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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
New Zealand
Intro to New Zealand
 North IslandSouth Island
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Australia
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Southland High Country Station Ride
South Island
New Zealand
Come with us on an unforgettable high country horse riding holiday on a family owned and managed New Zealand sheep station (ranch). You are personally hosted by the owners; therefore, you truly benefit from their individual attention and your week becomes an experience tailored to your needs. Book as a single person, couple, or small group and be our exclusive guests during your stay. During the 7 day visit to their home you will explore this 18,000 acre private sheep station and join them on a genuine high country horseback muster. This is an experience not to be missed, where you help the Musterers (cowboys), along with their dogs retrieve their sheep, or at times the cattle, from within their ‘blocks’ (large fenced areas of land). Then, assist with the gathering (or herding) of the stock, as they are pushed quietly toward an exit gateway to be moved to their next location.
The diverse New Zealand terrain is featured frequently throughout the high country as you traverse through the expansive tussock grasslands. Ride amidst beautiful native forest, with its abundance of pretty ferns and regional shrubbery carpeting the ground. Climb to the highest point on the sheep station and marvel upon the extensive panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Picnic beside a pristine mountain river and take the plunge for an invigorating swim if the weather is just right. Your accommodations are at the farm chalet and four of your nights may be spent in the 2 mustering huts located on the property. During your stay you may also have the opportunity to enjoy a popular local activity if you wish. Visit beautiful regions of Fiordland to jet boat across Lake Hauroko, and then follow the Wairaurahiri River out to the sea, however, availability of this activity is subject to minimum numbers and cannot be guaranteed.
"We had a fantastic time learning about your way of life and marveled at your ability to open your lives to us as strangers. Loved your horses and dogs, had an experience never to be forgotten on the musters and thoroughly enjoyed meeting your family. Thank you for everything." - Vikki Kauffman of Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Working Ranch
Cattle Drive, Round Up
Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Otautau
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Airport:
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Queenstown
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Transfer:
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Queenstown airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
4 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations at the station (ranch) and range huts, all meals and 7 riding days (4 to 5 hours per day on average)
| A | 2013 | 8 day Trip, AP | 8d / 7n | $2210 |
| Single rider bookings by arrangement | $0 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Queenstown airport per car return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$
260
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$210
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2013
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Transfer from Queenstown City Center per car return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$
300
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$240
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Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 04/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP
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2
/4
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP
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2
/4
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Reserve
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Trip is available any time with a minimum of 2 riders - between November and April - off season stays by arrangement.
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag for overnights at the huts.
Itinerary:
Day 1: We arrange pick-up from Queenstown Airport if required. Ideally this will be around 1pm, depending on time of arrival. Enjoy a scenic 2 hour drive to Beaumont (Southland). Once settled in, meet your horses and enjoy a short afternoon ride to become acquainted (1-2 hours in the saddle). The 2-course evening meal will delivered to the cottage, accompanied by a bottle of New Zealand wine.
Day 2: Enjoy a continental style breakfast served with home baked muffins. Following this, meet around 9 am to saddle up and ride out toward the foothills of the Takitimu Mountains. There will be a couple of small river crossings before stopping for lunch. Here, there is plenty of time to take a refreshing dip in the pristine mountain water, before continuing onto Barretts Hut for the night. Relax with a pre-prepared 2-course meal, along with glass of wine. Most of the ride this day is easy contour with plenty of opportunities to trot and canter. Around 4 hours in the saddle.
Day 3: Start with a simple continental breakfast this day, then; join us on a high country horseback muster. Wine and dine at Barretts Hut for a second night. Time spent in the saddle is variable and dependant on duration of mustering.
Day 4: Enjoy a ‘kiwi’ cooked breakfast before making your way toward historic Flecks Hut. Today, we follow a steep climb up to the top of Centre Hill for the first of the panoramic views. Then, we gently descend to the hut for the evening meal. Lunch is on route, the location being dependant on the weather. Around 4-5 hours in the saddle.
Day 5: Another cooked breakfast, then we travel to ‘Mt Rouse’, the highest point on the sheep station. Enjoy extensive views of the surrounding landscape and stunning contrasting scenery, including sub-alpine flora and fauna. On our return, we once again wine and dine at Flecks Hut. Enjoy a well earned break and lunch on route as this day is quite a long one in the saddle, around 5 hours.
Day 6: Following a leisurely cooked breakfast we prepare to depart for home. Much of the return journey is through native bush. You will be back at the cottage in plenty of time to relax and enjoy a therapeutic spa (hot tub). Join us for a barbeque at the homestead in the evening. An easy 3 hours in the saddle on this day.
Day 7: Begin the day with a continental breakfast. Following this, Lynn will transport you to the shores of Lake Hauroko to experience a jet boat ride with Wairaurihiri Jets. Alternatively, you can enjoy another horse riding option, such as mustering (subject to current farm activities). Or, choose another farm-based or local activity; this can be finalized during your visit. Relax with one last evening meal at the cottage on your return.
Day 8: Following a continental breakfast you will be transported back to Queenstown.
--This itinerary is flexible and may be altered due to weather conditions, on farm activities and any other mitigating factors.
