Muriwai Beach Horse Treks

Muriwai Beach Horse Treks leads riders out across the black sand of Muriwai Beach and into the neighbouring Woodhill forest, with routes designed for a range of experience levels. Beginners ride on a lead rein or take the reins themselves on walking-only trails, while more confident riders can head out on the intermediate trek and waterfall ride.

The operation keeps a large, named team of horses — Gypsy, Panda, Scooter, Frankie and others — and guides fit riders with helmets and vests before heading out. Team building sessions, school holiday programmes, and special events such as birthdays are also on offer, so there are reasons to return beyond a single family outing.

For families where children have never sat on a horse before, the beginner options make a first ride genuinely accessible, and the beach-and-forest setting does most of the work from there.