Station to Station Ride
7 days - Waikari to Waikari
South Island, where our ride takes place is a land of snow-tipped mountains, rolling green hills and river-slashed valleys; of ice cold sapphire lakes, and dense bush filled with the sound of bird song. The horses pick their way through the rugged Seaward River Gorge, through beech forest, and over mountain passes on an interesting journey which crosses some of the biggest sheep-stations in the district. Your luggage is transported from station to station by four-wheel drive vehicle.
The ride offers a unique opportunity to ride through New Zealand's spectacular hill and high country visiting its sheep and cattle stations, interacting with the people of the high country on a very personal level. Travelling in a small group allows for a relaxed atmosphere and the ability to appreciate the freedom, nature and the culture of the New Zealand high country in a special way.
This ride is more than just a good horse, more than the spectacular views, more than having a hot shower and a comfortable bed at day's end. It is a total New Zealand high country experience and a rare opportunity to interact on a personal basis with the families who live and work on these unique stations.
- Day 1 (D)
- Transfer from Waikari to Hurunai Cottage at Horunai Horsetrek's base for an overnight stay.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- After an introduction to your horse and the equipment and a safety brief, saddle up and ride over the Kanuku Saddle down to the Hurunui River for lunch. After lunch ride along the banks of the Hurunui River to a woolshed at the Hurunui Gorge. Leave horses here for the night and transfer to Seven Hills Homestead.
- Days 3 (B,L,D)
- Transfer back to the woolshed and ride up through the spectacular Hurunui via a bush track to Lake Taylor Station, which will be the base for the two days. You will dine with the owners of Lake Taylor Station in their home and spend the night in their refurbished shearers quarters.
- Day 4 (B,L,D)
- Today is a wonderful ride that takes you deep into the mountains, not far from the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Set off early and ride over Munro Saddle to Lake Mason for lunch. Carry on to Lake Sumner and return via the smaller lakes of Loch Katrine and Lake Shepherd.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- After enjoying a cooked breakfast, leave Lake Taylor Station, riding up Starvation Gully and out onto the Oronoko Range. Descend into the South branch at its juncture with the Hurunui's North Branch where a stop is made for lunch at a favourite swimming hole. After lunch ride down through the Hurunui's scenic gorge, past the Seaward River to the Seven Hills woolshed where the horses are left and you are transferred to Seven Hills Homestead for the night.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- After breakfast transfer back to your horses. Continue your ride along the banks of the Hurunui River, gentle after its wild ride through Maori Gully. Riding on pass the impressive Hooligan Range with Mt. Mizar, Ben Cliberick, Phyllis Fell and Mount Catherine on the opposite side of the river. Lunch below Mt. Self beside the Hurunui, after which head across country again, up and over the Kanuku Saddle (approx. 770 metres) with it's panoramic views of the Amuri Basin Then it is down to the base to untack, wash the horses down and then have a debrief over afternoon tea.
- Day 7 (B)
- A morning transfer will take you back to Waikari.
- Cost per person:
- Ride Only: £1,140. Prices October onwards on request.
- Includes: 4 nights accommodation and meals as indicated from dinner on day 4 to lunch on day 8, and all riding.
- Single Supplement: None, accommodation is shared.
- Departure Dates: Sundays from October to mid-May.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation is in working stations/farms. The twin rooms are clean and comfortable but not fancy. You may be expected to share a bathroom.
- Food & Drink: Plenty of good home cooking. Drinks are included.
- Laundry: Is not possible due to the nature of the ride.
- Children: Children of 12 or more are accepted on the ride however they must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
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Non-Riders: Not suitable.
