Wild beaches, native bush and river crossings, on horseback
Guided treks near Charleston on New Zealand’s West Coast. Beginners and experienced riders welcome.
Choose your ride
Beach Rides
⏱ 2.5 hrs · From $180 pp.
Ride the wild 9-Mile Beach with stunning West Coast views. Choose from 3 routes. Dawn or dusk rides on request.
Most Popular!
River Ride
⏱ 1.5 hrs · $120 pp.
An easy ride through farmland, bush and river to Cow Piddle Bluff and a waterfall. Great for families and beginners.
An easy ride through farmland, bush and river to Cow Piddle Bluff and a waterfall. Great for families and beginners.
Custom Rides
⏱ You choose · From $170 pp.
Want a longer ride, a private trek or something special? Tell us what you'd like and we'll plan it for you.
Want a longer ride, a private trek or something special? Tell us what you'd like and we'll plan it for you.
What our clients say
"We had a fantastic experience with Dorothee at West Coast Horse Adventure on the River Ride. My husband is an experienced rider, while I had only been on a horse once before, so we really appreciated how well the ride catered to different experience levels. Dorothee took the time to give us a clear and reassuring rundown of the basics before we set off, which helped me feel comfortable and confident. I was nervous for about ten seconds before settling into the ride on Kiwi, who was wonderful and calm. The ride was also nicely challenging in places, giving beginners like me a chance to build confidence while still being enjoyable for more experienced riders. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the stunning West Coast from a unique perspective."
Thanks. Ant

I went on the beach ride on Saturday June 2025. I rode the amazing, sure-footed Conor who made me feel so safe as it has been quite a while since I have ridden. My guide Trudy was so assured, professional and my safety was paramount. I am an experienced rider, but I can see any level of rider would be safely accommodated for with Dorothee, Trudy and the team. Horseback is the best way to see places you wouldn't normally get to see. The fantails following our hoofprints was just magical. I can't wait to come back. Thank you for such an amazing experience with beautiful horses

"We had a wonderful morning, in March 2023, on a trek with West Coast Horse Adventures. Dorothee was very welcoming, knowledgeable, informative and safety conscious. She also was very attuned to both ourselves, with our different levels of experience, and her individual horses to enable the perfect match.
The delightful white horses had beautiful, friendly and calm natures. They were very well behaved, responsive and sure-footed. Our trek had varied terrain that included native bush tracks and water crossings. There were stunning mountain views from this unique valley area.
All of these things contributed to making our Charleston Horse Adventure a really enjoyable and memorable experience. We will do this again in the future and we highly recommend this company to others seeking horse trekking on the West Coast."

We had a brilliant horse trek in September! Not only did we see some amazing scenery but we all learnt horsemanship skills and were matched with a horse that suited us. It was an adventure that really made our stay on the Coast.... hope to do it again. Highly recommend!

Why ride with us?
Dorothee and the team know these beaches, rivers and bush trails like the backs of their hands. Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’ve ridden for years, we match you with a calm, well-loved horse and set the pace to suit you. We’re a small, local, family-run outfit near Charleston, so you can expect a personal welcome and a West Coast experience you won’t get from the road.
