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.
Exclusive to Globetrotting
Rides hand crafted at GT HQ, available only to Globetrotters.
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
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
Twin Coast Adventure
November 12 to 16, 2026
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Adventure
November 26 to 30, 2026
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Twin Coast Adventure
December 3 to 7, 2026
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Escape
December 10 to 14, 2026
Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.
2027
Twin Coast Adventure
January 7 to 11, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Adventure
January 14 to 18, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Escape
January 21 to 25, 2027
Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.
Twin Coast Adventure
February 11 to 15, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Adventure
February 25 to March 1, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Escape
March 4 to 8, 2027
Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.
Twin Coast Adventure
March 18 to 22, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Adventure
April 1 to 5, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Adventure
April 22 to 26, 2027
Intermediate to advanced riders only.
Twin Coast Escape
April 29 to May 3, 2027
Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $184 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).
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.
Please also note, if you choose to stay out of Paihia, e.g. Russell, Te Haumi or Opua, you will need to make your way to the i-SITE Information Visitors Centre on the Paihia Wharf for pick up/drop off. If you choose to stay in Kerikeri you will need to organise to be delivered/collected to the farm at 55 Retreat Road.
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
Juliet W
Patricia D
Safe well behaved horses. Plenty of long canters for advanced riders. Swimming with the horses was magic.
Donna S
Kathryn C
Susan P
Vicky
Charlotte
Anthony
Jasmine H
Joolz N
Justine T
Claire A
Kim C
Anne Y
Rita R
Lucy L
Nanja M
Anita N
Lily
Louisa S
Suzanne C
Mechelle S
Kelsey I
Charlotte B
Gillian Y
Anne S
Sally L
Kim B
Alana R
Jane T
Tanya L
Jennifer W
Chris Y
Jocelyn L
Margie
Jo B
Julie D
Vicki H
Fiona J
Michelle K
Robyn S
41 reviews
Juliet W
Riding with Heaven on Horseback was one of the best riding treks I’ve done. A gentle introduction with the horses on day one was a welcome change, with the staff giving clear instructions about expectations and handling of the horses during the ride.
Highlights were the long loping beach canters, heart pumping swims in the surf, and wild horse spotting in the quiet of the forest.
The horses are exceptionally cared for and they are super fit and so happy to be out and about. No sour horses in this herd; lots of opportunity to spread out and enjoy the views.
It was great to be based in the one place in cute little cabins at Henderson Bay and enjoy hearty meals prepared by the ‘happy cook’, hot showers and a comfy bed.
The horses were well matched with riders. My Mason was perfect. 😍
Jane and the team run a high quality operation. Thankyou
Patricia D
Safe well behaved horses. Plenty of long canters for advanced riders. Swimming with the horses was magic.
Donna S
11/10. It truly was heaven on horseback. Thank you Jane for a thoughtfully curated journey through the wild and remote far north of the North Island. It was like stepping into a horse girl fairytale! We ranged from ancient kauri forests with historic Maori roads to lush undulating farmlands, pine plantations, sand dunes, wetlands, long wide beaches right up to Cape Maria at the very tip of the Island. What a joy! And then there were the magical horses. I rode (Perfect) Paula. I came into this ride feeling a bit anxious and left confidently and happily jumping logs, cantering through paddocks and leaping over puddles. Hats off to the very special guides – Gabbie, Savannah and Phoebe. We couldn’t have asked for better guides and leadership. Super organised and efficient, kind, caring and good fun! The farm was cosy and comfortable and we found a nice rhythm to our days. It was a girls’ own adventure and we absolutely relished every moment of it.
Kathryn C
My beautiful horse Mason was just perfect. I loved the long canters on the beach and swimming in the ocean! The sand dunes were spectacular and we also saw heaps of wild horses. Our guides, Gabbie, Phoebe and Savanna, were fantastic and helpful. Of course Darren’s food was delicious! We were there for Anzac Day and so we had a ceremony of our own which was very special.
