Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

This ride is a unique opportunity to meet the people who own the sheep and cattle stations along the way and experience the culture of the New Zealand high country. Our accommodation each night is mainly in shearer's quarters, where a hot shower and comfortable bed are very welcome at the end of a day's ride. We also have the opportunity to interact with local farmers and sample their genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Day 1
Arrival in Christchurch during the day (depending on your flight). Meeting at visitor Information area in the domestic terminal of Christchurch airport at 03:30 pm for the transfer to the farmstay where our guide will join us for dinner and give a briefing on the ride.

Day 2
After introduction to your horse we have a safety breif, then saddle up. From our base at The Peaks we saddle up and follow the Waitohi River to Seven Hills Station, where you spend your first night
(approx 4h30 riding)

Day 3
The following day we ride through Mt Mason Station following the Waitohi gorge over a pass and journey through the valleys of the Virginia area, to Double Tops Station and your accommodation for the next two nights either in the shearers quarters or camping in a tent.
(approx 5h30 riding)

Day 4
We ride through Double Tops station climbing high onto the Double Top ridge where if the weather is kind we have an amazing view of the Bay.
(approx 5h30 riding)

Day 5
We set of early in the morning, following a trail through the bottom end of Mt Mason Station, then crossing the Waitohi into Mt Noble Station. We climb up onto Windy Ridge and follow the trail down to the Lake Sumner Road and follow the Hurunui gorge until we meet both the South and North branches of the Hurunui River where we cross and enter Lake Taylor Station, riding through Boulder Gully and Starvation Valley to the shearers quarters at Lake Taylor Station which is our accommodation for the next two nights.
(approx 8h30 riding)

Day 6 and 7
We spend these two days exploring the incredible beauty of some of New Zealand's most spectacular high country, with an abundance of lakes and mountain scenery that few get to experience.
(approx. 5h30 riding on day 7 and 8 hours riding on day 8)

Day 8
Sadly we have to leave these magical lakes and start making our way home, up, over and down the Orinoko Range, through Esk Valley and follow the Hurunui river back through to the lower end of Seven Hills Station, where you spend the night with the owner.
(approx 5h30 riding)

Day 9
On our last day we ride along the banks of the tranquil Hurunui River, under the impressive Hooligan Range with Mt. Mizar, Ben Cliberick, Phyllis Fell and Mount Catherine on the opposite side of the river. We lunch below Mt. Self beside the Hurunui, after which we ride across country again, up and over the Kanuku Saddle (approx. 850m) with its panoramic views of the Amuri Basin, down to our base where we unsaddle, unpack, wash the horses down and then enjoy afternoon tea.
(approx 5h30 riding)

Day 10
After a last breakfast, you will be transfered to Christchurch for your return flight (or extra stay).
Return shuttle is on the morning of the last day of the trek, with arrival in Christchurch or the airport late morning.

To get the most of your trip to New Zealand we can add a tour of other regions in campervan or rental car, Malborough vinyards, Milford Sound fjord... or the practice of activities such as bungee jumping or white water sports and kayaking in the fjords or lakes. Ask for more ideas.

We can also arrange for an extra stay in Australia or Pacific Islands.

Horses
Horses are mainly station bred, Thoroughbred / Clydesdale cross, strong, bold hunter types, the traditional hack favored by New Zealand stockmen and women.

Tack
Our guides pride themselves on the quality and condition of the tack and equipment they supply. All equipment starts a trek clean and oiled, and everything is inspected at the end and sent for repairs if necessary. Spares of vital tack are carried in case of unavoidable mishap.
Saddles: We ride in the Australian style stock saddle made famous by "The Man From Snowy River". They have breast plates and circingles. A synthetic wool saddle cover is supplied for extra comfort.
Bridles: Our horses are ridden in snaffle bits, fitted to English and stock bridles. We have bridles specially made for our biggest horses.

Requested riding level
For those trails you need to be ok at all gaits outdoor and have a good physical condition.
You will have to walk and lead your horse out of camp in the morning. Getting involved is one of the key elements of these rides and for most people adds much to their experience. You will be responsible for the grooming and saddling of your own horse each day. Your guides will instruct and assist you in this and check your horse before you set out each day.
Your guides will appreciate your assistance in other areas whilst on the trek: ie helping groom and saddle horses.

You will be guided by professional guides who are very good riders and who know perfectly well their region and environment.

There is no single room available on this ride.

Please contact us to check the best available flight rate from your country.

In the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are the opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere:
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November

New Zealand comprises two long thin islands that run north-south and, as such, there is a noticeable difference in the climates of the top of the North Island, which is sub-tropical, and the bottom of the South Island, which is temparate. Overall, however, New Zealand's is a very mild climate making it a suitable holiday destination all year round.



Kaikoura Christchurch: the climate of this zone is greatly dependent on the lie of the massive Southern Alps to the west. Summer temperatures are warm, with highest temperatures occurring when hot dry foehn northwesterlies blow over the Alps and plains. Mean annual rainfall is low, and long dry spells can occur, especially in summer. For much of the time summer temperatures are moderated by a cool northeasterly sea breeze. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C, but may rise to more than 30°C. A temperature of 42°C has been recorded in Christchurch. Winters are cold with frequent frost. Typical winter daytime maximum air temperatures range from 7°C to 14°C.

It is important to know that New Zealand, such as Australia, has a UV exposure much stronger than in Europe. For this reason, it is necessary to use an efficent sunblock as well as sunglasses and hat, and this even when the temperature is low or the sky a bit cloudy.