Sandy Bay Northland Facts & Questions

CANCELLATION POLICY/How far out from our booking date can we make changes?

A guide and horse is ready for you and we have turned away other people in your place. We are sure you understand why we adhere to the following booking policy: Sandy Bay Glamping & Horse Tours cancellation information FOR TRAIL RIDES - Native Tuna Trail - Tuna Trail Journey - Calm Bay Ocean Swim - Ocean Panorama to Beach 80% REFUND OVER 2 WEEKS OUT FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE 50% REFUND 1-2 WEEKS OUT FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE 0% REFUND LESS THAN 48HRS FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE All riders will require payment if one or more people are missing there are no refunds *genuine cases will be considered. If you are greater than 20min late from your arrival time you may have to re-book (no-refunds) plus a 25% cancellation fee. The final decision is at the discretion of your guide. By confirming with Sandy Bay Horse Trekking Ltd you have agreed to all of these terms. WEATHER Firstly rides are RESCHEDULED due to bad weather, or if possible a alternative route can be used, **ALL RIDES GO AHEAD IN MODERATE WIND AND LIGHT RAIN. FULL REFUND ON RIDES ONLY IF THEY ARE CANCELLED DUE TO VERY BAD WEATHER and rescheduling is not an option for guests. NO FURTHER COSTS CAN BE CLAIMED FROM SANDY BAY HORSE TREKKING Ltd DUE TO A CANCELLATION MADE BY US. *COVID related issues - fully refunded depending on the situation. ACCOMMODATION- Awatuna yurt Our booking platform canopy camping escapes outlines their cancellation policies when booking Awatuna Yurt. Airbnb farmstay cancellation - full refund 5 days out from your booking date. When booking with us you adhere to this cancellation policy.
What time do we need to arrive, and what are the season schedules?

Ride schedule in the summer season is 9.00am, with additional rides at 11.00am available some days. Additionally 12.30pm for the Calm Bay Ocean Swim and Ocean Panorama to Beach Ride depending on availability. Trail Season- December - May (beginner / Intermediate rides) Please arrive at 15minutes prior, there is approx half hour required for logistics and mounting.
Is there Accomodation?

We offer Luxury glamping at Awatuna Yurt perfect for couples in an absolutely idyllic setting. We also have a farmstay cabin & renovated caravan (max 4 pax) great for families. Both of these can be booked through the accommodations page on this website which will have a link, or directly through canopy camping escapes for Awatuna Yurt.
What happens if I am late?

If you are greater than 20mins late from your arrival time you may have to re-book (no-refunds) plus a 25% cancellation fee. Final decision is at the discretion of your guide. Just let us know if you are held up on your check-in time for accommodations.
If one or more people from our group are missing on the day what will happen?

All confirmed bookings are paid in advance through our website, if one or more people are missing they will not recieve refunds & responsibility is taken by the person who made the booking.
What do we need to bring?

Helmets are provided and we use safety stirrups. You will require closed shoes ie trainers, solid sandals, take a Camera/phone for pics, water bottle, and plenty of sunblock! Small towel/ swimwear/ for swimming option (Dec-May).
What happens if it is raining?

BAD= HEAVY RAIN/over 30 Knots wind we cancel (at our discretion) or reschedule, I will contact you on your EMAIL/PHONE one night prior. All trails go ahead in light showers/rain. We do not go in very bad weather.
Is my credit card charged when I make the booking?

All booking is online via credit cards.
Is there a Weight Limit?

Yes our weight limit is 85kgs (187.4 lb) for all rides. Horses are happiest if they carry no more than 20% of their body weight (average horse 450-500kgs) so it is important to be honest and adhere to the generous side if you are not sure. If you are over the weight restriction unless arranged we will NOT take you and you will still be charged so please be honest, we have scales on site. We have a select few horses for the 80kg range, we have limited availability for this weight range.
Can I ride on Sandy Bay Beach?

No, but we take riders on the Calm Bay Ocean Swim Trail & Ocean Panorama to beach ride to a private beach.
Can we swim the horses?

Yes this is an option on the Calm Bay Ocean Swim (Dec-May). 2pp minimum. Confident 20+ rides / Intermediate riders and above.
What is the age limit?

8yrs + for beginner rides. 12yrs + for intermediate/advanced rides.
How big are the groups and can I book as a single?

We can take up to *5 people for beginner rides (conditions apply/* weight ranges). (Minimum 2 people). max *4pp on the swim and advanced ride. If you are by yourself, you can join/ fit in with another booking if available. Or if you wish, we can take *private rides at a higher rate. *(conditions apply) please enquire.
Can we go fast?

Advanced riders: Our horses have to deal with quite steep northland terrain in the summer months, we may have smaller sections to canter but the tracks are mainly steep and narrow therefore require some care to be ridden safely, some strides in canter are also possible on the smaller beach. The rides are very scenic and not fast paced. For the beginner rides it is strictly walking pace.
What to expect riding in the summer heat?

Due to fairness for the horses in the summer heat we take it easy or cancel/postpone when over 30 degrees celsius due to the high intensity of the NZ sun, also to protect our guests from over heating and for their well-being.