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 guesthouse set within Paradise (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 of New Zealand, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:NZ Stationbred, Quarter Horse and first cross, Percheron and Clydie first cross.
- Pace:This will vary depending on the terrain and weather conditions. Some days are more mountainous than others. When terrain permits, there will be opportunities to trot and canter.
- 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 between 5 to 6 hours, depending on the distance needed to be travelled, which will be between 15 and 25km per day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at all paces over uneven ground. Not sure what your riding experience 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 a 1 minute walk away in a separate building. The next 2 nights guests will stay in tents with camp stretchers and swags beside a station muster hut, where there is a camp shower and a long-drop toilet. On the last night guests stay at Paradise Homestead, a historic, bespoke accommodation house with laze-about beds, hot showers, flushing toilets and a 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!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
Expand AllCollapse All*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
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Glenorchy Back Country Ride

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.’

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!’

Susie O’Neill
‘If you are considering doing one of these rides, just DO IT! An amazing experience for any horse lover or traveller. Every day was spectacular. My horse Dylan was perfect… a well educated, safe little Appaloosa Quarter Horse who looked after me every day. Our guides were skilled in horsemanship, cooking and conversation among other things, and went above and beyond to make this ride incredible. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. The food was delicious and served in huge quantities – dinners were spent laughing and sharing stories together.
Just an all-round amazing experience.’

Rachel Gray
‘I had an incredible time on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride, soaking in the beautiful scenery in the company of wonderful horses and people. Every day was a new adventure, with all the necessary comforts waiting for us at the end of the day’s ride. It was relaxed but also action packed, a perfect getaway to forget your troubles and just enjoy the moment. I loved swimming the horses – it was such a special experience. I rode Merlin and he was wonderful. All the horses on the ride looked to be much better than any other trail riding horses I have ridden before. The guides far exceeded expectations and it was a great pleasure to spend a week exploring the beautiful scenery in their company. Every moment was truly a joy, with our group of riders and guides always chatting and having fun. A priceless experience – paradise.’

Shar-ron Hillary
‘I’d definitely recommend this trip! Every day was different and interesting; I enjoyed the whole experience. The accommodation was great, even the tents. Our guides were exceptional in every area, guiding our group with experience and a sense of humour. At the start I was hesitant, but they matched me with a perfect pony called Solly who took great care of me. I completely trusted their pairing and Solly really built my confidence. I fell in love with him!’

Anne Coombs
‘This is the first long ride I’ve done, and the first Globetrotting ride, but it won’t be the last. The whole experience was terrific, and excellent value for money. I really loved the last night at Paradise. Our guides, Jess and Bijmin, were exceptional, and I couldn’t believe how well Casey matched horses with riders. I rode JT and he was fabulous. I like a horse with a bit of ‘go’, so he was just right for me. I would definitely recommend this ride!’

Marina Larcombe
‘My Glenorchy Back Country Ride was sublime… beyond expectations. The horses were exceptional. I was allocated the most divine, well-schooled, spirited gelding called Doobie, and we bonded instantly, as did the other riders with their steeds. Spending time with these stunning horses was a gift. We had snow the night before our trek (capping the mountains), sunshine for a few days (flushing the lupines), rain one day (flooding the streams) and sunshine on our last day; the perfect mix for exploring this striking landscape. Plus, our hosts and guides were among some of the nicest people I’ve ever met – generous, warmhearted and highly skilled. They tended to our every need, providing nourishing meals, welcoming lodgings and inspired conversations. I’ve made so many new friends from the experience and I’m blessed to have made the journey.’

Sharon Rayne
‘I absolutely loved the Glenorchy Back Country Ride, it exceeded all expectations! The experience of riding through New Zealand’s most stunning, scenic back country was just incredible. We did the most amazing river crossings, rode through beautiful beech forests, up and down hills, and alongside the stunning Diamond Lake. The horses were very well looked after, kind and willing, and our guide Shaun was absolutely brilliant. I’m not a regular rider and wondered how my body would cope, but it was no problem. I rode Spud and he was the perfect confidence builder – we had some great canters and a gallop. Although none of us knew each other, it was a lovely small group and we had some great laughs and formed good friendships. It was my first Globetrotting ride and I’m hooked!’

Lisa Birkensleigh
‘The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was an amazing treat for the senses. Spectacular New Zealand scenery and varied riding challenges across crystal clear rivers, through forests and over mountains, all with a backdrop of glaciers and snow-capped mountains… incredible! I rode Peso – I loved her. Very sweet and responsive when I asked her to be, but cruised along otherwise. She was quite laid-back and had a nice comfortable canter, so she was a relaxing ride, but always up for some fun. Jess and Bijmin were helpful and friendly – we were very well looked after. I loved every day!’
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