Glenorchy Ride | Horse Riding Holidays New Zealand | Globetrotting

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand

4 NightsIntermediate to AdvancedFrom $3,950 NZD?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD

Globetrotting has the PERFECT accessible summertime riding escape by the name of the Glenorchy Back Country Ride.

This gem of a five day, four night itinerary is situated one hour from Queenstown in the cute-as-a-button lakeside community of Glenorchy. With five days of unrestricted hours in the saddle, this ride has it all: wet and wild canters along riverbanks, wandering through native beech forests, circumnavigating a mountain and exploring a quintessential High Country property.

Your hosts, mother and daughter Deana and Casey, have exclusive access to over 100,000 acres of pristine back country stretching from the Dart Valley through to the Rees Valley, with Mount Alfred smack bang in the middle.

On day one you’ll stay at Rees Valley Station’s shearers quarters. Rees Valley Station is a 37,000 acre working sheep station that borders World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. On days two and three, globetrotters explore the Rees Valley with its glacial fed rivers and wild, untamed beauty. Your accommodation is beside Arthurs Creek Musterers Hut – back country camping at its best. Think waterfalls, starry nights and silence. On day four, you’ll cruise through enchanted landscapes made world-famous by blockbuster movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mission Impossible and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. And the last night is at Miller’s House, a historic, bespoke guest house set within Paradise (quite literally)!

Seriously, the Glenorchy Back Country Ride typifies everything we love about New Zealand. All you need to do is get yourself on a plane to Queenstown in the South Island, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:NZ Stationbred, Quarter Horse and first cross, Percheron, Gypsy Cob and Clydie first cross.
  • Pace:This will vary depending on the terrain and weather conditions. Some days are more mountainous than others. When the terrain permits, there will be opportunities to trot and canter but this may not be every day.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
  • Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles which are all correctly fitted to the horses. *Please be advised, a select few horses are ridden in Western saddles simply because they provide a better fit for that specific horse, but we will not accommodate saddle requests. It is much preferred to match horse to rider based upon ability. Thanks for your understanding.
  • Seasons:October to March.
  • Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, 5 to 6 hours per day, depending on the distance needing to be travelled (between 15 and 25km per day).
  • Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at all paces over uneven ground. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:For the first night guests stay in bunk bed rooms, with a hot shower and flushing toilets in a separate building a minute’s walk away. The next two nights guests stay in tents (with camp stretchers and swags) beside a station muster hut with a camp shower and a bio toilet. The last night is spent at Paradise Homestead, a historic, bespoke accommodation house with lazeabout beds, hot showers, flushing toilets and kitchen.
  • Ride Length:5 days, 4 nights.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes twin share accommodation, transfers to and from Queenstown, meals and riding.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) or alcohol throughout the trip.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
December 11, 2023December 15, 2023Only 1 spot left!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
December 18, 2023December 22, 2023SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 8, 2024January 12, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 15, 2024January 19, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 22, 2024January 26, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 29, 2024February 2, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 5, 2024February 9, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 12, 2024February 16, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 19, 2024February 23, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 26, 2024March 1, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 4, 2024March 8, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 11, 2024March 15, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 18, 2024March 22, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
April 8, 2024April 12, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,950 NZD ?Tour costs $3,950 NZD which is approximately $3,694 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price includes twin share accommodation, transfers to and from Queenstown, meals and riding.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) or alcohol throughout the trip.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.

WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN NZD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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  • Day 1

    After enjoying the scenic transfer from Queenstown to the Glenorchy stables, you’ll be introduced to your knowledgable back country guides. The staff will help sort your baggage and gear before introducing you to your horse for the trip. Gear checked, you’ll ride alongside the pristine Rees River flats and enjoy a lunchtime picnic on the tip of Lake Wakatipu with views across the water to the local township of Glenorchy. After lunch you’ll head to the opening of the Rees Valley.

