Punakaiki Horse Treks rated "excellent" by 2 travelers

Punakaiki Horse Treks

More photos of Horseback Riding

Special rate for our guests..

15% off our 2.5 hour horse ride when you stay with us. Min 2 people.

Punakaiki Horse Treks
Ride on horseback through verdant West Coast native bush as you gaze up at 300-foot-high limestone cliffs, or stroll your horse through the fresh West Coast surf to view the magnificence of the Pancake Rocks.

Punakaiki Horse Treks offers invigorating and enjoyable horse riding in a natural and safe environment suited to all levels of riders.

Take a virtual tour of the horse trek.

Daily treks with experienced guides
The experienced guides at Punakaiki Horse Treks run regular horse treks that leave morning approx 9.30am and afternoon 2-3.30pm (depending on the month)

You should arrive 15 minutes before the trek leaves.

We offer:

Experienced, friendly guides who provide quality service with an emphasis on rider safety
We have been operating our horse treks since 1996
Elementary horse riding tuition
New Zealand station-breds and warmblood standard-bred horses known for their quiet temperament
Modern stables located 500 metres south of the Pancake Rocks
Helmets and wet weather gear for treks.
Light refreshments at our hut in the Punakaiki valley.
Small groups
Beautiful scenery
Free camping available

What you should bring

Riders should wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes with a slight heel (walking boot).
Sunscreen
Camera
Suitable clothing for weather conditions

Trek route
Punakaiki Horse Treks runs a 2.5 hour horse trek into the Punakaiki Valley and along the beach to the Pancake Rocks.

We also offer personalised treks for riders who would like extra tuition or a horse ride designed to their capabilities. Young children can enjoy led-rides on the beach.

Beginning our popular 2.5 hour horse trek, we ford the Punakaiki River and take the scenic route to view the stunning scenery of the Paparoa National Park. We ride through native bush to view huge limestone bluffs capped with lush temperate rainforest.

Native Kereru wood pigeon can sometimes be seen swooping low through forest corridors. Paradise duck, the nosy weka and gorgeous-plumaged pukeko are common onlookers, and oyster catchers, spur-winged plovers and harrier hawks are also visible. Birdlife is a stunning feature of the New Zealand native rainforest and riders can quietly observe their lives from horseback.

We make a stop on the river flat at a bush hut for a stretch and photographs, before wending our way back to the coast. This scenic feast is rounded off with a stroll down Punakaiki beach. Riders can experience the powerful sea rolling onto the famous Pancake Rocks, as they sit on horseback with the horses snorting at the salt spray from the waves.

For the health and well-being of our horses we have a weight limit of 95kg (or 210 pounds).

Prices
2.5 hour group trek - $160 per person (minimum of two people)

Allow up to 3 hours for this activity from arrival at stables

No eftpos facilities, payment in cash preferred

Personalised rides with Neil
Have a trek tailored to your individual requirements.

Prices
$195.00 pp, min. 2 persons

Please contact us if you are looking for wwoofing or employment opportunities. Your riding ability must be of an intermediate level.