Riding & Swimming with Horses | Bay of Islands New Zealand

Our most popular and a unique experience – come and join us for our ride the waves experience. This two hour horseback ride will depart from our base along side the Waitangi Endowment Forest. The first part of the ride will take us on a scenic tour around Waitangi where you will learn about the local wildlife and culture from our experienced guides before looping back down towards Wairoa bay where we will take the horses for a swim. For more experienced riders we’ll head into the woodland for an hour at a faster pace and the chance to blow away a few cobwebs – a breathtaking experience that is not to be missed.

Wairoa bay is our own secret and quiet access to the bay. Our guides will remove the horses saddles and help you mount the horses bareback where we will assist you in taking the horses into the water for a splash and possibly swim. A truly unique and rare experience that is certainly not be missed.

Important: This ride is only available in the summer months (Nov-Apr) and is subject to sea and weather conditions

Pricing & Information

$180NZD per person
Minimum age 10 years
Weight Limit: 100kg*

We ask that all customers arrive 20 minutes prior to their booked departure time so we can fit helmets and also take you through a safety briefing.

What to bring for ride the waves:

Swim wear (you may want to wear this under your normal clothing)
Towel to dry off at the end of the ride

What to wear:

Closed shoes with a small heel are preferable (no Jandals!)
Long trousers / sports pants (shorts will chaff your legs in the saddle!)

This ride is suitable for all levels of experience. We are one of the only places in New Zealand (or the world!) that will allow even first time riders to take our horses for a swim in the sea.

Our rides will always move at the pace of the slowest rider though in mixed ability groups it may in some circumstances be possible for experienced riders to still trot and canter. We can also accommodate private rides for an additional fee – if you are interested in booking a private ride please contact us directly.

We do have a couple of horses available who are able to carry up to around 110 kg’s however we are limited by the number of bookings on each ride.

We therefore ask that if you are over our weight limit you please call us directly on +64 (0) 210 680 633 in order to get booked in. Please note that this will be subject to additional availability and our guides judgement is final – but we will try our best.

The good company and amazing places to be seen Enjoying being with people who enjoy their outings and care about their horses too..

Helen - Facebook

We took our two girls (aged 6 and 8) for their first ever horseback ride with Horse Trek’N when we were on holiday in Paihia. The girls LOVED it! The horses chosen for them were totally appropriate and Emma was a great guide – experience, friendly and clearly adored the horses. Needless to say, the girls can’t wait to go again when we are next up north.

John Doe

We have three young kids, a 5 year old and 9 year old twins one of which has cerebral palsy. This scenic trek was absolutely perfect for all! My husband and I got to enjoy a relaxing ride and Lizzie and Emma took wonderful care of the kids. Everyone had an absolute blast. And the bonus of an impromptu photo shoot with Alex was very much appreciated so we didn’t miss a minute and have many memories for years to come. Thank you Horse Trek’n! We will be back!

Becky

We had an absolutely amazing time! We traveled here on the Royal Caribbean cruise and booked this privately as they didn’t have anything to offer and we were so very pleased with our choice! The whole time everyone was so lovely and helpful, Lizzy was a great instructor and we were highly impressed that she gave us a full instruction on a horse to make sure everyone was comfortable. Also a massive thank you to Alex who took some incredible photos for us, absolutely breathtaking views and it was even overlooking the boat.
Beautiful horses that were so friendly and fun. It’s also great because they help with transportation! Best experience we have had and this is definitely a must do in the Bay Of Islands.

Nikki

It was my first time on a horse and loved every minute of the trek. Views were amazing even though i only live in Kerikeri and have seen it before. On Horseback it seemed so much better! Horse was incredible and could not have asked for more from our Horse Trek Guide. Would recommend this to anyone wanting a great experience.

Sam Green

We had an extremely enjoyable 2 hr ride , beautiful scenery, great horses Ace & Oscar and our fantastic guide Emma. We were lucky to have a private ride and being experienced riders had great opportunities to trot & canter up hills and through the forest. Probably the best horse trek we have done whilst overseas, and we have ridden in many countries.

Tracey H

Thoroughly enjoyed my one hour scenic ride even though it was the windiest of days . The horses are well looked after and very well behaved considering the weather on the day ! My horse was a delight and of a nice nature .Many thanks to Alex ,Lizzy and Emma for making me feel at home , it was also a great way of seeing the spectacular views of the Bay of Islands .Today I received fantastic photos of my day out ,a big thank-you Alex.

Mair

I went riding on a private ride since I’m an intermediate to advanced rider and I had an absolutely amazing time! The horses are beautiful (I rode Ace, a thoroughbred ex-racehorse) and very engaging. I chose the private ride so we could stretch our legs a bit and BOY did we. We went for a gallop up the side of a beautiful mountain to a stunning view and then meandering down to the perfect bay and swimming with the horses. A great experience!

Rebecca J

I booked a tour via telephone and got a horse trek for the day I wanted, which was great. Because I am not a total beginner, I got a private tour with Emma. It was a great ride and I was amazed by how well-behaved the horses were. I had Moana – a lovely horse who was relaxed and easy-going although she was only 4 years old!!! We trotted, cantered and enjoyed great views over the Bay of Islands. My highlight was definitely when we went for a swim with the horses in the pacific. I have never done that before and loved every second!

Hayly W

Highly recommend this ride. Horses are calm and gentle. Great views, nice relaxing ride up to the view piont. If you want to trot or go for a run, your quite welcome to and no pressure to. People are great to. Hoping to fit it another ride before I leave.

Tarsha B

Pricing & Information

Why not come for a ride with Horse Trek’n