The Twin Coast: A Journey Between Oceans
Discover New Zealand’s best kept secrets on this horse riding holiday in the North Island. Think wild horses, honey-yellow beaches and ancient forests.
Trip Highlights
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Becoming lost in a pristine pocket of hidden beaches in the famous Bay of Islands region
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The child-like joy of surfing a huge, butter-yellow sand dune on a bodyboard
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Watching a herd of wild horses slurp from a spring
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Cantering through sub-tropical forests of kauri trees and towering ferns
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The thrill of riding your horse bareback into the salty waves
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Exploring rolling green farmland with sweeping views across the idyllic coastline
Details
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Riding levels
Twin Coast Adventure: Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at a walk, rising trot and canter.
Twin Coast Escape: Beginner and intermediate riders. Beginner riders must be confident riding at a walk and a rising trot.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Both English and Western tack is used.
- Horse breed
A mix of Quarter Horses, Arabian and Tennessee Walking Horse crosses, Clydesdale-Thoroughbred crosses and warmbloods. The horses are forward-moving at all paces and ridden on a loose rein.
- Accommodation
Comfortable twin share cabins with all linen provided and shared shower and toilet facilities.
- Pace
Twin Coast Adventure: 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.
Twin Coast Escape: This is a relaxed holiday where riders can grow their confidence and skills on the trail at a walk and occasional trot. Cantering will only happen if the whole group feels confident to do so. - Weight limit
A maximum of 95kg / 209lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
Twin Coast Adventure: a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
Twin Coast Escape: a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests. - Minimum age
12 years of age
- Time in Saddle
Twin Coast Adventure: on average, 4 to 6 hours daily.
Twin Coast Escape: on average, 3 to 4 hours daily. - When to go
November through to April.
- Languages
English
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Twin share accommodation
- All riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- All meals outlined in the itinerary
- Transfers throughout the ride (excluding airport transfers)
- Sightseeing activities as per the itinerary
- Pick up/drop off in Paihia on the first and last days of the ride
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Alcohol (BYO is welcome)
- Airport transfers
Departure dates and prices
Ride length
5 days, 4 nights
Riding level
Beginner • Intermediate • Strong Intermediate • Advanced
Booking fee
A fixed Booking Fee of $2,476 NZD
Payment plans
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Accommodation types
Single
Private accommodation for one guest (room, tent, or similar). A supplement may apply on departures where a sharing option is available.
Share
Willing to room share with the same gender or travelling with a companion.
Couple share
Sharing a bed with companion.
Non-rider
Sharing a room with a riding companion.
Per person
2026
February 26 to March 2, 2026
March 5 to 9, 2026
March 12 to 16, 2026
March 19 to 23, 2026
March 26 to 30, 2026
April 2 to 6, 2026
April 9 to 13, 2026
April 23 to 27, 2026
November 12 to 16, 2026
November 26 to 30, 2026
December 3 to 7, 2026
December 10 to 14, 2026
2027
January 7 to 11, 2027
January 14 to 18, 2027
January 21 to 25, 2027
February 11 to 15, 2027
February 25 to March 1, 2027
March 4 to 8, 2027
March 18 to 22, 2027
April 1 to 5, 2027
April 22 to 26, 2027
April 29 to May 3, 2027
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $2,476 NZD
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Itinerary
Please note, these are suggested itineraries only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
- Twin Coast Adventure
- Twin Coast Escape
A magical week on New Zealand’s North Island where you’ll ride brave, home-bred horses with expert host Jane Kennedy, canter pristine beaches, wander kauri forests, and encounter the magic of Northland’s wild horses.
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Day 1: Arrival & Orientation ride
3 to 4 hours in the saddleIt’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 (approx 3hrs drive). 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.
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Day 2: Henderson Bay
3 to 4 hours in the saddleThis 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.
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Day 3: 90 Mile Beach
5 to 6 hours in the saddleTODAY 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.
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Day 4: Wild horses
5 to 6 hours in the saddleAfter 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.
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Day 5: Ride and depart
3 to 4 hours in the saddleYour 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 (approx 3hrs drive), with enough time to spend the evening exploring town and grabbing a tasty dinner (at your own expense).
A confidence-building coastal escape in New Zealand’s far north, where gentle horses, pastel beaches, whispering forests and wild-horse sightings are paired with Jane Kennedy’s expert, confidence-nurturing guidance for beginner and intermediate riders.
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Day 1: Arrival & Orientation Ride
3 hours in the saddleWelcome to New Zealand, globetrotters! At 9am this morning, 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.
This first 3 to 4-hour ride is all about getting to know your horse in a fun and stress-free environment. You’ll mount up in the arena, where Jane will lead a mini-clinic to boost your confidence and get you feeling comfortable. Then you’ll ride out over the farm, through spectacular native bush, along an historic road cut by British Soldiers in 1845 during the New Zealand Wars and finally to the awe-inspiring, massive, ancient Kauri trees (prepare to be impressed, globetrotters).