    Your first night’s accommodation will be at the Rees Valley Station shearers’ quarters. The woolshed here is still the hub of the station and is worth a peek. Panels of photographs and information inside the woolshed explain some of the history of the station and the people who work it. The shearers’ quarters has bunk bedrooms, flushing toilets, showers and electricity. Keep in mind, in summer the sun doesn’t set until around 11pm, so you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to roam around on foot after dinner.

  • Day 2

    After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll start your journey into the dramatic, pristine environment of Rees Valley. Rees Valley Station is rated one of the area’s most scenic places to ride. This 37,000 acre sheep station borders the World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. You and your fellow globetrotters will travel through virgin native rainforest (NZ beech), crossing over a glacier-fed river many times. This is a shorter day, but it’s a challenge for both horse and rider. Enjoy the climb up glacial terraces with snow-capped mountains looming high above.

    Tonight you will camp at Arthurs Creek musterers hut for a night under the stars. This is camping in its simplest form: there is a musterers hut (the main hub of the campsite) and inside your tents you’ll find a camp stretcher and swag for you to sleep in. There is a long-drop toilet, glacer-fed waterfall (freezing, but oh so good for the skin) and a hot camp shower.

  • Day 3

    Today is spent exploring the very top of the valley, which borders Mount Aspiring National Park. You’ll visit 25 Mile Creek and the rock chasm within, swim the horses in glacier-fed Hunter Creek (weather permitting), stand at the foot of the gorgeous Lennox Falls and enjoy a saddlebag-packed lunch at the grassy base of the Falls. There will be time to explore here by foot before riding back to your base camp at Arthurs Creek musterers hut.

  • Day 4

    It’s time to leave the Rees Valley, riding into Paradise Valley. You’ll wander through native beech forest towards the opening of Paradise Valley, which is better known as Heaven’s Gate. From here you’ll traverse the north shores of Diamond Lake, and there may be the possibility of swimming the horses again if you wish.

    Coming into Paradise Valley, you are entering LORD OF THE RINGS COUNTRY! This is Isengard and Middle Earth. Your guides will take you through scenes and places used in many movies including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Vertical Limit, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Lovely Bones, Mission Impossible, Wolverine and more. This is some of the most pristine back country you could ever hope to travel through.

    On your last night you’ll stay in Millers House, which is a beautiful, turn-of-the-century house within the Paradise Foundation. After bush camping for the last two nights, you’ll love the hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity and freshly made beds.

  • Day 5

    On the final day of your riding holiday, you’ll venture through the mouth of Lake Diamond and ascend the southern side of Mount Alfred. At the top of the track, you’ll be able to take a moment and contemplate where and what you have just experienced over the last few days. As far as the eye can see – and further – is where you have travelled astride your surefooted station horse. Finally, you’ll creep down the mountain and back onto your hosts’ farm to finish the trip with a welcome hot drink or cold beverage.
    *Depending on the weather, you might instead venture into the Dart Valley today – the views and scenery are equally rewarding.
  • Transfer Information

    Transfers to and from Queenstown are included in the ride price (on days one and five). To avoid any unexpected travel delays, all guests are required to arrive and stay in Queenstown (at their own expense) the day before the ride begins, so that you’re ready to be collected between 9 – 10am on day one (traffic depending). On day five, please book an extra night’s accommodation in Queenstown so you’re not rushed getting back into town. You can fly out the following day.

    *Please note, it is preferred that you stay in Queenstown’s city centre or out in the direction of Fernhill, NOT at Frankton. Should you choose to stay at a private residence or B&B, on day one you will need to make your way to the bus stop outside Crowne Plaza in central Queenstown for collection.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Glenorchy Back Country Ride

The Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Rae Marie Gibb

‘This was my second on the  Globetrotting Glenorchy Back Country Ride, and it was just as wonderful as the first one. I rode a wonderful little horse called Slim who was the real gentleman. The team did a wonderful job of matching us with willing, experienced horses who knew their job. I met wonderful friends and explored one of the most beautiful areas of NZ. The guides, Shaun and Joel looked after us so well. There was plenty of great food, and the accommodation was basic, rustic and clean. Put this ride on your bucket list!’

The Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Lauren Hockey

‘It took me a few days to come down from the high I was on after spending five days and four nights on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride. What an experience! We crossed glacier-fed rivers, swam with the horses, plunged into a waterfall and circumnavigated snow-capped mountains. The scenery is jaw-dropping! Our guide, Sean, was incredibly knowledgeable and fun, and the trip was made even sweeter by the best bunch of funny, strong women, capable horses and many, many bottles of wine. I would recommend it to anyone who’ll listen!’

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Jess Roddam

‘What an absolutely incredible ride. Not only have I walked away from this with my bucket filled, but I got to experience so many things I’d never done before! Swimming with the horses in a glacier fed river, diving into a pool of ice-cold water under a waterfall and cantering and galloping across the most incredible landscapes – I will cherish these memories forever. I went on this trip with the mindset that I wouldn’t say no to anything, would expect the unexpected and enjoy each day as it came. I’m so glad I did, because the newfound confidence in my abilities as a rider that this trip gave me is just indescribable.’

The Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Aliza Venn

‘Breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountains in the foreground whilst crossing pristine alpine rivers on magnificent horses! I rode Kumara, and I adored him. He was a very responsive, keen adorable horse with good pep in his step and a smooth canter. The guides were amazing and knew a lot about the area and the horses. They offered great hospitality and were always positive. A real highlight was swimming the horses bareback in the pristine, ice-cold alpine river. Just enchanting!’

 

 

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, South Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Carolyn Seuberlich

‘Do yourself a favour and get on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride. The scenery is breathtaking. The air is fresh, the water is clean and crisp and the horses are outstanding. You’re off grid for the whole trip and can truly reconnect with nature. Every day was a highlight – the scenery was incredible. Swimming in the glacier-fed streams and with the horses was amazing, too. Bonus: there are no creatures in New Zealand that can kill you!’

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, South Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Tenille Licari

‘I was absolutely ecstatic with this trip! The meals were so good and fresh, and I was very happy with the accommodation. I had a horse named Roll, who was sweet as. Bijmin was a genius when it came to horses, with more knowledge and experience than anyone I know, and Gabby went above and beyond to accommodate us all. I especially loved the river crossings on day 1, and day 3 when we got to gallop! The value for money was excellent and I’d happily book with Globetrotting again.’

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Samantha Philp

‘Could it get any better – a beautiful horse, incredible scenery, fresh air and no mobile phone reception for days. New Zealand, you blow my mind. I can’t say enough good things about our guides Sean and Gabby, and hiking up to Lennox Falls was another highlight. I’d recommend this trip to anyone.’

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, South Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Nadeen Mitchell

‘This is the 13th week-long trek I’ve done in New Zealand. Most of these have been on the ‘Great New Zealand Trail Ride’, on a mix of my own and borrowed horses, which was held in some pretty great North Island locations. This trek in Glenorchy, however, was by far the best I’ve experienced. Each day was better than the last. The location is just epic and magical, the horses are perfect for the job and seem pretty darn happy with their life, and the guides are delightful. They are passionate, patient, helpful, interested and interesting people. I would absolutely do this ride again in a couple of years and would be delighted if they were still there.’

Glenorchy Back Country Ride, South Island, New Zealand - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Jesmond Saunders

‘This ride was really wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about the guides. They were absolute champs, so experienced and helpful, and great to talk to. I was nearly moved to tears when they brought out a cake and sang Happy Birthday for me. So cool!
The horses were really well trained and willing. The day we got to swim the horses was the very best day, and the last night in the B&B was such a treat. I couldn’t be happier to have gone on this ride – it was truly spectacular country, and on horseback is the best way to see it. I had a fabulous time and would love to go back!’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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