Horse Treks
HORSE TRAIL RIDES NEAR AUCKLAND
See Beautiful New Zealand from Horseback
Thinking about booking a horse trek? Never been horse riding before? That’s ok!
Or are you an advanced rider who wants a trail ride to remember? We've got you!
Read on to find your perfect horse trekking experience near Auckland - or jump to booking now!
1 or 2 hr Horse Treks
✔ Suitable for Complete Beginners
✔ Discover Muriwai Beach on Horseback
✔ Ride Over Different Types of Terrain
✔ Perfect for Kids, Families, Couples & Friends
✔ Guided by experienced professionals for your safety
Discover the wild west coast on horseback, where you will trail ride up the velvet black sands of Muriwai beach and through sand dunes. You’ll stop to let your horse have a drink and splash in the fresh water holes before making your way up through scrubland, tree tunnels and the picturesque Woodhill Forest.
We have a range of treks and times available and our walking treks are great for all levels of experience and great to do with a group, enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, and view all from the back of one of our beautiful steeds.
We have one and two-hour beginner treks that depart at different times of the day. Head to bookings to lock in a seat in a saddle.
Experienced Rider Horse Treks
Horse Treks for Experienced Riders - 2 hr or Waterfall
Whatever it is you’re searching for, we can give you an experience you won’t forget. At Muriwai Beach Horse Treks we pride ourselves on pairing our customers with suitable treks catered to the rider’s individual skill level as well as a trusty steed matched to the rider. All our more experienced treks are private rides, therefore we can cater to the rider and ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience.
Our standard horse treks are walking only, but we have these two simply amazing more advanced trail rides available for experienced horse riders.
✔ Suitable for Intermediate to Advanced Riders
✔ Tailored to your speed and experience level
Faster riding at the discretion of your guides.
✔ Small group rides of 2-4 people
✔ Minimum age 16yrs, Maximum weight 90kg
Unless agreed prior to booking.
✔ Availability varies with season due to heat or wet/mud
When you book please provide detailed riding experience information or email us - we will contact you as we must screen all riders first before the ride is confirmed. These treks are a small group (2-4 riders) so we need to really understand your experience level so we can correctly match you with a suitable horse, guide and small group - so everyone can have the best possible experience!
Intermediate Horse Trek
$295 pp for a 2 hour ride
In our Intermediate Trek you will discover the wild west coast of Auckland on horseback, you will trail up the velvet black sands of Muriwai beach and through sand dunes. You’ll stop in water to let your horses have a drink and splash, before making your way up through scrubland, tree tunnels and the picturesque Woodhill Forest.
This trek provides lots of trotting opportunities and a few opportunities to canter. The opportunity to ride faster is always at our guide’s discretion. There is also lots of walking on the trek where you can appreciate the varied scenery and enjoy getting back to nature and taking some photos if you wish.
This trek is only available to people with intermediate to advanced horse riding experience and who can (at minimum) confidently and correctly trot and canter a horse. This is a great trek for people that have taken horse riding lessons, returning to riding and wanting to build confidence, trekked a lot beforehand or owned their own horses and want something a little more challenging and fun but also relaxed and low key.
Waterfall Ride
$550 pp for a 4-5 hour ride
✔ Includes Gourmet lunch
Experience the Ultimate Horse Trek: A Journey Through Nature’s Best Kept Secrets. Embark on an exclusive, unforgettable horseback adventure unlike any other. After being matched with your perfect steed, you'll set off on a journey through diverse landscapes that will leave you breathless.
Start your ride over black diamond dunes, their sweeping curves offering the thrill of a lifetime. Descend onto the stunning Muriwai Beach coastline, where the vast ocean and expansive vistas stretch endlessly before you. Take in the breathtaking views and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore as you continue through the beautiful Woodhill Forest. Weave through towering trees, inhaling the fresh scent of pine needles while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
But the adventure doesn't stop there. Ride through privately owned farmland, where the ever-changing scenery leads you to a hidden gem - a private, serene waterfall nestled in the heart of the landscape. This is your own exclusive trail, designed for you and your companion, partner, or small group.
Whether you're an intermediate rider or seasoned pro, we'll tailor the experience to your needs. Our guides will ensure a pace that suits everyone and we'll match you with the perfect horse for your skill level.
As part of your experience, we'll treat you to a delicious catered lunch from a local deli - not customisable as fresh local produce is used - an indulgence that will complement your adventure perfectly.
This is not just a ride - it's a once-in-a-lifetime journey through terrain and scenery you'll hardly believe is just outside Auckland. With so much variety, you'll be swept away by the stunning views and diverse landscapes. The only way to fully appreciate the beauty of this trail is to experience it for yourself. Book your exclusive horse trek today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Please be honest about your experience level as both the horses and the guides will notice what you are and are not capable of doing and we do not want to disappoint you by refusing a trek for safety concerns.
Do you supply PPE gear?
Yes we will provide a helmet and High Vis for you to wear while attending our facility.
We cannot let you take helmets and High Vis off for photos sorry as we would be breaking Health and Safety Policies and jeopardising your safety, our business and licences.
What to wear?
We suggest long pants/ leggings, t -shirt or shirt, a jumper or jacket in colder and wetter months, sunscreen for summer months, CLOSED TOE SHOES is a must.
Please note we do not have shoes or clothes for you to wear so please ensure you and your party are dressed appropriately as if we can’t let you ride due to unsafe clothing/shoes we cannot offer to refund or reschedule you.
