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Horseback riding tours
Rides in New Zealand
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Deluxe Mountain Trek to Hanmer Springs
South Island
New Zealand
Given today's fast paced world, many people search for places with a slower and more relaxed approach to life, especially when it comes to holidays. It was exactly for such seekers that we are introducing this new progressive riding tour to our clients. Situated in New Zealand, 85 miles north of Christchurch, in a remote river valley at the foot of two mountain ranges, we offer a taste of the carefree life in spectacular surroundings. There are no noisy distractions, crowds or deadlines to meet here. Instead, forgotten pleasures such as big skies and wide-open spaces, crisp clean mountain air, lively conversations enjoyed in deep armchairs in front of open fires, and warm hospitality for small, intimate groups abound.
Join us on a luxury horse trek in the beautiful Alpine Pacific region of the South Island, with night’s spent in luxurious lodge and farm accommodations and days spent riding through the South Island’s stunning high country.
Your hosts, Pip and Craig, ensure your stay is packed with fantastic riding, excellent locally produced cuisine, fine New Zealand wines, and the best South Island country hospitality.
You will spend 3 luxurious nights at Sherwood Lodge – a lavishly restored country estate; one night will be spent at the beautiful Heritage Hanmer Springs, the grand old lady of the Alpine Pacific region; and two nights are at the welcoming surroundings of two beautiful farm homesteads – “Duart” and “Barcledean”.
On day four you will reach and visit the stunning Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve – one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions – and a superb place to soak your weary muscles after a day in the saddle. Join us for a taste of true South Island high country hospitality and some of the finest lodge accommodation in New Zealand - a truly unforgettable luxury New Zealand horse riding experience.
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Meeting:
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Waiau
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Airport:
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Christchurch
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Transfer:
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from Christchurch according to arrival
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Deluxe accommodations, most meals, entry to hot pools at Hanmer Springs, 5 riding days
| A | 2009 | 7 day Trip, AP | 7d / 6n | $3250 | $2440 |
| Single supplement | $550 | $415 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Christchurch pp (min of 2)
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$
245
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$185
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It is best to arrange a morning arrival flight and an afternoon departure flight to allow for travel time between airport and trip (approx 2 hours).
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Trip is available any time with a minimum of 2 riders - excpet over the Christmas days
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Rates do not include:
Dinner on day 4 and breakfast on day 5
Day 1: Arrivals
Arrive at Sherwood Lodge by mid-morning. After checking in to your luxury accommodation, you will spend the afternoon getting to now your mount at the nearby equestrian center (transfers are provided) in preparation for the trek. On return to the lodge it’s time to relax. Take in the glorious views, soak in the hot tub and enjoy an evening meal with silver glistening in candlelight in front of a roaring fire. Sink into your bed anticipating your first day of riding.
Day 2: Mt Lyford to Sherwood (5 - 6 hours riding)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mt Lyford. Once there you will be introduced to your horse and the natural horsemanship approach that this riding center is known for.
Riding for 5 – 6 hours today, at an altitude of 1,500 – 2,500 feet, from Mt Lyford to Sherwood.
We ride across three farms, taking in high country, sub-alpine and alpine environments. Riding mainly 4WD tracks, through a mix of sub-alpine tussock land, rolling pasture, and through native mountain beech forest and exotic pine plantations.Stopping for lunch overlooking the Lottery River, we have the Amuri Range to our right, with Mts Malinson and Tinline behind us.
At the end of the ride we cross the Lottery River and arrive at the door to Sherwood Lodge, where you’ll be welcomed back to the comfort of the lodge for your evening meal and accommodation.
Day 3: Sherwood to Duart (6 - 8 hours riding)
Today is a reasonably big day, riding 6 - 8 hours, from 1,500 – 3,000 feet altitude.
After a good cooked breakfast we leave Sherwood, riding across three farms through higher terrain than yesterday, along the Amuri Range. Views today include the Hossack Game Park on our right, and the Waiau River Valley on our left. The terrain is mainly high pasture land today, with a mix of hill work and ridge riding. Expect to encounter merino sheep and beef cattle on today’s ride. Arriving at ‘Duart’ this afternoon, you’ll enjoy a farm stay experience this evening, where you will have a family meal prepared for you, with dinner, breakfast and accommodation in the farm homestead.
