3- Days Lupin Trail

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Upscale

Weight limit

Picture yourself riding a magnificent horse through a field of purple and pink lupins in the stunning Mackenzie Basin of South Island, New Zealand. This incredible experience only happens once a year, so there is a limited opportunity to enjoy this natural beauty. The blooming lupins bring a touch of magic to the landscape, with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains creating a truly breathtaking scene.

Riding alongside the Ahuriri river, with its striking ice blue waters, adds to the enchantment of the ride. This trail is perfect for wilderness enthusiasts who still want some modern comforts at the end of the day - think hot showers, Wifi, and cozy beds.

Whether you are a seasoned rider or looking to get back in the saddle, this ride offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Mother Earth in all her springtime glory. Accommodations include station and shearers quarters, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the natural wonders of New Zealand.

Angie L. is the provider and guide of this trip

The provider speaks: English

I am the "go to" gal if you need anything sorting out. A line dancer, rock n roller, watercolourist, singer, ukulele playing horse adventurer.

View Angie`s tours

Tour highlights

Enjoy the Magnificent Wilderness

Travel across the stunning New Zealand wilderness landscape with guides who are native to the region

Learn Proper Horse Care

Upgrade your horse managing skills under control of your experienced guides

Join an Unofficial Chirstmas Party

This trail is so close to Christmas that we think of it as our Christmas party trail, so bring your hats and your dancing shoes

Route details

We are greeted by our adventure horses at Lindis Pass as we prepare to embark on our journey. Before we set off, we receive our saddle bags containing essentials like a camera, water bottle, extra clothing, and a packed lunch. After saddling up, our staff ensures everything is secure and we are dressed appropriately for the ride.

As we make our way to the base of the mountains, we ride in search of the beautiful lupins. This is a leisurely ride with no rush, allowing us to fully appreciate the stunning surroundings.

Tonight, we will stay in the shearers quarters on the station where our horses reside.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Both intermediate / advanced riders and non riders can share this trail.

Horse Breed: We have bred our own station bred horses replicating the first pioneers horses that lived and worked in the high country. They are surefooted and kind born on the mountains, raised on the mountains and worked in the mountains. Our horses live in a herd environment. We believe that they are so happy because the know who they are and where they come from living in that family group.

Tack Type: We use western tack, saddles are made in new Zealand by a Canadian saddler Graham Turner Dove saddles.

Accommodation

Comfort

Upscale

Camp Site

2 nights

Omarama Station Shearers Quarters

You will spend both nights in Omarama Station Shearers Quarters.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Otago, Queenstown-Lakes District, Queenstown Airport

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

airport transfers from and to Queenstown airport (T&C’s apply in time to meet the trail);
3 days program;
2 riding days;
2 nights accommodation;
full board (3 meals a day) plus morning and afternoon tea (we carry flasks of hot water so that we can stop somewhere lovely and enjoy the scenery);
English speaking guides;
camping equipment;
pack horses;
horse equipment;
first aid kit (this includes a horse first aid kit, we carry a sat phone, e purp and hand held radios);
we provide a complementary glass of wine each evening but any other alcohol is clients responsibility.

Extras

international flights to and from New Zealand;
personal travel insurance (we require all riders take out travel insurance. When looking for a travel insurance policy make sure it covers horse riding as an activity as well as any adventure activities that are not covered under standard insurance policies);
additional accommodation before and after trip;
additional meals;
alcoholic beverages;
tips, gratuities and personal expenses.

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

Sleeping bag suited to mountain terrain;
2 changes of clothes: warm woollen/ merino clothing/ thermal underwear, with long sleeves (including long Johns). Your thermals can double as your "jammies";
Good set of wet weather trousers & jacket, ensure you can fit your warm clothing underneath these. It is so important for your own comfort. Your waterproofs can be your best friends when the weather turns nasty so choose wisely;
Warm hat/gloves/warm socks/ scarf (snood/ buff);
Suitable foot ware for riding and walking. Light foot ware to wear in the huts (slippers, jandles). It is worth re waterproofing your boots before you ride;
Helmets: we strongly recommend you wear a riding helmet/ please bring your own if you have one. Helmets are mandatory for novice riders and children. We do have helmets you can borrow;
Sun glasses/ sun hat/ sun screen/ Auzzie brim for your riding hat;
Bring power packs for charging your phone or camera, some riders bring solar charging power packs and they work great;
Toiletries / chap stick/ insect repellent/hand sanitizer/ wet wipes/ Covid mask (if required);
Water bottle or small flask;
Waterproof stuff bags for clothes/camera/ sleeping bag. Saddle bags and blue bags are not waterproof. Zip lock plastic bags are a good alternative if you don't have stuff sacks because they seal to keep the water out. Bring the extra-large ones for your clothes;
Hot water bottle if you feel the cold at night;
Ear plugs (these are a must if you are adverse to people snoring as we do share bunkhouse accommodation) sleeping mask;
Micro towel (you can buy in most camping shops);
Small torch or head torch;
If you take medication, remember to bring enough for the trail;
Set of togs for swimming (in summer time);
Panadol or equiv. (if you think you will require this);
Alcohol or none alcoholic beverages, of your preference, remember space is limited on pack trails so go for tinned beer, tins of rtds or boxed wine. As these fit into the smaller spaces that are left;
Chocolate (or other sweeties you can’t resist);
A book/ music or reading downloads.