Can we ride with two people on a horse?
No, this is not a safe way to ride our horses nor does our equipment allow for "doubling on horseback". It's also not very comfortable for our horses and would exceed our weight limit in most cases.
Can my child ride with me on the same horse?
No, this is not a safe way to ride our horses nor does our equipment allow for "doubling on horseback". Each person will be allocated their own horse.
Can my baby ride with a or be strapped to me during the ride?
No, this is not a safe way to ride our horses nor does our equipment allow for "doubling on horseback". We also have an age limit of 5 years old.
How much is it?
We have a range of treks and horse riding activities available, check out the website experiences for further information and costs.
What if I decide to back out of riding?
We want you to feel safe and confident and our friendly knowledgeable staff will help you along the way to ensure you are safe, however horse riding isn't for everyone and if you feel you cannot go ahead we will respect your wishes. However we cannot offer to refund you as per our cancellation notice time, we cannot resell your seat nor be left out of pocket when we have already spent the time reserving your horse and preparing it for your ride.
Do you have a weight limit?
Yes our weight limit is 95kg, If you are over this even by 1kg please call us to discuss we can possibly facilitate you at the time.
Please be honest about weights, we do have scales onsite and often check weights of all clients so we can be assured we allocate the correct horse.
If a customer arrives to our facility and they are over our weight limit and we have not made a prior arrangement with them we may not be able to allow youhen to ride, no refund or reschedule can be given in this case as we were not notified and haven’t been able to to agree and facilitate.
We understand that this conversation can be a sensitive one and difficult. We are here to support you and your group and so please call us to discuss privately if you have any questions or concerns. We will do our best to make things work as long as it's possible and safe.
Like people, horses also have limits, we really care about our horses and do our best to make sure we do not overwork them or exceed their limits.
Vet studies state that a working horse in heavy work should only take up to 15% of their body weight and this should include the gear like saddles etc so if we work on this calculation a 600kg horse can take 90kg weight total including gear.
Can my 3 year old child ride a horse?
No sorry we have an age limit of 5 years old.
What if I am late for the check in time for my trial?
No Sorry we cannot offer to refund or reschedule trails for customers that are late or no shows, please see our terms and conditions and policies for further information.
What if it's raining or bad weather?
We ride in all weather as long as it's not a safety concern, a bit of water never hurt anyone, however we do live on the safer side of caution and we may need to postpone if weather is a danger to the safety of clients and staff.
What if someone in my party is nervous?
We understand riding a big 600kg animal can be scary, we are here to support you, take our time, we will teach you all you need to know and accompany you along the ride to help give you support.
On our one hour trails we can even walk on foot next to you to help you or lead you if you feel you need us to.
A full safety briefing will be given before you ride so you have the information you need, our knowledgeable guides will also remind you and give instructions along the ride.
If you are very nervous and not sure you will be able to even get up on a horse but you want to try face your fears, give us a call to discuss how we might be able to assist you, we offer private trails and lessons which can be one on one and give you all the time and support you need.
Will there be other people on the trail with me?
Yes, there may be other people not from your group booked in on the same trail as you, we do keep our groups as small as possible but please be aware we may join trails together, for example a couple book in and another person on their own books in, we may join them together and have three people go on the same trail. If you are wanting to ecure a private trail, you can call us to discuss and we can accommodate private bookings.
What the People Say
"Great team, beautiful scenery, and lovely calm horse. Always felt safe- loved that two staff came with the group
walking along side to keep the new to riding safe and confidant. Felt well informed all the way through, about safety
and the trail. Thank you for a lovely day 😊 would highly recommend to anyone"
Amanda F
TRIP ADVISOR
What the People Say
"Fantastic couple of hours spent riding the beautiful gentle giant Frankie. It had been about 25yrs since I had been on
a horse and his laid back nature was perfect for getting me back in the saddle. Awesome scenery along the ride, with
the lovely guide Clara"
Naomi P
TRIP ADVISOR
What the People Say
"What a wonderful morning we had riding along the beach...taking in the sounds and smells of the sea, the forest and
these beautiful gentle creatures. We were a small group of total city slickers and beginners which included a 6 year
old. The staff were amazing, knowledgeable and patient with our questions and worries"
Mariana A
TRIP ADVISOR
A note on our Rides
No riders will ever be expected to trot or canter if they are not feeling confident to do so nor will they be offered the opportunity to ride faster if their skill level is not sufficient to do so safely. All riding is at our guide’s discretion. We cannot offer refunds for rides if during the ride the safety of any riders becomes a concern and this means that our guides are not able to offer faster riding.
Please be honest about your skill level and experience, our guides are very experienced riders and they will quickly notice if someone’s skill level is not safely able to cope with faster riding opportunities.
We have the right not to offer certain rides if we feel it’s not suitable for a rider's experience and we may offer the standard walk only treks as an alternative.
Experienced Rider trails may not be offered during the hottest and wettest months of the year. We monitor the weather closely and when its very hot or very muddy we pause these trails for the health, wellbeing and safety of our horses and clients.
Experienced Rider treks are small group treks and we only take 2-4 people at a time. A surcharge may apply if an extra guide is needed to offer support to ensure our rider / guide ratios are met. Please contact us to discuss.
Keep in touch with us
Questions?
We Offer
HorsePark, Coast Road, Muriwai Beach
Auckland 0881
New Zealand
