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, your first day 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 nights’ accommodation will be at the Rees Valley Station Shearers Quarters. The wool shed here is still the hub of the station and is worth a peek. The owner has panels of photographs and information in there to explain some of the Station’s history and people who work it. The Rees Valley Station Shearer’s Quarters has bunk-bed rooms, 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 on foot after dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast you’ll start your journey into the dramatic, pristine environment of Rees Valley. The 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. You and your fellow globetrotters will travel through virgin Native rainforest (NZ Beech) crossing over a glacial 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 and looking up into snow-capped mountains. We will camp at Arthurs Creek Musters Hut for a night under the stars. This is camping in it’s simplest form, there is a musterer’s 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, glacial fed waterfall (freezing, but oh so good for the skin) or a hot camp shower.

Today is spent exploring the very top of the valley which boarders onto the World Heritage listed Mount Aspiring National Park. You’ll visit 25 mile creek and the rock chasm within, swim the horses in glacial fed Hunter Creek (weather permitting), stand at the foot of Lennox Falls and enjoy a saddle-bag packed lunch at its base. There will be time to explore by foot before we head back to our base camp at Arthurs Creek Musters Hut.

Time to leave the Rees Valley, riding into Paradise Valley. You’ll wander through native beech forest towards the opening of Paradise Valley, or what’s adequately 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 the 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 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 bed.

The final day of your riding holiday where 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 in the last few days. As far as the eye can see and further is where you have traversed from your sure-footed station horse. You’ll creep down the mountain and back onto our farm to finish your ride with a welcoming hot drink or cold beverage.

*Depending on the weather, you might instead venture into the Dart Valley today – the views and scenery are equally as rewarding.

Transfers to and from your Queenstown hotel accommodation are included in the price (on day one and day five). To avoid travel delays, we ask that all guests arrive and stay in Queenstown (at their own expense) the day before the ride begins, so you’re ready for collection between 9 – 9.30am on day one. 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 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, you will need to make your way to a specified central location for pick up.