Description: Imagine riding through North Canterbury`s high country including Molesworth and St. James Stations, viewing snowcapped mountains, alpine lakes, lush native bush, snow fed rivers and rugged countryside which will enchant and captivate you. Relax after an exhilarating ride with billy boiled tea and a hearty meal.

Satisfaction is guaranteed - our unequalled knowledge of the area and horses will ensure The Ultimate Ride.

Location: [map here] Waitohi Downs, Hawarden
Prices: $40-00+

Contact person(s): Lawrie and Jenny O`Carroll
Address: Waitohi Downs, Hawarden, North Canterbury.
Phone: +64 3 314 4293
Fax: +64 3 314 4293
Email: alpinehorse@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.alpinehorse.co.nz

Description: Glentanner Horse Trekking offers guided treks on a high country sheep station for beginners and more experienced riders.

The Treks vary in length from ½ hour to 3 hours, offering great views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki.
Treks operate on demand from November through until April, bookings are essential as availability may vary. Safety helmets are provided for all riders. Sensible footwear and trousers to be worn

Location: [map here] Glentanner Station, 24km South of Mt Cook Village
Prices: $35-$150
Season: November to April

Contact person(s): Helen Ivey
Address: State Highway 80, Aoraki Mount Cook
Postal Address: PO Box 23, Aoraki Mount Cook
Phone: +64 3 4351855
Freephone: 0800 GLENTANNER
Fax: +64 3 435 1854
Email: info@glentanner.co.nz
Website: www.glentanner.co.nz

Description: Join us in the Canterbury High Country, Ryton Station on the shores of Lake Coleridge, to travel through scenery that will take your breath away. Your nature encounter consists of an exhilarating ride in the fresh mountain air on a horse especially chosen with your needs in mind.

We cater for exprienced riders ,as well as first time trekkers.
Rides are from 1.5hrs to 5 days

Location: [map here] Ryton station 1.5hrs from Christchurch
Prices: From $60

Contact person(s): Noel Stanger
Address: 17 Acheron Avenue, Lake Coleridge
Postal Address: PO Box 8, Lake Coleridge
Phone: 03 318 5080
Mobile Phone: No coverage
Freephone: 0800 386 336
Fax: 03 318 5081
Email: noel@horsetrek.co.nz
Website: www.horsetrek.co.nz

Description: Have you ever Dreamt.... of a land of snow-tipped mountains, rolling green hills, river-slashed valleys; of ice cold sapphire lakes and dense bush ringing with golden bellbirds and tui under a clear cornflower blue sky? Where the loudest sound you will hear; over the tinkle of crystal water dancing across blue-grey river stone, is that of your horse cropping the grass in the early morning dew.

This is a land that has never heard the roar of traffic, the din of people, or been spoiled by the haze of pollution. It is pure high country of North Canterbury and Marlborough on the South Island of New Zealand – Heaven on Earth.

Hurunui Trails and Adventures will take you there, to live in it, breath it, taste it, ride through it and experience it. You will experience silence so dense you will feel you can almost touch it...

The spectacular scenery and the tranquillity will leave you breathless and "Refreshed in Mind, Body and Spirit".

Our treks vary from one - twelve days where you can experience riding on trails through working sheep stations into isolated back country, where the biggest crowd you will see will be a herd of cattle or a flock of sheep. Some of the places you can enjoy with us are: Molesworth Station, Clarence Reserve, the Clarence River and Kaikoura. Also the Hurunui River and the five spectacular lakes of Sumner Forest; Lake Sumner, Lake Taylor, Lake Mason, Lake Sheppard and Loch Katrine.

If you need to take time out and refresh your spirit, you’ve come to the right place. We have pioneered horse treks through some of the most spectacular wilderness in New Zealand for more than 25 years. We are the original multi-day horse riding outfitter in New Zealand. Pete’s knowledge and experience of the High Country is extensive having lived and worked in it all of his life.

We are internationally recognised for some of the finest treks available worldwide and have been featured in Horse & Hound magazine (UK), Horse & Pony (NZ) and many other magazines and TV shows worldwide. Ours are also the only New Zealand treks to be included in Julie Miller’s acclaimed book "Great Horse Treks of the World".

Our focus is on quality; whether you are staying in our cabin style lodge, barn style accommodation, or enjoy our high quality, luxury camping on our pack trips. Our food is all of a high quality, organic, with home-made breads, New Zealand wines etc (see our sample menus on our accommodation page).

Enjoy our well trained, level headed and sure footed horses as you ride through our world. Many of them come from the St James Station; others are crossbreds with Clydesdale, Friesian or Appaloosa bloodlines, or Connemaras.

We are based at "The Peaks", among the foothill farms of the Southern Alps, just 90 K from Christchurch International Airport.

Location: [map here] Approx. 1 hour North of Christchurch
Prices: $295.00 - $6995.00
Season: September to May

Contact person(s): Heather or Pete
Address: 757 The Peaks Road, Hawarden
Phone: 03 314 4500
Mobile Phone: 027 314 5029
Fax: 03 314 4500
Email: info@nztreks.co.nz
Website: www.nztreks.co.nz

Comments: Bookings essential

Description: Farm stay for people interested in improving their horse riding skills, professional instruction on quality horses.

