Today you’ll drive to River Valley Lodge, arriving at midday or earlier. The friendly staff at the Lodge will check you into your twin share accommodation, then you’ll have a moment to settle in before enjoying a beautiful al fresco lunch with the Rangitikei River babbling and splashing from across the garden. With the introductions made and bellies filled, it’s time to get your riding gear on and head to the stables to meet the horses! Your host, Nicola, will teach you the art of riding ‘freestyle’ with your barefoot, bitless steed, then you’ll hit the trail for an afternoon ride to get you and your horse feeling comfortable and connected.

Returning to the Lodge, you’ll have some time to freshen up or take a walk to the river before the cooks whip up a generous dinner featuring fresh produce from the garden. The bar will be open should you wish to enjoy a beverage or two with your meal. After savouring the relaxed atmosphere of the Lodge and getting to know your guides and fellow globetrotters, your comfortable, cosy bed will be calling. Hot tip: the ensuites have in-floor heating! No frozen toes here, no siree.

After filling up on a hearty breakfast at the Lodge and packing your lunch in your saddlebags, everyone will head out to catch, groom, saddle and feed the horses. This hands-on time strengthens your relationship with your horse, but don’t worry, there’s always help on hand should you need it. Mounting up, you will explore the beautiful countryside around River Valley for a full day, with a lunch break in a shady spot along the trail. There’ll be steep hills, groves of native bush, rocky plateaus, sweeping views and rolling fields aplenty. You will be encouraged to ride your horse independently and intuitively, meaning that if you choose to do so, the opportunities to trot and canter are virtually endless!

Finally, you’ll arrive at your campsite and untack and turn out your horse. There will be a long drop toilet but no shower, although the gorgeous, secluded river is perfect for swimming. This is a hands-on camping experience, with everyone pitching in to get the campfire going, pitch the tents and cook a delicious dinner. As the stars twinkle high above, you’ll snuggle down inside your tent and rest up for another epic day in the saddle.

*BYO alcohol tonight.

Waking up to the sound of the river rushing past the campsite, you’ll emerge from your tent and enjoy a camp breakfast before packing your lunch and preparing your horse for the day’s ride. By now, you and your steed will have developed a close understanding and you’ll be able to stretch out into some long, windswept canters across the undulating hills.

Lunch will be enjoyed at atop Pukeoahu with views stretching for miles, before you spend the afternoon riding back to River Valley Lodge. It’s here you’ll say farewell to your steed, as this brings the riding to an end. There will be some time to relax by the water or take a hot shower before regrouping for one last hearty, home-cooked dinner with your fellow riders and crew. Plenty of laughs, stories and memories will no doubt be shared! Finally, rosy-cheeked and content, you’ll tumble into bed and dream of riding across the High Country.

After a final breakfast at the lodge, you’re free to depart at your leisure or linger a while longer.

River Valley Lodge has a range of activities on offer and is famed as one of New Zealand’s top rafting destinations. If you have the time, we highly recommend booking a half-day raft trip after your ride. Should you wish to enjoy an extra night at River Valley Lodge before or after your ride (at an additional expense), you’ll need to book this direct with the team at River Valley. Please email thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz should you wish to book any of these extras.

No transfers are available for this itinerary, so guests will need to self-drive. You’ll need to arrive at River Valley Lodge (266 Mangahoata Road, Taihape) no later than 12 midday on the first day, and you can depart anytime after breakfast on the final morning. Your car can be parked at River Valley Lodge for the duration of the ride.