There is something that happens when you ride a horse onto a wild black sand beach and the Tasman opens up in front of you. It is difficult to explain to someone who hasn't done it. You feel very small, and completely alive. This is the only operator permitted by Auckland City Council to offer this. If you want to ride the unique black sand coastline, thread through natural tree tunnels, and follow your horse into a private pine forest the public cannot enter, this is the one place to book it. The trek runs for 2 hours with a maximum of 8 riders and 2 experienced guides who ride with you throughout. No riding experience needed as this is a walking-pace trek, depending on the group as a whole and their experience level some trotting may occur however this is at the discretion of the guides on the day. Your horse is chosen for you, matched to your size and skill level before you leave. The horses are purpose-bred for guiding or carefully selected, with custom-fitted saddles and a welfare program that treats them as the reason the business exists, not a means to an end. Rated by The New Zealand Herald as one of New Zealand's Top 5 horse treks. In operation at Muriwai since 2013.
This was a wonderful experience and a must do in New Zealand. Jerome our tour guide was absolutely fantastic! Very knowledgeable and friendly! Explaining the history behind the rain forest and the different plants and tree history was fascinating. Piha beach was beautiful with the black sand.
What a beautiful way to experience the beautiful scenery of the black sand beach and forested areas. The horses were suitable for people with little to no riding experience.
Always a fantastic experience, the environment is unique and always awesome. Today I rode my favourite House, a gentle giant for any level of rider. The beach, the dunes and the forest ride make this the best trek in Auckland area! Always with safety first, we get clear instructions. This is my happy place. Thankyou team for an amazing birthday ride. Amanda
First time riding in a while, wanted a safe, fun, and stunning ride along an iconic beach and through the forest. Nothing bets cantering along the beach. Great communication, well run, lovely horses and great options for different riding levels. The safety of the horses and riders always put first. Thanks team for a great morning.
My adult daughter and I had a great relaxing, scenic ride yesterday. Horses were good, guides informative and attentive and we were lucky with the weather on top of it 😁 All good, recommend if looking for scenic horse trek close to Auckland
I have been on many horse treks around the world and in New Zealand and this is definitely among the very best. Great horses & stunning location. Good guides with excellent safety standards. Great variety on the ride including various terrain, speeds and activity.
My sister and I had a fantastic ride yesterday! Opo was a dream ride. Couldn't have asked for more from the experience- beach and forest riding and splash around in the water. It was great fun and what made it even better was our awesome guide Clara - she was an absolute legend (and we appreciated the videos too - what skill to capture a magic experience shared by sisters). Thanks to the rest of the team too you all made our day. As I'm only a drive away I'll see you soon for more fun in the saddle.
A wonderful experience with a super-friendly team leader and a really laid-back horse—Frankie
This was a brilliant experience! All members of the team were very lovely and helpful and make you feel nice and calm. The horses were very well behaved and were brilliant to ride especially with someone with no experience. Clara would wonderful and took some amazing photos. Would definitely and it was a wonderful activity to finish off my holiday.
Had the most wonderful 2 hour intermediate ride at Muriwai Beach Horse Treks, the guide Sienna was very friendly and wanting to ensure myself and others were happy. I had the pleasure of riding Horo, who game me a wonderful ride, he was responsive and well behaved. We had some great trots on the beach and canters through the dunes. I highly recommend this trek.
House the Horse Absolutely fabulous first time rider, was nervous but the staff and horse we really great to be with. Epic scenery, fully recommend
Experience was great! Awesome views, perfect weather - the guides were amazing, in particular Sienna - Super friendly, knowledgeable and made great conversation. Would recommend
I went with my son and his partner on a beautiful day, they were allocated to a walk only ride, as beginners , with 4 others, and I was paired with one other rider for the intermediate ride. The horses are in tip top condition, very fit, and they certainly know their job! We had some fantastic canters down the beach and through the dunes and forest. Dana, our guide was very friendly, she checked in on us to ensure we were happy and comfortable with our horses. I rode a gorgeous Arab X Warmblood gelding Palomino called Caspar. The scenery is incredible, especially the endless beach and surf, and, although this was my second time with Muriwai Horse Treks, I hope to be back next time I visit from the UK!
I had a wonderful ride on the beach and in the woods with Taela and Frankie. Beautiful nature, and fun facts about the nature by Taela. Well behaved horses, well trimmed hooves on all the horses I saw and no question that the horses are well taken care of. Thank you for a memorable ride in beautiful New Zealand.
A fabulous ride on Franky the Clydesdale. I haven’t ridden for a few years and Muirwai Beach Horse treks were the most amazing experience. Two hours ( intermediate ride ) on beaches , bush and trails was what my soul needed. I would highly recommend booking a ride.
Absolutely loved my ride today. The guide was able to adapt our ride according to the groups experience which meant some beautiful canters. Thoroughly enjoyed and hope to be back.
Skilled guides, very calm horses, and a beautiful beach! My kid had a great time going through the sand dunes and the forest.
It is an absolute privilege to ride these magnificent horses along the windswept black sand beaches at Muriwai. Try to get one of the Clydesdales - to ride these strong, trustworthy and kind horses, a breed from a bygone era repurposed and kept working is an amazing experience. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable- there to make this ride the best for you.
Fantastic and patient horses. Great staff. Amazing diversity - from beach to bush, rivers to sea. Thanks - will be back!
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