Treks available for different levels - flat farm land, willow trees and river, hill country to 300mts

Great views of the Canterbury Plains all the way back to Christchurch

All treks include basic instruction.

Complete beginners are always welcome at Kowhai.

Over 80 well schooled horses available

Transfers from Christchurch, private rooms & meals included. Stay from 1 day to 3 months.

Location: [map here] 45 minutes from Christchurch Airport.
Prices: Various packages available. See our website for details.

Hosts: Chris Thomas.
Address: 711 Island Rd, Oxford 8253.
Phone: +64 3 3124 309
Fax: +64 3 3123 079
Email: ride@kowhai.co.nz
Website: www.kowhai.co.nz

Comments: Qualmark approved visitor activity.
Single day tour also available, includes pick up from Christchurch, riding lesson with a professional instructor, lunch and scenic farm trek for $250.00 per person. Senior Instructor holds NZEF Grade 2 certificate.
Credit cards & EFTPOS accepted.

Description: Enjoy a horse trek through the spectacular Mackenzie Country. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Choose from a 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, Half Day, Full Day or overnight trek.

We cater for all levels of riders and can arrange shorter rides for children.

Location: [map here] Five minutes south of Lake Tekapo
Prices: From $45

Contact person(s): Sam Bray
Address: Godley Peaks Road, Tekapo
Postal Address: PO Box 113, Lake Tekapo
Phone: 0275 444 880
Mobile Phone: 0275 444 880
Freephone: 0800 628 269
Email: maht@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.maht.co.nz

Comments: We provide transport from Lake Tekapo accommodation.
Eftpos and credit cards are accepted.

Description: Come and enjoy a horsetrek through the peaceful atmosphere of the Canterbury foothills! We are located in Glentunnel, 2kms from the main Highway, 35 minutes from Christchurch.

We operate throughout the whole year. Treks are kept to a comfortable number to ensure your enjoyment and safety, and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Our horses are good natured and no riding experience is necessary. Treks available from 1 hour up to 2 days with overnight stay.

We ride through farm land in the beautiful Canterbury foothills, offering riders magnificent high country views, rolling hill country and excellent river riding. Scenery that will take your breath away, making the trek a memorable experience. Pick up from Christchurch is available (minimum 2 people) and accommodation depending on number of guests.

Location: [map here] 2kms from the main highway, 35 minutes from Christchurch
Prices: $40+
Season: Open all seasons

Contact person(s): Denise Wright
Address: 241 Riversleigh Road, Glentunnel, Rd 1 Coalgate
Postal Address: PO Box 43004, South Terrace, 7541 Darfield
Phone: +64 3 318 2940
Mobile Phone: +64 212 561 919
Fax: +64 3 317 9698
Email: millslodge@gmail.com
Website: www.millslodge.co.nz

Comments: Pickups from Christchurch is available for $30 dollars per person (minimum of 2 people). Only cash accepted.

Description: "Build a Bond Beyond Belief"

We teach and apply the principles of natural horsemanship.

You will Learn:

• How horses think
• To overcome your fear of horses
• To communicate easily with your horse

We offer:

• One hour to all day treks
• Small riding groups (6 max)
• Mt. Lyford to Hanmer (3 days)
• Luxury rides from Sherwood Lodge
• Alpine Accommodation
• Lessons and Clinics
• Riding weekends

Our guides will will enhance your connection with your horse, using the horse`s own language, during a partnering-up session at the beginning of your ride.

Alpine Riding in the heart of the Alpine Pacific Triangle. We have a variety of trails through farmland, river valleys, and impressive beech forest with spectacular views. Our trails go as high as 4,000 feet, and we often go up to 3,000 feet.

Treks are suitable for adults, young people and children with all levels of experience.

Location: [map here] 145 km north of Christchurch, 21 km north of Waiau, 60 km from Kaikoura, 65 km from Hanmer Springs.
Prices: Rides from $80. Usual rides: half day $100, full day $220
Season: All Year Round

Contact person(s): Cathy Johns, Chief Trek Guide
Address: Mount Lyford Village - Inland Road Waiau
Postal Address: P.O.Box 13 543, Armagh, Christchurch
Phone: +64 3 315 6361
Email: kate@lyfordtreks.co.nz
Website: www.lyfordtreks.co.nz

Comments: All rides include gear: helmets, gloves, chaps, long riding coats, extra warm clothes, some riding boots, digital photo service, hand-out called "Prey Animal to Partner". Lunch is provided on day rides.

Accommodation in our log house, "Pokaka" in the Mount Lyford village amongst native beech forest can be arranged, with discounts to riders for the perfect holiday with horses.
Or stay at Mt Lyford Lodge right across from the horse trekking base at 1500 feet.
Mt. Lyford Horse Treks is operated by Kate Tapley Horse Treks

Description: Experience the dramatic scenery of Banks Peninsula on well-mannered, western trained Quarter Horses on our 309 ha sheep and cattle farm.

