Waiheke Horse Tours

Rore A Maeāea (Woodside Bay)

Woodside Bay directly faces Mareatai on the mainland. According to a legend that dates back to around 1280 AD, an entourage of Maraetai Māori, led by their esteemed chief Maeāea, graciously accepted an invitation to partake in a grand feast hosted by the Waiheke people at Omaru. Embarking on their canoes, known as Waka, they navigated across Te Maraetai, the encompassing sea that separates the mainland from Waiheke. However, upon reaching the shores and setting foot on the beach, they were suddenly ensnared by hand nets and mercilessly attacked with spears, as was the prevailing method of warfare during that era. Tragically, not a single soul returned to recount the...

Payment

We accept payment for your booking on the day or a 50 percent deposit for large group bookings Payment Options Please be prepared to provide your credit card details including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code for us to process on the day (visa and master card accepted) Initiate a bank transfer (we will provide account details) We also accept cash payments Thank you, We appreciate your business!

Skill Levels

We welcome riders of all skill levels from first-time riders to advanced riders, we have trails that we can customise so that all riders get the most out of the experience. Waiheke Horse Tours’ guidelines for rider skill levels will help with selecting the best and safest option for you and your group. If you have mixed rider abilities we can adjust the ride so that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe ride.

Health and Safety

Our tours are all taken at a walk, however, if your group is experienced and wishes to go at a faster pace we will evaluate the skill level of the group beforehand. What to Wear All riders are provided with a helmet. We have rainwear if needed. Please wear appropriate closed footwear, long trousers are the most practical option, long sleeves are advised to prevent sunburn we have plenty of sunblock on hand. Top up with plenty of water beforehand. For the children we can provide a back protector nervous riders will be led by one of our guides. Photos To record your experience we take sensational photos. If you wish...

Waiheke Weather

We are nestled in a picturesque valley, with its own microclimate. The bay is surrounded by lush green hills with native trees dotting the landscape. Due to its geographical features, the microclimate of this area differs from the climate experienced in the wider region. Follow this link to see the latest Seasons Waiheke Island is a picturesque island located in the Hauraki Gulf. Known for its stunning beaches, vineyards, and olive groves, the Island experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, relatively wet winters and warm, sunny summers. The island’s unique climate, influenced by its coastal location, creates pleasant conditions for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Summer...

Find Us

You will find us on Woodside Bay Road, Waiheke Island, located directly opposite the beach. Come through the gateway opposite the brown tin house. We look forward to seeing you!

Julchen Brieger

10:16 22 Jul 24

I had a really great time coming here. Even though i came in Winter, Liz made riding on the beach possible - just for me! Also, we went to the top of a cliff/mountain (?) And had the most stunning view. As a keepsake, the Fotos taken were absolutely gorgeous.Big, big recommendation!!

01:18 01 Jul 24

Had a great experience it was my first time riding a horse, I was nervous. Liz is absolutely amazing and very professional. She made me feel comfortable and made the experience so fun!!!Highly recommend this place. The view is breath taking.

Elizabeth Zachariah

23:39 02 Jun 24

We had such a lovely time with Liz and the horses. My 8 year old and 4 year old had a beginner class and then a ride by the beach. It was a lovely experience for them. We willDefinitely be back to see Secret, the kids fav pony.

かまだあゆこ

14:09 18 May 24

M Bendtsen

03:09 17 Apr 24

Liz was amazing! She gave very clear instructions and took really good photos. It was great to learn a bit about the horses - I had Moss. The ride took us past some truly spectacular views. It’s worth every dollar, I can’t recommend this enough!

Monique Sneddon

10:06 15 Apr 24

Incredible! I was a bit nervous as a first time rider and was worried as it was expensive in order to get there as I had to get a ferry, bus and taxi, but I can not put into words how much is was worth it! Liz was incredibly friendly and instantly put me at ease. Her horse moss was gorgeous and so patient. It was definitely an experience I will never forget. Liz also took the most amazing photos and videos.

Angela Clasen

05:53 26 Mar 24

A wonderful ride with a spectacular sea view, great and very well-behaved horses, also suitable for beginners. Thank you Liz for that expirience and the pictures you took. I'll definatly do it again 😀

JIRU FARMER

20:55 11 Mar 24

Me and my partner did this with no horse riding experience and enjoyed every moment. Liz the instructor was an excellent guide.