Susan P
What a fabulous experience I had on the Twin Coast NZ North Island ride. We started of in Henderson Bay and did some sightseeing first at Cape Reinga. “Sand” surfed down the giant Te Paki sand dunes on a boogie board, then swam the horses bareback in the surf. Who knew that horses liked the surf! So much scenery, wild horses and plenty of long canters on the beach and the forests. I had a beautiful mare “Miss Lizzy” who was a lot of fun and so well trained. Amazing ride and definitely recommend!
Vicky
Incredible scenery and amazing horses! The best way to see the north island of New Zealand. Exhilarating canters through the forest and on the beaches. Trek of a lifetime!
Charlotte
The five day twin coast adventure was a truly unforgettable experience.
It was pure joy, and exceeded all my expectations.
Each day we were immersed in landscapes that felt almost unreal. The team of guides, the incredible horses, and the amazing bunch of ladies on the trip, I could not imagine it to be any better.
The horses were loved, respected, and beautifully cared for. The guides were exceptional. They were knowledgeable and supportive, always making sure everyone felt safe, and included.
A big surprise was the food. I did not expect to eat so well (or so much), but every meal was genuinely delicious.
This trek was the perfect combination of adventure, connection, and comfort. I came away feeling exhilarated and dreaming about returning. I couldn’t recommend this experience more highly to anyone seeking something truly special.
Anthony
What a fantastic ride. The Twin Coast Escape, 4 day ride for beginners, me, and intermediates. Everything from the meeting of the crew and the horses, through the various rides and sceneries, the activities, the accommodation, the food, everything was exceptional. This ride, the horses and the people also helped me to “move to a better place” personally. I would like to thank everyone for being so understanding and helpful, you all have my gratitude.
Jasmine H
‘Such variety on each of the ride days. Lots of options for different skill levels. Beaches, forests, sand dunes, and farmland… all spectacular. A beautiful, well-cared-for herd. Very professional guides. NZ Northland is a must-see.’
Joolz N
‘I absolutely loved every part of this trip. The whole experience was incredibly well organised, and the guides were outstanding — knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The horses were exceptional, and the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. It was an unforgettable adventure from start to finish, and I will definitely be booking another Globetrotting trip in the future.’
Justine T
‘The Twin Coast Adventure was amazing, exactly as advertised. Cantering through the forest and along the beaches, it offered a great mix of riding and activities across an array of terrains: beaches, dunes, lagoons, forest, and farmland, plus the incredible experience of swimming on your horse. We also enjoyed a little tour of the very top of NZ. The word is out, and I’ll be surprised if you can get a spot on this fantastic ride. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as my sister and I did.’
Claire A
‘A riding experience of a lifetime! Long canters through forests and never-ending beaches in a remote part of NZ. Riding through the forest, over sand dunes, and watering holes, while seeing wild horses, was epic. We experienced a changing landscape, with beautiful, well-mannered horses. The horses were well cared for and lovely to ride. I rode Paula, or ‘perfect Paula’ as they called her, she was reliable and responsive. I was blessed with a gorgeous group of ladies and skilled riders.’
Kim C
‘The Twin Coast Ride is absolutely a wonderful experience; I have always dreamed of riding along a beach like that. The horses were really amazing, and seeing the wild horses was magical!’
Anne Y
‘This was my second Globetrotting holiday, my first being in Glenorchy last year. The scenery in Glenorchy was so stunning that I worried I would be disappointed by this ride. However, I loved this ride for different reasons. The landscape allowed for many extended canters, and swimming in the ocean twice was a magical experience I had never had before. My horse, Paula, was perfect for me; she was so reliable and forward without any fizz, allowing me to have total faith in her and truly enjoy the canters. All the horses were extremely well cared for, fit, and seemed to enjoy their work. The guides took excellent care of us. The ice cream at Cable Bay was also a highlight! I am now looking forward to where my next Globetrotting adventure will be.’
