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Guided Trail rides on horseback in Golden Bay NZ
Here at Hack n Stay, we’re passionate about sharing the joy and magic of connected horse riding in Golden Bay. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, we have a horse trek suited to you!
We offer riders of all experience levels opportunities to learn more about the foundations of good horsemanship whilst experiencing stunning coastal scenery of Golden Bay on horseback. With a focus on teaching light and balanced riding, our guided holistic horse riding experiences are so much more than just a trail ride.
Our professionally guided horse treks provide and safe and fun environment to further your riding knowledge, build confidence and challenge yourself. Whether you’re looking for a Short Ride to sample the beauty of Golden Bay on horseback or an extended Full Day Ride to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine and stunning coastal scenery – we have a variety of options just for you!
Here at Hack n Stay we also offer Vaulting Lessons and Experiences for riders of all ages and abilities. If you’re interested in finding your balance, building your confidence and connecting with a horse in this unique manner check out our Vaulting Experiences.
Sample the beauty of Golden Bay on Horseback
Our short trail rides offer riders of all experience levels and ages the opportunity to learn about the magic of connected and balanced riding, whilst experiencing the beauty of Paton’s Rock Beach. We have options available for the whole family and cater rides for complete Beginners through to Experienced Riders.
The perfect introduction to balanced riding for riders of all ages, the Hack Track is a 1.5h ride through our rolling farm country. Ride through native forests, with great views of the ocean and enough ups and downs to challenge new riders.
Our most popular ride for riders of all abilities. The Paton’s Rock Beach ride takes you through our famous Hack Track down to the beach where will you be able to explore the scenic coastal vistas.
There are few things quite as magical as swimming with your horse in the ocean. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Golden bay as we ride down to Paton’s Rock Beach, untack and feel the waves flow underneath you as you swim in crystal clear water.
These special rides are only available a few times a year when the full moon rises early over the ocean. Watch the sun sink behind the ocean before seeing the waves glistening in the moonlight.
Our sunset rides take you through native forest and rolling farm country before hitting the beach and watching the sun paint the sky red as it sets behind the waves. If the conditions allow, you may eve spot some glow-worms on your way back.
More info
For the wellfare of our horses and due to the challenging terrain of our rides, Our weight limit for all rides is 95kg. Depending on riding experience and fitness level we may make exceptions. If you are over our weight limit, we do have a number of non-ridden activities that will still allow you to have a memorable experience with your horse.
We don’t believe in age being a limiting factor for a horse ride. If you’re capable of sitting independently, our team of highly trained horses can take you for a ride. We’ve had riders as young as 3 and as mature as 90 and all have had a fantastic time in a safe environment.
We believe your horse experience with us is so much more than simply time in the saddle. All of our ride times include catching and getting to know your horses, brushing and feeding them as a thank you afterward. We find guests love the opportunity to bond with their horse and then further their connection in the saddle.
We recommend wearing comfortable long trousers (no zip-offs) and closed shoes. A loose long sleeve shirt is also a good idea to protect yourself against the harsh sun. If you’ve booked a swimming ride, bring your swimmers along too.
Our rides are catered to your individual abilities so even in mixed experience groups, we allow opportunities for controlled trots and occasional canters on the beach dependent on your guide’s confidence in your riding ability.
Have more questions?
One of the coolest things about having a herd of highly trained equine workmates is how well they can adapt to and take care of riders of all ages and...
Super cute Dad and Daughter date on horseback this morning. Piper aced the steep ups and downs of our #hacktrack and in no time found her balance, ...
One of our young riders doing a great job of finding his centre and standing up as he helps #jasper climb the winding hill of our #hacktrack.
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Making families 😊 happy
Even with some rain
#familyfun #PatonsRock #luke #Chloe
Bubble ride!
#McDuff shows Sven the trail #PatonsRock
Boxing day sunrise ride • • • •
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#sunrise #horses #newzealand #morning #horse #horsesofinstagram #nzmustdo #equestrian ...
Stunning intimate Sunday ride.
#hacknstay #rideon #goldenbaynz #newzealand #patonsrock #brownacre
Clydesdale canter
@PatonsRockNZ #patonsrock #brownacre
A very happy 60th birthday ride for Tom! 🤩
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#ridenz #equestrian #mustdonz #goldenbay #ilovenelsontasman #beach #horseride #trek ...
Rainy days aren’t so bad! .
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One of the rides at #hackfarm today #goldenbaynz #See #Sun #ridingnz #goodhorses #rideon #hacktivity #hacknstay #hackandstay #patonsrock
#Sunrise #Vaulting at #PatonsRock beach
#luke smiling for the photo down on #patonsrock beach
What a perfect spot to catch the last light of the day ☀
#hacknstay #sunset #rideon #hacktrack #leonard #brunner
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Tasman Region.
Perfect for experienced riders looking to make the most of their time on horseback, our full day horse treks combine the best of all worlds as we immerse you in the rich culture, history and stunning natural environment Golden Bay has to offer. From riding through ancient Kahikatea forests to riding through to the famous Mussel Inn for a beer and some local cuisine, these rides are the best way to really experience Golden Bay.
Rangihaeata is a beach – headland- eastuary- esplanade – reserve ride. Wow- It will take you 4 hours and is a stunner regarding changing landscape, nature and great beaches. We cross the Onahau River and come along Maori heritages. Stories to tell and memories to collect.