Jessica Ellem

00:02 21 Feb 24

Liz is an amazing tour guide! We learned a lot about the area, and the sites were to die for. All of her horses were lovely too. Please remember that animals have preferences just like humans; whenever you go anywhere where you are interacting with animals, be open! Morgan and Walker were wonderful horses to ride. Highly recommend!!!

Kerstin Robertson

11:43 19 Dec 23

Absolutely amazing experience! Not only is the island scenery stunning but the horses are beautifully cared for by Liz, and a sheer delight to ride! Thank you Moss, Waka and Derado for the privilege of a beach ride and ticking it off my bucket list 😊

catherine mcleavey

00:28 11 Aug 23

Fantastic horse trek, highly recommend will definitely come back. Thanks so much Liz for such a memorable time

hannah kiresuk

07:39 12 Jul 23

Had a great time!! Thanks so much!!

Mirjana Brownhill

05:22 06 Jul 23

Our daughter has never ridden a horse - it was her dream - Liz made our ride so incredibly special, by her kindness in her teachings and patience as we got used to Moss and Waka - both stunning, kind horses. Liz and her horses have a genuine gift of connecting with the hearts of those that they teach - thank you so much Liz for such an amazing afternoon - can’t wait to see you again ♥️

Penelope Mathew

07:33 12 Jun 23

I have had so many wonderful rides with Liz at Waiheke Horse Tours. The most recent was a beginners' lesson and beach ride with my sister and nephew. It was a lovely experience and a great start to their visit to Aotearoa New Zealand. The horses are all wonderful characters and do a great job of looking after riders of all skill levels. Highly recommend!

Keala Patterson

09:29 03 Jun 23

Waiheke Horse Tours are fantastic. Highly recommend!When we got to the island for our day trip, Ryda was going to be $66 one way and we opted to do the e-bikes from the ferry station. If you’re thinking about that option pls know that it’s about a 45 min ride both along curvy streets and some hilly gravel/dirt road. We go biking often so this was a fun treat. Liz got us on our horses Waka and Morgan who were perfectly matched to myself and my boyfriend. Our longer ride included a short lesson, a ride up the hill overlooking the bay and back down to the beach. It was the most scenic, private, and authentic experiences we could’ve asked for. The horses were so calm and wonderful to us newbies. The views and paths were like no where else! It was a dream to experience it. The other major perk was Liz took amazing photos and videos of us courtesy with the ride. Thanks Liz, Waka, and Morgan.

Itziar Pajares Molina

23:16 24 May 23

Was a lovely day. The place is spectacular surrounded by green hills and a small beach where you can get into the water with the horses. The horses are very well cared for and very healthy. Liz left me some boots to be more comfortable on wet ground. The attention is very good. A totally recommendable experience to enjoy the peace and happiness that horses and nature offer you.

Tanya Earl

04:59 21 Apr 23

Had a great experience with Liz, she was very welcoming and was great with my 8yr old daughter answering the millions of questions she had and explaining everything to a horse mad child. We did the lesson and the beach walk option. We will be back one day.

Lorena Thomas

21:19 27 Feb 23

A perfect afternoon’s with beautiful horses. The care and attention that Liz provides to both riders and her horses was outstanding, and catered for very differing abilities.

Zachary Derrick

01:41 13 Dec 22

Liz was amazing and made us feel very comfortable riding english style. This is definitely worth the venture out. Dorado and Moss were so adorable in the water!

Kristie Breslin

10:24 23 Nov 22

Waiheke Horse Tours A++ Would highly recommend and will return for future rides. I’ve been riding before but my experience with Liz and Waka was above and beyond. I really appreciated Liz’s teachings and guidance so I could build a better relationship with Waka before starting our ride. Beautiful, breathtaking location. Thank you! 🥰🐴

Renee Denby

03:27 07 Feb 22

Absolutely amazing! I am not a horse person and was a bit nervous about the experience but Liz was so lovely and put me at ease. She chose the perfect horse for me and I had the best time. Would highly recommend!

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