Rita R
‘I’ve done several international riding trips that have all been fabulous, but this ride was the icing on the cake! All the horses were great and very fit, the people were fun, and Jane was generous with allowing us lovely long canters on the beach and in the forest. Each day brought us something different: lots of history, beautiful flora and fauna, sand dunes, an oasis, wild horses, beaches, forests, gullies and lovely lunch/rest stops. Swimming with the horses in the big surf was a real highlight! It truly was a magical holiday.’
Lucy L
‘Twin Coast Adventure ride was an absolute dream experience! I wasn’t quite sure exactly what to expect, but this whole experience blew all of my expectations out of the water. Each day just kept getting better and better! Having the opportunity to canter down 90 mile beach one minute and then be walking in a beautiful forest with wild horses the next was beyond words. The guides worked hard to create a brilliant atmosphere and itinerary for us, and I am so grateful to each of them for their work. The food was brilliant, cabins were clean and very comfortable, and the company was amazing. The guides also made every effort to teach us about the history and culture of all the places we went, which made it so much more special. Thank you to Jane and her team! This ride was my parents’ present to me after graduating from university, and it has been one of the greatest gifts I ever received.’
Nanja M
‘It just can’t get better! From the scenery to the horses to the guides! Loved every second of it. I rode Rockstar, a fantastic horse who was sweet, responsive, and exceeded my expectations. The guides were exceptional, creating a well-thought-out programme that catered to all skill levels and made everyone feel confident. The vibe in our group was amazing, filled with laughter despite a bit of rain. The scenery was stunning, from cantering on Ninety Mile Beach to swimming with Rockstar in the ocean, which was unforgettable. A horse holiday of a lifetime!’
Anita N
‘My first Globetrotting ride and first visit to New Zealand did not disappoint! The scenery, staff, and horses were all amazing! I rode Honey; she was so sweet. She was one of Jane’s homebred horses, happy, forward-going, and so responsive. The ride overall was so well organised, from getting to know the horses at the farm to the off-horse sightseeing activities, mixed in with full-day and shorter rides. There were so many wonderful aspects; the highlights for me were the long canter on the beach, jumping logs in the forest, the feral horses, and the service from the guides and staff. The guides were all very knowledgeable and accommodating! Our group had a great dynamic, too, which added to the whole experience. I’m already planning another trip.’
Lily
‘What a ride! Beautiful scenery, long beach canters, riding across sand dunes and through pine forests – there was never a boring day. Jane and the team were absolutely lovely, and our group were fast friends by the end of the week. I rode Paula, who did a great job looking after me as a sometimes nervous rider, whilst still striding out front and looking for every opportunity for a canter or a log to jump over. The food was excellent, and we all enjoyed relaxing in the evening with a pre-dinner drink on our cabin porch, with the horses nearby for a cuddle or a scratch. I would highly recommend this ride – bring on the next one!’
Louisa S
‘The Twin Coast Adventure was five days of forward-moving rides covering large distances over stunning and varied terrain: tricky twisty descents (on a horse who responded instantly to my seat alone) into beautiful forest gullies and waterholes, properly long beach canters, uphill gallops to reach spectacular views over the Bay of Islands, and crossing sand dunes in search of herds of wild horses. The guides willingly offer their knowledge about the local areas as well as their horsemanship skills, and are all clever and interesting storytellers. The full days were perfect to allow my busy mind a proper holiday, with both time spent on horseback enjoying nature and that great physical tiredness that means you sleep well each night. I’ve come away with great memories of long fast canters through the water’s edge, surfing down sand dunes both on and off horseback, good food with new friends, and a few horsemanship tips to try at home, but sadly without my smoochy responsive powerhouse of a horse Rocky, as I don’t think Jane would let me keep him.’
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 spectacular coastal scenery, but for its host, Jane Kennedy — one of New Zealand’s leading…
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 after your ride in Paihia, allowing time to arrive and depart without feeling rushed. That…
