Station to Station
7 days - Waikari to Waikari
South Island, where our rides take place, is a land of snow-tipped mountains, rolling green hills and riverslashed 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. Guests are expected to lead their horses into and out of camp each day and to dismount and walk their horses over particularly rugged sections. Your luggage is transported from station to station by 4-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. 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.
The ride starts and finishes with a night at Hurunui Cottage. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and fabulous views over the mountains. Accommodation whilst riding is mainly in the shearers' bunkhouses - the facilities are simple but there is always a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
- Day 1
- Transfer from Waikari to Hurunai Cottage for an overnight stay. (D)
- Day 2
- 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. (B,L,D)
- Days 3
- 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. (B,L,D)
- Day 4
- 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. (B,L,D)
- Day 5
- 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. (B,L,D)
- Day 6
- 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. (B,L,D)
- Day 7
- A morning transfer will take you back to Waikari. (B)
- Departure Dates: Departs Waikari on Sundays from October to May. Other arrival days may be able to be arranged on request.
- Prices (2009 Land only): £1235 per person
- Includes: Return transfers from Waikari, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
- PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: On request. Prices depend on the airline and routing chosen and whether additional accommodation is required.
- Single Supplement: None - you must be willing to share.
- Non-Riders: Not suitable.
- Children: Aged 12 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
- Riding ability required: Novice upward
- Food & Drink: Plenty of good home cooking. Drinks are included.
-
Type of ride: Trail Ride
- Trip Code: ENSS