‘The Glenorchy Back Country Ride cannot be overstated… the scenery was absolutely beautiful and the horses were majestic. Our guides, Shaun and Dee, treated all riders with grace and respect. They were masters of their trade: outstanding back country cooking, as well as being very knowledgeable about the horses we were riding and the environment we were exploring! Each day in the Glenorchy back country provided a fantastic experience… river crossings, mountain trails, swimming with the horses, even time for a short hike up to the waterfalls. All of this made for a memorable holiday that I will never forget!’

‘There is a reason this ride is always sold out. It is spectacular. A new adventure around every corner. It was so beautiful and varied, from the carpets of blooming lupine to spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks, turquoise ribbons of water threaded across gravel river basins, and glacier-fed waterfalls cascading down mountainsides. Pictures can’t capture the wonder and awe the landscape inspires. Best of all, it was experienced on horseback. What could be better than that?
The guides were relaxed, extremely respectful, knowledgeable and confident. We were treated like pampered guests. Thoughtful touches were present throughout the ride. It was fun from the minute I stepped into the van on our way to Glenorchy. Wonderful conversations, fun times and lots of riding. This ride was everything I had hoped for and more.’

‘This was my second Globetrotting experience, and my first time in New Zealand, and everything about this ride and country blew my mind! The horses, guides, food and accommodation were all brilliant, and the scenery and landscape was MIND-BLOWING!
Thank you, Buddy, for sharing the week with me; we climbed up and down mountains, attempted a few jumps, galloped along the plains, and you took me swimming on horseback for the first time in my life.
I am already planning the Twin Coast Adventure for when I have time, money and my fellow NZ Globetrotters can come!’

‘This experience was incredible and challenging for me, but nothing can really prepare you for the landscapes and terrain we crossed. The ride itself is one in a million with the trails winding through valleys, rivers and traversing mountains. I loved the river crossings – I haven’t crossed rivers like those before. I also never thought I would have gone up such steep hills. The mid-week day being an optional day is a good idea as well, to help the muscles recover in both horses and riders. The horses were champions at river crossings and anything we threw at them! Jess and Natalie were absolute stars who kept us organised and safe. They both told us lots about the landscapes we were exploring and were fun to be around. The comfort packs were really thoughtful and the organisation of the trip was impeccable. Be prepared to eat extremely well!’

‘If you get the chance, DO THIS RIDE. The scenery is breathtaking, the horses fit, the food yummy and the guides brilliant. My boy Murphy was the perfect gentleman, and he had the smoothest canter! He got on well with all the horses and was a big sweetie. Our guides, Jess and Natalie, were brilliant. Full of information and very thoughtful, caring and helpful. Nothing was a bother, and they were a hoot!’

‘I had an amazing time on this ride. After tearing my ACL ligament a week before the ride, I was apprehensive about how I would cope with such long periods in the saddle, but given I had four friends travelling with me, I was determined to go! Shaun and Jess were so considerate of my pain levels and adjusted the speed of the ride accordingly throughout the day. I managed to ride every day and fell in love with my pocket rocket, Rusty. He took care of me throughout the ride and I was surprisingly emotional when it came to saying goodbye. It is something I will remember forever – beautiful scenery, icy glacial waters, bloodthirsty sandflies, great company, beautiful varied food (including a chocolate birthday cake on our last night!) and a lovely chestnut pony.’

‘Glenorchy was my second Globetrotting ride and to be honest, I was worried it wouldn’t live up to my high expectations after my first amazing experience! Now, in hindsight, I can see I had nothing to worry about. When we arrived I was assigned Snoopy, a beautiful big grey. He was cool, calm, collected and never put a foot wrong.
The riding was phenomenal – beautiful scenery, challenging cliff edges, mesmerising glacial rivers and glacier covered mountains. The guides looked after us very well, making sure we were comfortable, enjoying the experience and learning something along the way. They made sure to point out any film locations (Lord of the Rings, Prince Caspian, Mission Impossible) and gave everyone the chance to ride to the top of their ability and desires – some rode slow and steady, while others were hoon heads.
I went on this ride with one friend; however, by the end, I would say our group were all friends with a shared passion for travel and horses. It’s hard to get back into the real world after a great week like this, but I’m getting through by pondering what my next ride will be…’

‘A stunning scenic ride not to be missed. I loved every minute of it regardless of weather and temperature. Day three was my favourite – the weather was excellent, the scenery spectacular on the way to Lennox Falls, and swimming the horses was last minute on my part, but I loved it. I rode the chilled Murphy. He was such a gentle giant and I always felt safe on him. Jess and Sean were great guides, sharing their knowledge and love for both New Zealand and the horses. The entire team are a well-oiled machine. The care pack was a lovely touch and much appreciated. Finishing at Paradise was sheer luxury – a great way to end the trip.’

‘There is no better way to experience the back country in New Zealand than between the ears of a horse! What a fabulous five days. That last day riding back into the real world was so bittersweet! I thoroughly enjoyed this ride – the horses were in good nick, surefooted, willing and so well matched to each rider, our guides Shaun and Jess made us feel so comfortable, the scenery was epic and there was more food than you could poke a stick at! Just don’t forget your DEET!’