This gem of a holiday 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 host Deana and her team of guides 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, you will 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.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles and bridles. *Please be advised, a select few horses are ridden in Western saddles simply because they provide a better fit for that specific horse, but saddle requests cannot be accommodated. It is much preferred to match horses to riders based on ability. Thanks for your understanding.
- 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).
- Ride Length:5 days, 4 nights.
- Seasons:November to March.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. All riders MUST be confident riding outside an arena at all paces over uneven ground.
Please note, this is a hands-on ride. You’ll be expected to help with catching, grooming, saddling and unsaddling the horses each day. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Weight Limit:A strict maximum of 95kg / 210lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Minimum age:12
- Accommodation:For the first night, you’ll stay in bunk bed rooms, with a hot shower and flushing toilets in a separate building a minute’s walk away. The following two nights, you’ll stay in tents (with camp stretchers and swags) at a back country camp beside a station muster hut, with a camp shower and a long-drop toilet. The facilities are rustic, but clean - this is real camping, not ‘glamping’. The last night is spent at Paradise Homestead in historic, bespoke accommodation with lazeabout beds, hot showers, flushing toilets and kitchen.
- 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% interest-free 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. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
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

Alana R.
‘I had high expectations and hopes for this ride. For a few years now, I have wanted to book it but always missed out on a seat, and now I know why! This ride has it all: the most amazing scenery (from the moment you get picked up from Queenstown, it’s jaw-dropping), horses, and guides. The views are phenomenal, from the lush green rolling hills to the snow-capped mountain peaks. Our guides were simply superb! They were so knowledgeable regarding the area and the horses; they truly cared for the horses and us, and were sociable. They really made this the most enjoyable trip I have ever been on. I loved the river crossings, the lunch stops with a view, the long canters, swimming the horses in a glacier-fed stream, the laughs with the guides and fellow globetrotters, and most surprisingly for me, the two nights of proper camping at Arthur’s Hut. The peacefulness that came with falling asleep to the sound of a waterfall located at the back of the camp and being able to truly switch off was indescribable. Thank you!’

Louise V.
‘The Glenorchy ride was absolutely breathtaking; I can’t begin to explain how amazing this ride was. From the beautiful horses that were quiet, sure-footed, and fit—I wish I could have fitted my boy in my suitcase—to the knowledgeable and helpful guides, nothing was an issue. I rode Tank; he was a one-in-a-million ‘unicorn.’ I even offered to buy him, but was basically told to get in line! Our guides were all very knowledgeable and down-to-earth, making the experience even more enjoyable. I would not hesitate to do this ride again and again and again!

Shirley-Ann M.
‘The Glenorchy Ride was an amazing experience! The scenery was spectacular; the horses were safe and reliable, and the guides were knowledgeable about the history and the environment in which we were riding. They went above and beyond with the cooking and presentation of the food we were served, which was delicious! Our accommodations were comfortable, and Paradise was indeed paradise! Would I do it again? Heck yes!’

Patricia Y.
‘Wow, just wow! This was my first trip to New Zealand, and the scenery is simply stunning! The riding was fantastic, and we were fortunate to have just about perfect weather. Our guides were so knowledgeable and worked hard to ensure that the horses, the tack, the food, and the accommodations were all good. I rode Rusty, who was sure-footed and would get up and go when I asked but never got hot or pushy. Swimming with the horses is amazing, and galloping up the mountain on the second-to-last day was a memory that I’ll keep forever!

Dagmar S.
‘It was such a privilege to be able to ride my experienced, big, and beautiful chestnut gelding, Gizzy, through flowing glacial waters, up and down the rollercoaster forest near Mount Earnslaw, along tracks skirting the Rees River, over wide grassy plains and rocky dry riverbeds. Riding into the small village of Paradise, where we stayed in a fabulous and comfortable historic homestead, was special. Many thanks to our hands-on guides, who looked after the horses, showed us interesting tracks while looking after a bunch of diverse women, and explained the spectacular scenery of Rees Valley Station and the Dart River area. A trip to be remembered for a long time.’

Nina O.
‘Imagine riding these magnificent creatures as you explore the lush landscapes, stopping to take in panoramic views that will leave you in awe. One of the highlights of this ride is the unique opportunity to swim with the horses—a magical moment that will truly stay with me forever. It was like stepping into a dream! The beauty, the connection with the horses, and the adventure—I will never forget it! I rode an exceptional Clyde cross named Kumara; he looked after me every step of the way. I can be a very nervous rider at times, but on this horse, I didn’t feel nervous for a moment. His footing never failed to amaze me; all the horses on the trek were perfectly suited to each rider, and I can’t find any fault with them. This was a bucket list adventure that I will never forget. The memories made and friendships formed will last a lifetime.’

Lynette E.
‘Wow! What a magical experience. Open country, climbing mountain trails, crossing beautiful, crystal-clear rivers in stunning scenery. All three guides were very helpful, caring, and understanding; they were fun characters, good conversationalists, and very easy to communicate with. They were full of information and great cooks. I enjoyed all the accommodation; it was so fun camping out and sharing with others. That’s how you really get to know one another! Great people enjoying a common love and bond with horses—what more could you ask for?’

Yuen C.
‘Be prepared to be awed by breathtaking scenery and landscapes! Horses and riders were well-matched, meals were incredibly delicious, and the accommodation throughout the trip was fabulous and comfortable. The tents were clean and spacious. The accommodation for the last night (with nice showers!) was a great way to end. the guides were attentive and fantastic. Definitely go for a swim when the opportunity arises.’

Demi N.
‘What an amazing trip! I couldn’t rate it more highly; the views were stunning, with beautiful accommodations and lots to see and do. The guides were 10/10. They were all very knowledgeable (both about horses and the area/environment) and made the ride really fun. They put up with our crude jokes and outrageous personalities and were extremely accommodating. They all clearly are very passionate about their jobs and about the welfare of the horses. We had a fantastic group of ladies who were all solo travellers, except for my mum and me. The horses were awesome at their jobs and were so well cared for by the whole team. The horses were well-matched to each rider, and everyone’s abilities were catered for. I loved swimming with the horses and getting to go for decent canters when the track allowed. The final night at Paradise was also a huge highlight, as there was plenty to see, and I felt so relaxed there.’
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