Horse Treks

Ride the Land, Feel the Wairua

Standfast Horse Treks offers guided rides through the raw, untouched beauty of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui — from the mighty Kereu River to the rugged coastline of Te Kaha. This isn’t your average trek — it’s an experience that connects you to whenua, wairua, and the heartbeat of the East Coast.

Our most popular option is a 2-hour guided trek, perfect for all riding levels (13+), with safe and well-trained horses that know the land well. Looking for something more? We also offer custom adventures — from half-day rides to overnight treks — tailored to your pace, experience, and sense of adventure.

Whether you’re reconnecting with riding or chasing a new challenge, every trek with us is guided by respect for our horses, our people, and our whenua.

Bookings essential – simply get in touch today to arrange your ride. We’ll match you with the right horse and help you prep for the journey ahead.

Overnight Horse Trek

Ride, Reset, Reconnect

This is more than a ride — it’s an experience that grounds you, stretches you, and reconnects you with the land, your breath, and your wairua. Our Overnight Horse Trek is for those ready to step away from the noise of the everyday and return to something real.

You’ll begin your journey with a 3-hour ride upriver, weaving through the native bush and along the awa, guided by the rhythm of your horse and the natural beauty of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. Your gear and food are provided — you just need to come prepared with a good attitude, strong legs, and a willingness to feel a little saddle sore (it’s part of the magic).

As the day settles, you’ll arrive at our hidden camp — a peaceful spot surrounded by ngahere, where platters and cool beverages welcome you. Take your time. Explore. Walk to the nearby waterfall, breathe in the forest air, and let the stillness do its work.

As night falls, we gather around the fire with a hot meal (think steak, kai Māori and cowboy feeds) and good company. Some moments are for sharing a tale or two, others for quiet reflection. Either way, there’s mana in the space we hold together.

You’ll sleep in rustic camp style under the stars, waking to a true cowboy breakfast — bacon, eggs, beans and a strong brew. Then it’s time to saddle up, ride over the hills, and return down the river with a new kind of clarity.

This experience is best suited for confident riders or physically fit beginners — if you haven’t ridden in a while, you’ll definitely feel it. But it’s worth every ache. You’ll return lighter, clearer, and more connected — to yourself, your horse, and the whenua beneath you.

Limited spots. Bookings essential. Custom group treks available.

PRICING + INFORMATION

At Standfast, safety and comfort come first — for both our riders and our horses. Please let us know of any medical conditions when booking, and note that riders over 90kg must be approved in advance so we can ensure the right horse is available. Custom options available — just reach out and we’ll plan something unique for your rōpū.

Bookings essential — we recommend getting in early, especially for long weekends or overnight rides. Payment is required in advance to confirm your spot.

    • Children’s Paddock Ride – $25 (15 mins)
      A gentle introduction to riding for tamariki.

    • Lessons (Child/Adult) – $60 (1hr, BYO horse)
      Skill-building and connection, guided at your pace.

    • 1 Hour Trek – $80 per rider *recommended for beginners
      A scenic, introductory ride with one of our steady horses either along the beach or river bed.

    • 2 Hour Trek – $150 per rider *Intermediate-Experienced
      Our most popular option — ride through the Kereu River and coastal whenua.

    • Half-Day Trek – $350 per rider (includes light lunch) *Intermediate-Experienced
      A deeper ride into the bush and along the awa, with time to stop and soak in the wairua.

    • Overnight Camp – $550 per rider
      Leaves at 1pm. Includes 3-hour ride, camp setup, waterfall walk, kai, and cowboy breakfast.

    • Extended Overnight Camp – $660 per rider
      Leaves at 10am. A full-day experience for confident riders who want to immerse themselves in the land and ride longer distances.

  • Join us for fun BYO events this season, including trekking weekends, treks, and camps. Whether you seek adventure or a relaxing ride, we have options for you to enjoy the beauty of Standfast with your own horse

    Camping and grazing is available.

    • One day Pass - $80 per person

    All day access to the beach, river and camp site. Explore at your leisure.

    • Weekend Ride - $450 minimum 6 people

    Arrive Friday to set up camp and relax around the bonfire. Enjoy 2 days of riding approx 4hrs per day. All meals included. There is spare time to either relax or you can go for another ride.

  • Daily 10am and 2pm

Let’s ride together

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Overnight Trek