Ride safely on well formed tracks through serene pastoral land with spectacular views over native bush and the Akaroa harbour. Cross murmuring streams, pass native forest with ancient Matai and Totara trees. Visit a historic homestead site, watch grazing sheep and cattle. Enjoy the peace, quiet and and abundance of bird life.

Exclusive horse treks for 1-4 riders. Basic riding skills are required, not suitable for novices or children.

Privately guided, tailor-made rides for our house guests, 1.5 hours to full day treks.

Location: [map here] 10 minutes south of Akaroa
Prices: From $110. Backpacker Specials available.

Contact person(s): Eckhard Keppler
Address: 166 Haylocks Road, Akaroa
Postal Address: RD 1, Akaroa
Freephone: 0800 748 732
Fax: 03 304 7116
Email: onuku.heights@paradise.net.nz
Website: www.onuku-heights.co.nz

Comments: All riders are to wear long trousers, closed toe shoes and are advised to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen. A camera is recommended.
Onuku Heights Horse Treks provides protective helmets.

Description: "Build a Bond Beyond Belief"

We teach and apply the principles of natural horsemanship.

You will Learn:

• How Horses think
• To overcome your fear of horses
• To communicate easily with your horse

We offer:

• One hour to all day treks
• Small riding groups (6 max)
• Lessons and Clinics
• Saddle Club for children
• Demonstrations

Our guides will will enhance your connection with your horse, using the horse`s own language, during a partnering-up session at the beginning of your ride.

Treks are suitable for adults, young people and children with all levels of experience.

Location: [map here] Tai Tapu. 20km from Christchurch City Centre along Akaroa Highway.
Prices: Rides from $80. Usual rides: half day $100, full day $220

Contact person(s): Kate Tapley
Address: Otahuna Road, Tai Tapu, Christchurch
Postal Address: P.O.Box 13 543, Armagh, Christchurch
Phone: +64 3 3290160
Email: kate@katetapley.co.nz
Website: www.otahunariding.co.nz

Comments: All rides include gear: helmets, gloves, chaps, long riding coats, extra warm clothes, some riding boots, digital photo service, hand-out called "Prey Animal to Partner". Lunch is provided on day rides.

Stay at award winning Otahuna Lodge. Order lunch or a massage beauty treatment to compliment your ride.
Ride to near by cafes and wineries.
Stunning views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.
Riding through coastal native bush creek valleys and farmland.
All day riding at the beach.
Public transport from Christchurch can be arranged.
Otahuna Horse Riding is operated by Kate Tapley Horse Treks

Description: We offer treks from one hour to over night. Our trails go along the Rangitata River, crossing creeks where you are able to swim with your horse. Through the Podocarp forest, some of which is up to 1500 years old and up along the side of Mt. Peel where you can experience stunning views of the Canterbury Plains out to the Pacific Ocean.

All treks are lead by our very experienced guides who have a lot of local knowledge and who have been known to spin the odd yarn!

Safety is paramount to us so you can be sure that you will be well matched to a horse that will suit your ability. We welcome children as young as four years old or if you are confident we do have a dickie seat that can go on the front of Mum or Dads saddle.

Location: [map here] Peel Forest Horse Trekking is 1.5hrs South of Christchurch on the Inland Scenic Route (Highway 72) or 25 minutes drive from Geraldine.
Prices: Starting at $55 for an hour. Half Day with lunch $220. Full Day with lunch & snacks $450. Overnight treks POA
Season: All Year

Contact person(s): Bert How
Address: 105 Dennistoun Road, Peel Forest, Geraldine
Postal Address: RD 22, Geraldine
Phone: 03 696 3703
Mobile Phone: 027 246 4423
Freephone: 0800 022 0536
Fax: 03 696 3730
Email: info@peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz
Website: www.peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz

Comments: Pick up & drop off Geraldine area.
Visa & Mastercard accepted. EFTPOS available.
Bookings essential. Accommodation available.

Description: Located right next to the Waimakariri River we offer scenic rides encompassing farmland, woodland areas, river bed and river crossings (as the river permits). All this as well as stunning views of the Southern Alps and Port Hills.

We cater for all levels of riding ability and even offer Jet Boating adventures! Children are welcome as we have a range of very cute friendly ponies for the kids to ride too! If riding just isn`t your thing then how about a wagon ride instead or just chill out in our picnic area and interact with the friendly farm animals. In other words we have something for everyone at very reasonable rates. Bring your smile and prepare to have fun!

Location: [map here] 15 minutes from Christchurch city centre
Prices: From $55 for 1 hour to $140 for half day
Season: All year

Contact person(s): Erika and Stan McStay
Address: 219 Coutts Island Road
Phone: 03 323 9064
Mobile Phone: 027 242 7785
Fax: 03 323 9067
Email: smcstay@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.gohorsetrekking.co.nz

Comments: Return transfers from the central city are available at $15 per person. Bookings are highly recommended to prevent disappointment.
No EPTPOS or Credit card facilities at this stage.
Bookings and gift vouchers can be purchased online through our website