 5

    Your last day in the beautiful Bay of Islands region, sob! But it’s an absolute cracker: after breakfast you’ll load up and head back to Paihia for a stunning ride on a coastal farm. The owners, who have tended this land for generations, are opening their farm exclusively to your Globetrotting group, and it won’t be long before you realise what a privilege this is. The property offers incredible views over the Bay of Islands, with the coastline varying from dramatic rocky outcrops forged by ancient lava flows to otherworldly pink sandy beaches.

    Finally, you and your fellow globetrotters will say a fond farewell to your horses and take the transfer back to your accommodation in Paihia, with enough time to spend the evening exploring town and grabbing a tasty dinner.

  • Transfer Information

    Transfers to and from your Paihia accommodation are included in the price (on day one and day five). To avoid travel delays, we ask that all guests arrive and stay in Paihia (at your own expense) the night before the ride begins, so you’re ready for collection between 9 – 9:30am on day one.

    On day five, please book an extra night’s accommodation in Paihia so that the group isn’t rushed getting back to town that evening. You can fly out the following day.

    All transport during the five days of the ride is provided.

    There are four regional flights from Auckland Domestic Airport to Kerikeri Airport daily. Otherwise you can hire a car in Auckland and drive to Paihia, which is approximately a 4.5 hour drive.

    If you’re flying into Kerikeri, we recommend booking a transfer to your accommodation in Paihia through Kerikeri Taxis – www.kerikeritaxis.co.nz. They charge approximately $80 NZD one way for up to 3 people (inclusive, not per person).

    **Please note that if you’re flying into Auckland International Airport, give yourself a three-hour buffer to clear customs {especially with horse riding equipment – helmets, chaps} before your regional flight.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Twin Coast Adventure

Twin Coast Adventure, New Zealand, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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!’

Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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!’

Twin Coast Adventure, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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.’

The Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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!’

Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Jennifer Wray

‘The Far North is a beautiful part of New Zealand and what better way to see it than from Jane’s amazingly well trained and responsive horses, led by exceptional guides Cory and Tanya.
From the beautiful beaches of the east coast to the stunning forests and wild horses on the west, this is definitely an adventure that reinvigorates the soul. Long canters, logs to jump, wandering along on the buckle of the reins, great conversations and plenty of laughs. You can’t really ask for more. My two standout experiences were seeing two wild stallions rearing up defending their mares about 50 metres from us, and the last ride: low sun over the beach at Henderson Bay, seeing rainbows while we swam (which was frickin’ awesome!), then heading up to the other end of the beach where the dolphins joined us and surfed the waves chasing fish. What a way to finish the ride! I feel lucky to have such an experience in my own country, and recommend that anyone from NZ or afar experience what Jane and the team have to offer.’

Chris Yandell

‘This was my first Globetrotting ride and it was amazing. I went there to ride horses and that’s just what I did. I got to ride though big pine forests, canter along beautiful beaches, ride across sandy deserts, see wild horses and get very close to them, and swim in the ocean with my horse. My horse Paula did everything I asked of her, she was fantastic. I wish I could have taken her home with me. The cabins we stayed in were warm and comfortable and the food was delicious. And a shout out to my guides Jane and Cory, they were awesome. We had lots of laughs and good yarns. Everything was spot on, I could have stayed there another five days!’

Jocelyn Laine

‘A fabulous five day riding adventure on very well trained horses. Full days in the saddle with huge variety in where we rode, which meant that there was never a dull moment. I loved riding Gemma – a spunky Anglo-Arab/Welsh mare. She was a perfect match for me, well trained and very responsive to the aids with a soft mouth. All our guides and staff were very helpful, cheerful, informative and great company. Spectacular scenery and great company. The whole package couldn’t have been better!’

Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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!’

Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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!’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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