This horseback excursion offers a brief respite tailored for beginner riders who are fit and balanced, providing them with an exciting glimpse of adventure. Participants will traverse hills, valleys, and rivers of the South Island alongside traditional pack horses, all while lodging in cabins. Every necessity is conveyed on horseback, allowing participants to contribute to loading provisions and experiencing a touch of pioneer spirit amid the untamed landscape for a few days. At day's end, indulge in hearty campfire-cooked meals while sharing tales of the day's escapades over a glass of wine.
There are the 6 and 8 days options of this trip. Ask us for more information!
Difficulty
Easy
Comfort
Basic
Basic+
Weight limit
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Jenny O. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Lawrie and Jenny have been running the horse safari business as a husband and wife team since 1992. Both Lawrie and Jenny have been involved with horses all their lives, and each contribute different parts of their knowledge to the smooth running of the safaris. In addition to the work on the farm, Lawrie cares for and trains the horses to make them a pleasure for people to ride, while Jenny concentrates on keeping the business side going and cooking and baking to feed those hungry mouths once the day’s riding is finished. Yet both Jenny and Lawrie have enough experience to do any job required of them and are interchangeable in their roles on the Safaris.
Tour highlights
Explore Breathtaking Locations
Ride surrounded by beautiful views of the valleys and Southern Alps
Enjoy the Rivers Crossing
Ride along many rivers of the destination
Feel the Real Adventure
Ride in wild areas, stay in huts and enjoy the food cooked over the campfire far away from people
Route details
Day 1
To the Valley Camp
Leaving from Waitohi Downs Stable at approximately 10.00 – 10.30 a.m. we ride around the track to the influx of the Mandamus River into the Hurunui River. We cross the Hurunui
River and ride up Mandamus River onto the road, travel along passing Glens of Tekoa Homestead and buildings onto Island Hills Station, owned by Ed and Jan Shand. Island Hills Station covers an area on 6,850 hectares (17,000 acres) We ride over the saddle to the Glencoe River, passing hill country of native scrub and scattered silver tussock on our way to reaching the Mandamus River once more, We travel up the east bank, crossing for our last time and follow the track through dense manuka scrub into Organ Stream where our first night is spent in the Valley Camp Hut.
Day 2
To the Little Organs Range
Day 3
Back to the stables
Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age
Tour provider's comments
This ride is suitable for riders from novice to experienced level. There are no age or weight limits. Although the ride is taken at a walking pace only (although there is the odd spot for a trot or canter), riders should be in good fit health to be balanced in the saddle and ready for long hours in the saddle (around 6-9 hours per day). Riders are required to be able to mount and dismount unaided although there are often plenty of rocks and logs available to help.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Basic+
Tent
3 nights
The accommodation ranges from tents to a woolshed, muster huts and a B&B. It may depend on external factors as to where riders will be staying, for instance if sheep are being sheared it will not be possible to stay in the woolshed. On some night there will be no electricity or running water but there will usually be a stream or river nearby to wash in - they are also great for a swim at the end of a day in the saddle! On some nights there may be a hot shower. Toilets also range from long-drop (whilst camping) to normal toilets. Airbeds are provided.
3 nights
Camp
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Canterbury, Christchurch City, Christchurch International 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
- transfers;
- full board accommodation with coffee and tea;
- horses;
- riding;
- guides.
Extras
- international flights;
- alcoholic and canned drinks;
- optional sleeping bag hire;
- items of a personal nature.
Group size
up to 10 touristsDuration
3 days
2 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
We suggest you bring with you at least three complete changes of clothes. Remember, in the South Island High Country it is possible to experience four seasons in one day. Warm clothes are essential all year round.
Cancellation of booking
Tour reviews
- GGrant5 Dec, 2023about providerI just completed the 12-day Tekapo trek, and before that, I did a 6-day trek with the team. The horses are incredibly robust and reliable on both journeys. These treks offer exceptional adventures, granting you the opportunity to witness breathtaking scenery that few will ever encounter.5 Dec, 2023
- BBen10 Jun, 2023about providerJenny and Lawrie were absolutely fantastic in organizing our trek and guiding us through the breathtaking scenery. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in the New Zealand outdoors, whether it's for a single day or a multi-day trek. Knowledgeable, kind, and outgoing, they provide exceptional service, and I'll definitely be returning. It's a solid 10/10 from me!10 Jun, 2023
- KKerrie1 Apr, 2022about providerLast month, I returned from an amazing 3-day trek, and I'm already longing to go back. Every moment of the adventure was pure joy, from the stunning scenery to the incredible horses. Jenny is not only great with emails but also an excellent cook, ensuring we were always well-fed. Lawrie's knowledge and experience navigating the countryside were impressive, and the horses were sure-footed and a pleasure to ride. The entire experience was about learning and embracing new challenges, and it was incredibly rewarding. Jenny and Lawrie made us feel welcome, but they also encouraged us to participate and learn. Yvonne, our assistant, was equally amazing. The trek was a blast— the horses, the company, and the scenery made it unforgettable. I can't wait to go back for another adventure. Thank you for such a fantastic experience— Kerrie Whistler from Taupo.1 Apr, 2022