Day 4: Duart to Heritage Hanmer Springs (6 - 7 hours riding)
Another good day’s riding today, taking 6 – 7 hours. We’ll be crossing the Amuri Range and riding down into the Hanmer Basin, riding at between 1,000 and 4,000 feet.
Leaving ‘Duart’ we ride across the Waiau river basin to the foothills of the Amuri Range. Here we climb steadily up a good track passing a huge waterfall on the way to the top of the range, where we enjoy lunch and spectacular views into the Hanmer Basin.
We lead our horses down to the Hanmer River, then ride along the river flats to ‘Chatterton’ farm, where the horses spend the night. After being transferred to your evening’s accommodation, take the time to enjoy a luxurious soak in the thermal pools that Hanmer Springs are renowned for (entry included as part of the trek).
Accommodation tonight is at the Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel, and you are free to choose your own preferred dining experience from the many different restaurants in town.
(Dinner and breakfast in Hanmer Springs are on your own)
Day 5: Heritage Hanmer Springs to Barcledean (6 - 7 hours riding)
You will be picked up from the Heritage and taken back to ‘Chatterton’ to start today’s trek back over the Amuri Range.
Riding for 6 -7 hours today, from 1,500 to 3,000 feet.
Following a different route from yesterday, we cross the Leslie Pass to drop down to the southern foothills of the Amuri Range. This pass is not as high or as hard going as yesterday’s, with different views and some wonderful stands of mature native forest to pass through. Tonight you’ll enjoy the hospitality of another farm stay, spending the evening at ‘Barcledean’, a lovely old homestead tucked in the base of the range. Dinner, breakfast and accommodation included.
Day 6: Barcledean to Sherwood (6 – 7 hours riding)
Riding for 6 – 7 hours, from Barcledean to Sherwood Lodge, at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 feet.
Riding back to Sherwood, from the ridgeline and the top of Dog Hill, you see the start of the Seaward Kaikoura Range in the distance, with Mt Te Rako in the foreground and Mt Horrible in the distance. Tonight is your final night of the trek. Celebrate with a special dinner at Sherwood Lodge where you will stay overnight, and soak any aches away in the hot tub.
Day 7: Farewells
Have a lazy breakfast this morning at the lodge, then leave for your next destination.
Meeting:
Waiau
Airport:
Christchurch
Transfer:
from Christchurch according to arrival
Distance:
100 miles
It is best to arrange a morning arrival flight and an afternoon departure flight to allow for travel time between airport and trip (approx 2 hours).
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Tack:
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NZ Half Stock Saddle, Western Australian Stock Saddle, Western Saddle, English General Purpose
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Horses:
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St James (NZ horse breed); Appaloosa; Clydesdale Cross, Welsh Mountain Pony, Standardbred
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Pace:
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Mostly slow mountain riding with some lovely canters - some long riding days.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
14
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
240 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding Times: On the first day we will spend a few hours in the afternoon becoming acquainted with our horses.
The rest of the trip will feature approximately 5 – 8 hours of riding daily.
Natural Horsemanship: We practice and apply natural horsemanship techniques – consequently our horses are barefoot, and we use natural halters. On arrival you will receive lessons in natural horsemanship, and the principles of communication and trust.
We ride in an area known as the “Alpine Pacific Triangle”. This unique area of the South Island is blessed with high mountain ranges, rolling farmland and stunning pacific coastlines.
Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions – a naturally heated thermal spring, with thermal rock pools, private spas, children’s aquatic playground and day spa complex.
At the foothills of mountains lie the sprawling Canterbury Plains and the Waipara Wine Region, home to some of New Zealand’s top wine producers (including world renowned wineries Waipara Springs and Pegasus Bay).
The coastal town of Kaikoura is famous for its eco-tours – including dolphin swimming, whale watching and albatross encounters. It is also an excellent place to try locally caught, fresh-off-the-boat crayfish (lobster)!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Visas Not required by nationals referred to in the c. more
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From November to April (summer to early autumn in New Zealand) the Mt Lyford
area experiences maximum average temperatures of 19 to 23 ° C, and lows between
5 and 10 ° C. This area of New Zealand is known for its relatively dry summers –
but the famous New Zealand adage “four seasons in one day” is sometimes true!
Be prepared for sun, rain or wind!
