Majestic Mountains and Starry Skies of Lake Ohau

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Upscale

Weight limit

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ohau, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, our charming Lake Ohau Quarters offers a tranquil retreat. This stunning location boasts unparalleled views of the majestic mountains and the shimmering lake.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of this region. For generations, Maori people traveled to Lake Ohau, harvesting a bounty of natural resources, including roots, birds, and eels. European settlers first established Lake Ohau Station in 1857, marking the beginning of a vibrant agricultural heritage. This vast “high country” stretches from 550m to 2100m above sea level, encompassing 8322 hectares and supporting a herd of 5000 merino sheep and Angus cattle.

Witness the celestial wonder of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, right from your doorstep at Lake Ohau. This internationally recognized haven boasts some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world, offering an unforgettable stargazing experience!

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

Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Experience breathtaking views of majestic mountains reflected in the shimmering waters of Lake Ohau

Rich History & Culture

Immerse yourself in the stories of this region, from the traditional Maori practices of harvesting natural resources

World-Class Stargazing

Step outside your door and witness the celestial wonder of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

Route details

Your boutique horseback holiday begins at the station woolshed at 12:30 > 1pm. Arrive in your riding clothes, horses are saddled and we are ready for an afternoons ride exploring the stunning Lake Ohau Station.

Picnic lunch together at the start of our trail.

Riding time: 5 hours

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

This tour is for intermediate and advanced riders. Equestrians should be in good physical shape and with good riding ability. Not suitable for complete novices.

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

3 nights

Lake Ohau Quarters.

This is a large modern country building nestled on the side of Lake Ohau.

Lake Ohau Quarters.

This is a large modern country building nestled on the side of Lake Ohau.

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);
4 days program;
3 riding days;
3 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 18 tourists

Duration

4 days

3 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.