Horseback Riding Vacations in New Zealand

Why tour New Zealand on horseback?

New Zealand (in Maori, Aotearoa or “Land of the Long White Cloud”) is an amazing, mysterious and unknown country full of places that will blow your mind, because of its natural wonders and, of course, its ancient culture that is still present today.

On horseback is one of the best ways to discover New Zealand in depth, from beaches stretching as far as the eye can see to snow-capped volcanos and charming native forests.

Maori culture is an essential part of life in New Zealand, and its influence can be seen in everything: from its gastronomy and traditions to the language.

The Maori are believed to have been the first inhabitants of New Zealand. They lived in isolation for centuries and created an original culture. The Maori people have always had a special connection to the natural environment and spirituality has always occupied an important place in their life.

Haka, the warrior dance

Maori warriors were middle class and in the chronicles of the early explorers, they were described as brave, savage and ferocious.

The "haka" was the ancient dance that Maori warriors danced before they entered battle. With this intimidating tribal dance composed of songs and screams, they showed their power, their bravery and their strength. This dance has been preserved to this day and is usually performed before sporting events such as rugby.

Immerse yourself in Maori culture as you ride from coast to coast through forests!

Some interesting facts about New Zealand

Geography

New Zealand is a beautiful island country that comprises two main landmasses and several smaller islands, in southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Its beauty is well known and its landscapes are a spectacular mix of mountains, glaciers, fiords and fast-flowing rivers. There are also gentle meadows, tranquil lakes and evergreen forests.

The South Island, called by its inhabitants as “The Main Land”, is the largest island of New Zealand and is divided by the massive Southern Alps, with 18 peaks above 3,000 meters and Mount Cook (3,754 m) is the highest of them.

In the forest covered mountains of the South Island, we can find several national parks. To the east of the Southern Alps is the rolling farmland of Otago and Southland, and the vast, flat Canterbury Plains.

The mythical Middle-earth of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogies, by Peter Jackson, used the majestic Mount Victoria in Wellington (South Island), Fiordland National Park and Southern Lakes for epic scenic shots.

The climate on both islands is predominantly temperate, but some parts of the South Island have a cooler and cloudier climate.

Wellington, its capital, is located at the southern tip of the North Island and is the southernmost national capital in the world. With a population of about 200,000 people, it is the third-most populous city in the country, after Auckland and Christchurch.

Flora and Fauna

The large amount of rain that falls in New Zealand, in addition to many hours of sunshine, make the country have an exuberant and diverse flora, where 80% of the flora is native.

You´ll be awed by the country’s majestic native evergreen forests that include rimu, totara, many varieties of beech, and the largest native tree of them all, the giant kauri.

Since New Zealand separated from Australia, unique wildlife has evolved, and wings became unnecessary for some birds, such as the kakapo parrot or the famous kiwi.

The kiwi is the national symbol of New Zealand. Is a nocturnal flightless bird with nostrils at the end of its large beak.

As for marine life, New Zealand also has a wide variety of aquatic mammals. The small Hector’s dolphin is considered the world’s rarest dolphin and only found in the waters of New Zealand.

Equestrian tourism in Nueva Zelanda

Riding allows you to go back to nature and enjoy the solitude and harmony of these extensive desert regions. You can choose from rides along white sand beaches or with the backdrop of snow-capped and dormant volcanos.

Discover on horseback the plantations and beaches of the Dunedin Region, the beauty of the beaches and forests of South Kaypara Head, or the rural areas of the country.

Now, for those who love long trips and rides around rugged mountains, snow-capped and dormant volcanos, where the air and the sky are cleaner, New Zealand offers them the opportunity to enjoy their horseback riding holidays in the South part of the country.

In the South, there is Lake Tekapo, a small town located at the southern end of the lake of the same name in the Canterbury Region. No wonder horse riding in New Zealand and exploring its untouched wilderness are exciting experiences. The lake is a popular tourist destination, with gorgeous views from its shores, which you can explore on horseback – an unforgettable experience!