Winter and spring (May – October) can be cool, with daily maximum
temperatures of between 9 and 16 ° C, and minimums as low as -1 ° C. Winter can
also be wet, and (when the weather is dry) it is common to awake to hard frosts
on the ground. It can snow from time to time in the winter, especially at higher
altitudes.
- Boots to ride
and walk in
- Your own warm
clothes, swimmers, and riding clothing.
We supply helmets, short chaps, gloves, long riding coats, saddle
bags, digital photo service, extra warm riding clothes and some
boots. Water bottles are provided.
- Your own
nibbles, and water bottle for the day’s riding if you wish
- Camera
- Be sure to bring
thermal or woolen under-clothes in the case of wet and/or cold days. Don’t
rely on cotton.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Your accommodations will be at these lodgings:
Sherwood Lodge – a lavishly decorated historic country estate set in the midst of the Amuri foothills, Sherwood Lodge is one of the South Island’s most beautiful luxury lodges.
Heritage Hanmer Springs - majestically restored late 19th century lodge, set amongst mature trees, with the Southern Alps as a constant backdrop.
Duart – farmers homestead set amongst the hills of the Amuri Range.
Barcledean – beautiful old farm homestead tucked at the base of the Amuri Range
Meals:
All delicious meals are
provided, except for dinner on day 4 and breakfast on day 5. Here you will
have the opportunity to dine out in Hanmer Springs, or enjoy meals at the
Heritage Hotel.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riding Times: On the first day we will spend a few hours in the afternoon becoming acquainted with our horses.
The rest of the trip will feature approximately 5 – 8 hours of riding daily.
Natural Horsemanship: We practice and apply natural horsemanship techniques – consequently our horses are barefoot, and we use natural halters. On arrival you will receive lessons in natural horsemanship, and the principles of communication and trust.
We ride in an area known as the “Alpine Pacific Triangle”. This unique area of the South Island is blessed with high mountain ranges, rolling farmland and stunning pacific coastlines.
Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions – a naturally heated thermal spring, with thermal rock pools, private spas, children’s aquatic playground and day spa complex.
At the foothills of mountains lie the sprawling Canterbury Plains and the Waipara Wine Region, home to some of New Zealand’s top wine producers (including world renowned wineries Waipara Springs and Pegasus Bay).
The coastal town of Kaikoura is famous for its eco-tours – including dolphin swimming, whale watching and albatross encounters. It is also an excellent place to try locally caught, fresh-off-the-boat crayfish (lobster)!
|
Tack:
|
|
NZ Half Stock Saddle, Western Australian Stock Saddle, Western Saddle, English General Purpose
|
|
Horses:
|
|
St James (NZ horse breed); Appaloosa; Clydesdale Cross, Welsh Mountain Pony, Standardbred
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Mostly slow mountain riding with some lovely canters - some long riding days.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
14
|
Max
75
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
240 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Riding Times: On the first day we will spend a few hours in the afternoon becoming acquainted with our horses.
The rest of the trip will feature approximately 5 – 8 hours of riding daily.
Natural Horsemanship: We practice and apply natural horsemanship techniques – consequently our horses are barefoot, and we use natural halters. On arrival you will receive lessons in natural horsemanship, and the principles of communication and trust.
We ride in an area known as the “Alpine Pacific Triangle”. This unique area of the South Island is blessed with high mountain ranges, rolling farmland and stunning pacific coastlines.
Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions – a naturally heated thermal spring, with thermal rock pools, private spas, children’s aquatic playground and day spa complex.
At the foothills of mountains lie the sprawling Canterbury Plains and the Waipara Wine Region, home to some of New Zealand’s top wine producers (including world renowned wineries Waipara Springs and Pegasus Bay).
The coastal town of Kaikoura is famous for its eco-tours – including dolphin swimming, whale watching and albatross encounters. It is also an excellent place to try locally caught, fresh-off-the-boat crayfish (lobster)!
Passports
Passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months except:
1. nationals of the UK who may stay for up to six months;
2. nationals of Australia who may stay indefinitely.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact their nearest New Zealand Immigration Service to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
3. Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien (non-citizen) passports issued by Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/1 |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/3 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Deluxe Mountain Trek to Hanmer Springs
Tour Code: IT-NZIR03
7 days /
6 nights
~$2,440.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
NZ Half Stock Saddle, Western Australi...
Horses:
St James (NZ horse breed); Appaloosa; ...
Pace:
Mostly slow mountain riding with some ...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Christchurch
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