Reviews

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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 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!’

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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.’

‘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.’