The Ale Trail is an interesting ride along the beach and past headlands with 2 river crossings. We can tie the horses up at the Mussel Inn hitching rail, we’ll shout you a drink then ride on home before the next high tide.
Weather and tide dependent.
A stunningly good ride along the beach to the quaint village of Collingwood. Along the way we ride through unique art displays, rock formations and have plenty of opportunities to stretch our legs. Here we can visit the cafes, get a drink or a beer in the village before heading back via float or through the changing light of this wonderful tidal landscape. Just for experienced riders, tide and weather dependent.
#arnie and #leonard riding past the remnants of an...
#Rangihaeata is a favourite destination for ...
Early morning Rangihaeata Headland ride
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What a stunning morning ride at #Rangihaeata ...
Clydesdale canter
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Lovely to see happy riders 🤗 Southland rider on...
Collingwood..... no longer a one horse town!! ...
Grace, Balance & rythm. Learn to fly with our exceptional vaulting experiences.
Vaulting is often described as a combination of dancing and gymnastics on horseback and is considered to be the safest equestrian discipline.
We’ve seen time and time again how transformational the sense of confidence and self awareness gained by finding your balance and expression on horseback has on individuals of all ages and particularly for kids and Baerbel is passionate about sharing this magic with others.
No previous experience is required for this fun and engaging activity.
Our Ride & Fly is the best combination of experiences. We start off at the homestead and ride down to beach over our farm track and through native forest. Once on the beach the fun really begins as we teach you how to find balance, confidence and grace on horseback with a vaulting lesson on the water’s edge.
Utilising our purpose built vaulting arena we’ll introduce you to the magic of flying on horseback. Within no time we’ll have you standing on horseback, connecting with the rythm and motion of your horse like never before.
More info
Yes, vaulting is actually considered to be the safest of all equestrian sports & is proven safer than riding bicycles, playing on playground equipment, and even playing soccer due to Vaulting’s 3 points of Safety.
Vaulting is suitable for riders of all ages and in fact we recommend riding in a vaulting saddle for riders under the age of 5. In no time at all your child will be flying up on the horses back as they find confidence, balance and freedom of movement.
We recommend wearing comfortable long trousers (no zip-offs) and closed shoes. A loose long sleeve shirt is also a good idea to protect yourself against the harsh sun. If you’ve booked a swimming ride, bring your swimmers along too.
Definitely not! Vaulting actually finds it’s origin in the cavalry and was originally used to display the physical prowess of the mounted soldier. Think of vaulting as an introduction to trick riding. Vaulting is loads of fun for folks of all ages and gender.
Have more questions?
Super cute Dad and Daughter date on horseback this...
Seasons Greetings from the Hack Farm Vaulties!
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Another sussessfull Vaulting Camp
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Getting ready for the display at RDA Richmond ...
Vaulting workshop at Hackfarm
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Happy kids at #hackfarm #kids riding #vaulting ...
#Sunrise #Vaulting at #PatonsRock beach
Aaand again another successful performance of our ...
May I introduce: the Hack‘s Vaulting Team!
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1. NZ Vaulting Tournament
Tomorrow is the day...
One of the coolest things about having a herd of ...
Super cute Dad and Daughter date on horseback this...
What better way to say goodbye to a wonderful ...
#arnie and #leonard riding past the remnants of an...
One of our young riders doing a great job of ...
#Rangihaeata is a favourite destination for ...
Seasons Greetings from the Hack Farm Vaulties!
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Some fun at the lake on the rope swing, eagerly ...
Making families 😊 happy
Even with some ...
Wow, that was a blast of cold coming thru
We ...
Another sussessfull Vaulting Camp
to prepare ...
Honey, I shrunk the kids
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Bubble ride!
#McDuff shows Sven the trail ...
One of the lockdown projects at the Hack Farm ...
Early morning Rangihaeata Headland ride
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Amazing #Arnie
Having a bath without ...
Our Vladimir friend Ralf is proud to be captured ...
Boxing day sunrise ride • • • •
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Good to infect more men with the horsey virus! ...
Getting ready for the display at RDA Richmond ...
Happy horses today
We had some busy days T ...
Pony Day at Hackfarm 19
Elmo wants to move in ...
#jasper enjoying a mid day nap
#Jasper
Snoozing
A bespoke horse riding holiday, designed by you specifically for you.
So often we hear guests say that they wish they could have spent more time learning to connect with their horse and exploring wonders of Golden Bay’s Beaches on horseback.
We created a flexible package designed to help you create your own adventure around what you most want to get out of your time with us. Spend your day’s Vaulting, Riding or Learning Horsemanship with comfortable Accommodation in our homestead included.
Frequently Asked Multiday Questions
In a nutshell, our multiday packages are loaded with incredible value, including comfortable accommodation in our homestead as well as 1 full day of horseback activities per day. This could either be 2 activities/lessons from our short ride section or one full day ride.
Your itinerary is up to you! Have a chat to us, we love building the ultimate riding holiday with a focus on the things you love most!
We can also help you put together the perfect complimentary local sightseeing itinerary on request.
We provide all the essentials you might expect in a fully equipped kitchen- Coffee, Tea, Butter, milk, bread etc.
However we don’t provide any cooked meals. Bring your own food and store it in the fridge or check out some of the great local food establishments.
Hack n Stay is dedicated to those who want to enjoy the simple things in life. Bring your own horse or enjoy time with one of ours in Beautiful Golden Bay.
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