Back at the farm, you’ll have a late lunch at about 2pm, then jump back in the transfer vehicles for the drive to Henderson Bay via the scenic east coast, where you’ll gasp at the stunning scenery of Doubtless Bay. There’s an unmissable pit-stop at an iconic 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: Henderson Bay
3 hours in the saddleThis 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 spend the morning on the beach at Henderson Bay with a good book.
Returning to your base at Henderson Bay, you’ll have lunch at 2pm, then mount up for a gorgeous beach ride. 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 horse will walk, trot and canter over the pink sand beach while absorbing the breathtaking, sprawling sand dunes. Weather permitting, 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 afternoon of sandy, windswept trots and playing in the salty waves.
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Day 3: 90 Mile Beach
3 to 4 hours in the saddleToday brings the first of your wild horse rides! After trucking the horses to the west coast, you’ll mount up at about 11am to ride through forestry, tussocks, sand dunes, and the wild 90 Mile Beach, where you’ll stalk herds of wild horses. You’ll dismount at a waterhole for a saddlebag-packed lunch, hopefully observing wild horses interacting with each other nearby.
Today’s ride is jam-packed full of SO many highlights: lovely long trots up and down the beach, sand dune riding (super fun!) and tiptoeing through ancient forests laden with gigantic, dark-trunked tree ferns.
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Day 4: Gumdiggers Park
3 to 4 hours in the saddleThis morning you will have breakfast a little earlier, then jump in the transfer vehicles for a trip to Gumdiggers Park. Here’s a bit of geology for you: in two separate climatic events, one 120,000 years ago and another 30-40,000 years ago, the huge kauri forests that grew here were completely toppled. They produced huge amounts of sap after falling, then sank into the swamp, where they were perfectly preserved. When the trees and their fossilised sap were rediscovered in the early 1900s, an entire industry sprang up overnight, supplying kauri ‘gum’ worldwide for varnish and glue.
After seeing these relics firsthand, you will return to the cabins for lunch, then load the horses and head out for one more glorious ride on the west coast. Rest assured there is so much country on offer, you won’t ride the same trail twice. Jane will colour the ride with local knowledge and point out native flora and fauna (and wild horses!).
Returning to Henderson Bay, if the weather is pleasant, your dinner supplies will be bundled up and everyone will head to the beach for a relaxed picnic on the sand. Make the most of these last exquisite moments on the coast, globetrotters!
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Day 5: Departure
Non-riding dayAfter breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Jane’s home property and sit back with a cuppa while the horses are unloaded. Then you’ll be dropped off at either Paihia or Kerikeri Airport. Please ensure your flight departs after 4pm.
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.
Twin Coast Adventure: 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.
Twin Coast Escape: On day 5, you will be dropped off in either Paihia or at Kerikeri Airport at around 1:30 – 2pm. If flying from Kerikeri that day, please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 4pm.
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).
Alternatively, you can rent a car in Auckland and drive to Paihia (approx. 3 hours), or catch the InterCity bus (approx. 4 hours).
Please note
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.
If you choose to stay out of Paihia’s main beach area, or at a private residence (i.e. Airbnb), you’ll need to make your way to the i-SITE visitor information centre on the wharf for pick up/drop off.
Accommodation
Simple yet comfortable twin share cabins, each with two single beds. All bedding, linen and towels are provided. Shared bathroom facilities are a short walk from the cabins. There is an indoor common area with lounges and a dining table.
Food
Both a continental and cooked breakfast will be on offer each morning, and lunches will be a light meal of cold meats, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Dinners will consist of hearty meat - chicken/lamb/beef, etc - with delicious salads and roasted vegetables. Vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free diets can be catered for with advance notice, but we also recommend bringing your own trail snacks.
Reviews
Anne Y.
Rita R
Suzanne C.
Louisa S.
Lucy L.
GILLIAN YOUNG
Sally Lawson
Kelsey Ivey
Charlotte Beresford
Anne Spires
Kim Boast
1 ride with Globetrotting 
Tanya Limbrick
1 ride with Globetrotting 
Jane Thompson
Alana Rowley
Jennifer Wray
Chris Yandell
Jocelyn Laine
Robyn Smale
2 rides with Globetrotting 
Julie Debono
Jo Booth
Margie
Michelle Klocek
Fiona Johnson
Vicki Hooper
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
Stories from the saddle
Meet Our Guide: Jane
A much-loved part of the Globetrotting collection for the past five years, the Twin Coast Adventure is an unforgettable horse riding holiday in New Zealand’s breathtaking Bay of Islands. We fell in love with this ride not only for its
A Day in Paihia, Bay of Islands
Things to Do in Paihia, Bay of Islands The seaside town of Paihia makes an ideal base for exploring New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands. For globetrotters joining the Twin Coast rides, we recommend spending the nights immediately before and