This amazing country, with its thrilling geography, changing climate, surprising wildlife and rich culture, is an excellent horse riding destination. Consider it when you plan your next horseback riding vacations.

Equestrian tourism outfitters in New Zealand

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken

Hare Hill Horse Treks

Hare Hill is a lovely 24-hectare farm located in Deborah Bay on the north side of the Otago Harbour, only 20 minutes’ drive from Dunedin.

Offer horse treks and horse-riding lessons suitable to all riding levels, from the beginner right through to the more advanced riders.

As passionate horse people, Oliver Goldsmith and his team take great pride in the health and well-being of their horses, and in providing fun and safe riding experiences.

Since they are very committed to sustainability, they want their business to leave the environment, where they work, in better shape than before they started.

Towards this goal, they pay attention to encouraging the regeneration of native forest and wet lands, and pay close attention to horse nutrition and welfare.

They offer half-day rides, but if you combine them, you can spend up to 6 days in Dubin enjoying their horse riding services.

Another option is to take riding lessons. These lessons can be from one to three hours per day. They are usually one on one but they can cater for larger groups if required.

Lessons range from basic horsemanship concepts for first timers to technique and practice reinforcement for experienced riders in flat work and cross country.

There is more information about them on their web site: www.horseriding-dunedin.co.nz.

Baton Run Adventures

They are located near Kahurangi National Park, you have the option of exploring 5 valleys bordering the park.

The Baton Run Farm has 1,011 hectares and has been in the Lublow family for 3 generations.

Gustav Johan Frederick Lublow, a tailor by trade, bought the farm in 1906 believing there was gold to be found. He never found it and the mystery of whether there is gold on the property continues today. Fiona and Richard can share some of the stories associated with this local legend.

Landscapes vary and you will wind through native bush, listening to the native song of the Tui and Bell Bird, and canter across green fields in this wild area of New Zealand, surrounded by majestic mountains, including Mount Arthur.

Its horses

Fiona has chosen horses she loves to ride. The herd comprises Arabs, Clydesdale Cross, Stationbred and Irish Hunters.

She takes the time to get to know each horse and often takes him or her out to local competitions.

Because of this, they are not just trekking horses but horses that Equestrian Tourism keen riders will enjoy.

Its routes

Baton Run Adventures offers an extraordinary experience and it is an option for this corner of the world that should be taken into consideration:

• Their rides are guided by the owner, Fiona.
• Range from one to three-day treks.
• For experienced equestrians only – riders that can mount without aid and can trot and canter with confidence.
• Riders age limit ranges from 12 to 65 years.
• They take small groups of five people or less, and customize their rides according to their riders’ requirements.

No matter how much riding experience you have, they provide a choice of horses, rides and landscapes to ensure a horse trek adventure that you’ll enjoy.

Each day on the trail on some of their beautiful and well-trained horses ends at their exclusive accommodation, Backcountry.

All food is country style cooking and they use meat from their own farm, including honey cured bacon, a must if you stay here! They also grow their own vegetables and can cater for vegetarians.

If you want to know more about them, visit their website: www.nelsonhorsetreks.co.nz.

South Kaipara Horse Trecks

They are located in South Kaipara Head, one of the most beautiful and untouched areas of New Zealand, with spectacular 180-degree views of the Kaipara Harbour.

Also graze two other farm blocks, located on the southern side of the peninsula. The owners, Rod and Bev, live on their 97-hectare (240 acre) homestead farm "Innisfree", which has been in the family for three generations. The farm carries 200 breeding cows and 800 sheep.

Covering a total of 291hectares (720 acres) and dotted with lakes, these are the areas where you will be riding.

Stockwork is an interesting alternative that they offer and it will allow you to join in some activities like livestock breeding, movement of livestock to new pastures and vaccination, depending on the time of the year you visit them.

Working with your horse in these rural activities you’ll understand why they say that when a rider and a horse work together they are not a team – they become one. Connected at all levels, performing the same things, taking care of each other and having a good time despite the roughness of what they are doing.

