New Zealand’s most incredible horse treks
This story was originally written for the global horse trekking site Equitrekking.
New Zealand is well known for the amazing scenery and the incomparable natural beauty of our beaches and wild spots. As riders, we know that pretty much every view looks better between two furry ears, and New Zealand is no exception to that rule!
Travelling in New Zealand is simply full of opportunities to get in the saddle and experience the best that we can offer from horseback, from mountains to rivers and golden beaches. In the South Island you can go horse trekking in our famous Southern Alps, around Lake Wanaka and up the Dart River. Just out of Auckland is a gorgeous horse trekking business with rides that take you along the iconic black sand beach, Muriwai. Further North is 90 Mile Beach, with a great local riding business right on the beach. The whole of New Zealand is dotted with riding stables and horse trekking businesses – just ask a local and they will point you in the right direction!
Why do New Zealanders love horse riding so much?
Horse riding has a strong place in New Zealand culture. We’re a young country, with Máori arriving around 1000 years ago and Europeans (and horses!) arriving much more recently in the early 1800’s. Horses were an integral part of life for Kiwi families in colonial times, and it wasn’t long ago that every farmer had a stockhorse ready to ride up and get the hill mob in for shearing. Many children growing up in the country have a pony, and in any coastal community you’ll see locals riding bareback down the beach with rope bridles.
Beach races take place all over New Zealand with fiercely contested heats and a special class for the ‘outside racehorses’ that are brought in to compete on the sand. This year a beach race from a very remote settlement in the Far North went viral – take a look at how wild the race was from the winner’s viewpoint. I love all the bareback competitors and how she calls “Aww yerright bro?” as she gallops past a rider fallen on the steep hillside!
As kids we rode on 90 Mile Beach a lot, and it was gorgeous… especially at sunset!
My top picks for horse riding in New Zealand
1. Go to the Far North and ride along 90 Mile Beach with Ahipara Horse Treks.
Their horses are very well trained and you can safely enjoy a good beach gallop. Afterwards grab fish and chips for lunch on the beach and enjoy a swim in the waves!
2. Book in for a horse riding experience in the South Island.
If you want epic scenery, jump on a horse at Wanaka Horse Trekking or Light Horse Adventures on the Dart River to enjoy some of the best views in New Zealand between two ears.
3. Go horse trekking at Muriwai Beach just out of Auckland.
Take your camera for the amazing ocean views. Muriwai Horse Trekking have lovely well trained horses and you will get a chance to canter along the beach if your riding level is up to it.
I hope you get to experience New Zealand on horseback. It’s simply wonderful!