Meeting:
Otautau
Airport:
Queenstown
Transfer:
Queenstown airport
Distance:
100 miles
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Tack:
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Stock Saddle, General Purpose Saddle
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Horses:
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Thoroughbred, Arabian, Standard bred
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Pace:
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All paces based on riders experience (always small private groups). 4 to 5 hours riding per day on average!
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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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
4 riders
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Discover the ultimate high country horse riding in New Zealand, all exclusive for you and your partner (or friend) during your stay and personally guided by one of the station owners.
The horses are all friendly, quiet and confident and used to the differing terrain on the property. Generally stock saddles are used as they are most comfortable and more suited to the type of riding you will tackle here.
Safety helmets are provided and wet weather gear is available.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to . more
Southland's weather is often variable and don't be surprised if you experience four seasons in one day!
Commonly the summer daytime maximum temperatures range from 16°C to 23°C (60.8°F to 73.4°F) , however it can even occasionally rise above 30°C (86°F). Snow falls infrequently in winter but frosts are common, especially in inland areas. Commonly the winter daytime maximum temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C (46.4°F to 53.6°F).
On average there are about 1600 hours of bright sunshine annually. Prevailing winds are from the south-west.
Wear long trousers and comfortable footwear suitable for walking. Heels are preferred, but not necessary, as safety stirrups are available. Warm clothing, which can be removed when hot, is advised. Half chaps are provided.
Safety helmets are mandatory and will
be provided.
Avoiding aches and pains...
Wear panty hose, tights or lycra bike pants under your riding pants to
help reduce chafing.
Avoid wearing new or freshly starched jeans; those seams can be a
killer.
Lengthen stirrup leathers a notch or two to reduce stress on knee
joints.
Protect all exposed skin from the sun.
Take the opportunity to walk when possible.
Do some simple stretching exercises before mounting.
Bring some Vaseline or similar for chafed bits
A small cotton neckerchief can helf keep sunburn at bay when you have an
open neck shirt.
We recommend half chaps.
| This
list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable trousers for riding
in.(jodhpurs,riding jeans, trackpants, men may like to wear lycra cycle
shorts under their pants.) |
| Sturdy boots or shoes comfortable for walking |
| Warm woolen socks |
| Safety helmets are mandatory and will be provided |
| Riding gloves |
| Waterproof hat / sunhat |
| Lightweight Rain coat or parka |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING
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| A warm change of clothes, if you feel the
cold polyprop / thermal underwear is a good idea on Spring and Autumn
rides |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans/waterproof trousers |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Swimsuit |
| Sunblock
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| For overnights at the huts:
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Sleeping Bag and Pillow will be provided
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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| Personal toiletries, face cloth and towel
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| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) or vaseline petroleum jelly
for rubs and chafes (thoroughly recommended) |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Water bottle |
| Small torch and batteries |
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
Accommodations...
Overnights will be at the main farm house cottage/chalet and you will also overnight several times in range cabins "the huts" during your progressive riding holiday.
Relax and enjoy the atmosphere and hospitality of a farm stay on
a high country sheep station. Although farmed much earlier, the sheep station was one of the first recorded leases to be officially purchased in Southland in 1857 and was then around 58,000 acres. In those early days there were little or no fences and boundary riders were employed to keep the sheep within the station boundaries. Flecks Hut was named after one such Irishman, who lived there with his family in the mid 1800's.
The cottage chalet is tastefully decorated to reflect its
timeless atmosphere. Fully self contained with modern kitchen
facilities, it has 2 lounges (one with a television), 1 shower and
toilet, two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. With its own outdoor
garden area, this comfortable farm stay cottage is ideal for couples,
small groups or families.
Just a short stroll from the cottage and you can indulge yourself with a
relaxing spa (hot tub). Sit back, enjoy the music and let the jets do the work.
What a wonderful way to finish your day.
The cabin "Barretts Hut" is nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu
Mountains which boundary the property. Situated on the fringes of the
native beech forest, its idyllic, secluded setting is ideal for both
body and soul. In contrast, historic "Flecks Hut" is located high amidst a
vast expanse of beautiful red and silver tussock. Both huts are
‘basically equipped’ with 4 bunk beds, running water for washing and a
separate outside toilet.
Meals...
All meals including barbecues are included. The 2-course evening meals are pre-prepared and served with New Zealand
wine. They are delivered to the appropriate accommodation along with
any required luggage. You will also join the Minty family at the
homestead for a ‘kiwi barbeque’ during your visit.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner.
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Tack:
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Stock Saddle, General Purpose Saddle
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Horses:
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Thoroughbred, Arabian, Standard bred
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Pace:
|
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All paces based on riders experience (always small private groups). 4 to 5 hours riding per day on average!
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
|
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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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
4 riders
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Discover the ultimate high country horse riding in New Zealand, all exclusive for you and your partner (or friend) during your stay and personally guided by one of the station owners.
The horses are all friendly, quiet and confident and used to the differing terrain on the property. Generally stock saddles are used as they are most comfortable and more suited to the type of riding you will tackle here.
Safety helmets are provided and wet weather gear is available.
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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Southland High Country Station Ride
Tour Code:
IT-NZRT02
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,210.00
Dates :
Nov to April
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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