Its horses

Their well-trained horses are matched to the rider's ability, and range from steady, relaxed mounts to speedsters that love to gallop on the sands.

Their herd is a mix of breeds: appaloosa, standard breeds and thoroughbred cross, all familiar with sand, sea, bush and lakes.

Tack is English, and saddles are Kiwi-made stock saddles.

Its routes

Their horse riding holidays give you the opportunity to explore in depth the uninhabited beach, green fields, cool forest, dramatic sand dunes and picturesque lakes.

Route characteristics:

• Ideal for adventurous riders who wants something "more than just another trail ride".
• These treks are normally 3 to 5 days in length, but they can customise the itinerary.
• Their maximum is 8 riders per group. If your group is 4 or more you have the guide to yourselves.
• Normal riding times is 5 to 7 hours per day, but perhaps you would prefer to ride for shorter periods spread over a couple more days.
• If a rider has a partner who does not ride, they are welcome to come on the picnic lunches and share in the accommodation.

They also cater for non-riding partners. Alternatively, there are plenty of nearby activities for their enjoyment such as golf, natural hot pools, fishing, harbour cruising etc.

All meals are of the highest quality, specialising in local New Zealand produce - seafood, venison, lamb, beef and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian meals or special diets can be provided on request.

You can find more information about them and their programs, if you visit their web site: www.horserides.co.nz.

Alpine Horse Safaris

They are located in the South Island of New Zealand, near stunning Lake Tekapo. They offer the most rides in the country.

Lawrie and Jenny O'Carroll are the owners of Waitohi Downs, home of Alpine Horse Safaris. They have lived here now since 1981, and have been running the horse safari business as a husband and wife team since 1992, when they launched Alpine Horse Safaris, taking guests away for rides ranging from 2 hours to 12 days.

Their Riding Safaris

At Alpine Horse Safaris, they offer day rides and different multi-day safaris:

• The Valley Camp: This 2-day trip takes us around the track to the influx of the Mandamus River into the Hurunui River. We ride over the saddle to Glencoe River, passing deer fenced paddocks where deer can be seen.
• The Explorer: These 3, 4 or 6-day trips are arranged to suit the person who wants an exhilarating experience but has limited time. Any one of these horse rides you choose, takes you past some of the most spectacular scenery viewed on the longest safaris.
• St. James Ada Valley Safari: This 11-day safari is one of the longest in New Zealand. Trail riding along the river where you can discover local wildlife.
• The Tekapo Main Divide Expedition: This is New Zealand’s longest ride. In 12 days, this safari travels through some famous high country stations and crosses some of the largest rivers in the South Island of New Zealand.

Basic information about safaris of 6 or more days:

• The groups comprise a minimum of 5 riders and maximum of 12 riders.
• An intermediate riding level is required and riders must be in excellent physical condition.
• Since their routes are inaccessible for vehicles, they usually take 8 or 10 pack horses away with them, and each of them. They use the traditional method of packing the horses, always ensuring that the weights on either side are even and well spread out between the horses
• The saddles they use are all of the Australian Stock Saddle design, (All are made in New Zealand) some being Sid Hill saddles.
• On their rides, they carry First Aid Kits for both humans and horses. Each guide always has a current Red Cross, First Aid Certificate, and they always carry a satellite telephone, locator beacon, GPS as well as flares.

Learn more about this challenging expedition and their other rides on the web site: www.alpinehorse.co.nz.

Spectacular glaciers, picture-postcard fjords, rugged mountains, vast plains, extensive hills, subtropical forests, a volcanic plateau and miles of coastline with wonderful sandy beaches... see all this and more on your horse riding holidays in New Zealand.

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don't know where to start?

Download our free eBook “How to plan your next horseback trip” which will help you organize your next horse riding holidays in a simple and clear way. We will give you all the necessary guidelines throughout the whole booking process, and tell you what you should take into account once your holidays have started.