3 Day Heritage Ride

3 Day, 2 nights

Embark on the ultimate 3-day ‘Heritage’ horseback adventure in Glenorchy’s Rees Valley. Explore breathtaking landscapes and stay in rustic backcountry huts.

Price

$1700.00 pp

Experience

Strong Intermediate & Experienced

Duration

3 Days, 2 Night

Minimum Age

14 years old

Weight Limit

95kg

The Highlight Reel of the Rees Valley

We have taken the very best of our five day ride to create our ultimate 3 day ‘Heritage’ ride.  With three spectacular days of exploring pure Glenorchy backcountry and two nights glamping at our NZ mustering huts in the heart of both the Rees and Dart Valleys, this is truly the finest Kiwi adventure on horseback!

Day One, meet your horse for the next three days, before crossing up the alluvial Rees River flats to our first backcountry Mustering Hut.  The Rees Valley Station is a 37,000 acre Merino and beef farm and has been with the same family for over 100 years.  The first night will be spent at the original Arthurs Creek Musterer’s Hut bordering Mt Aspiring National Park, with mountinous views to die for.

On Day Two, after a hearty breakfast, we explore the Rees Valley with its glacial fed rivers and wild, untamed beauty. As you cross around the Southern side of Mount Alfred, dropping down into the Dart Valley and finish in Paradise (quite literally).  You will spend night 2 in our cozy rustic backcountry hut “The Boiler Room”.

On Day Three, ride through the enchanted fantasy based landscapes made world-famous from blockbuster movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mission Impossible and The Chronicles of Narnia, before heading back to the horse yards for a well deserved beverage. 

Dates Available 
2023 – 2024

Availability is subject to change, please contact the team at High Country Horses to make your booking and confirm dates are still available. 

November 2023 7 – 9 November – FULLY BOOKED
21 – 23 November – Hurry! 1 Space left
28 – 30 November – FULLY BOOKED
December 2023 5 – 7 December – Hurry! 1 Space left
12 – 14 December – FULLY BOOKED
19 – 21 December – FULLY BOOKED
January 2024 16 – 18 January – FULLY BOOKED
30 – 1 February – FULLY BOOKED
February 2024 20 – 22 February – FULLY BOOKED
March 2024

5 – 7 March – FULLY BOOKED

19 – 21 March – FULLY BOOKED

Testimonials

📍Glenorchy boat shed

#glenorchywharf #glenorchy #weekendadventures #southisland #newzealand #glenorchybackcountry
With spring well on the way we will be kicking off our Multiday rides next month! 
Ranging from 1 day up to 5 days by horseback through the stunning NZ backcountry. 
Get in touch for details! 
Info@highcountryhorses.nz 
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#highcountryhorses #multiday #horse #adventure #glenorchy #queenstown #nzmustdo #camping #backcountry #glenorchybackcountry
we only regret the rides we didn't take 
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#highcountryhorses #adventure #freedom #glenorchybackcountry #mountains #wild #horse #riding #beauty #newzealand #nzmustdo
Affectionately known as "pride rock", how beautiful is this spot from our 5 day glenorchy back country ride!?
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Rees valley at its best 👌🏻 
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#horses #adventure #wild #nzmustdo #nature #beauty #mountains #highcountryhorses #newzealand #freedom #glenorchybackcountry
Affectionately known as "the gallop hill" how good does this look!? 
Day 4 on the #glenorchybackcountry ride 
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#highcountryhorses #gallop #adventure #horsesofinstagram #horses #wonderlust #mountains #scenery #nzmustdo #glenorchynz glenorchynz
Monday Meet & Greet – Deana & Duayne

We just ADORE these two guides – Deana Irvine and Duayne Insley – who run our Glenorchy Back Country ride through New Zealand’s exquisite South Island. Their enthusiasm knows no bounds and they literally bend over backwards to go that extra mile to make sure all their guests have the greatest experience possible. We just know you will love them as much as we do!

#Mondaymeetandgreet #globetrotting #horseridingholidays #lovetoridelivetotravel #horseridingNewZealand #travelNewZealand #Glenorchybackcountryride #exploreNewZealand #SouthIsland #Glenorchybackcountry #holidayNewZealand #horseridingholidayNewZealand #meetourguides
On the Glenorchy Back Country Ride you’ll explore the Rees Valley with its glacial fed rivers and wild, untamed beauty.

Music: Valleys by Pete James Johnson
Tales from the road: "The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was INCREDIBLE! Beautiful horses, delicious food, terrific guides and priceless views! This is a 'must do' if you want to experience New Zealand on horseback." - Audrey Tan is another happy globetrotter who has been lucky enough to experience the thrills of the Glenorchy Back Country Ride through the picturesque South Island of New Zealand!
#talesfromtheroad #horseridingholidays #globetrotting #lovetoridelivetotravel #globetrottingNewZealand #horseridingNewZealand #glenorchybackcountry #Glenorchybackcountryride #travelNewZealand #southislandadventures #experienceofalifetime #horseridingadventure #holidayadventure #seetheworldfromthebackofahorse
So, you know that ride we do in the South Island of New Zealand that sells out in the blink of an eye?
That one where you ride across pristine mountains and rivers for 5 days?
The Glenorchy Back Country Ride, yeah.
Well *[brace yourselves]* we've had some cancellations, and you know what that means...
🎉🥳 Last minute saddle seats!! 🥳🎉
This ride needs no introduction, especially after so many of our globetrotters have been sharing their AMAZING photos from the first rides of the season, so I'll jump right into the details.
January 13-17: 2 spots up for grabs!
February 24-28: 1 saddle seat!
March 2-6: 1 saddle seat!
You can save your spot by booking via the ride page on our website (link in bio)
Or if you'd like to chat about the details, feel free to get in touch with Kate (tap 'contact' on our Insta profile)
Get 'em while they're hot, globetrotters!
Tales from the road: "From the rainforest to the mountains and those majestic waterfalls flowing from the amazing Glaciers, the Glenorchy High Country surrounds were stunning in their diversity. Being embraced by so many soothing sides of nature every waking moment of our days gave me such joy and peace. So many magic moments are framed in my mind for always. My ride Gamble, little but so brave, youthful and with the kindest soul, she just made this adventure the best ever. I left some of my heart behind with Gamble and hoped she enjoyed my company as much as I did hers every day." - Wow what a wonderful testimonial about the Glenorchy Back Country Ride from globetrotter Shaunna Kelly!
#talesfromtheroad
Tales from the road: "My recent Glenorchy Back Country ride was nothing short of magical. Ten healthy, energetic and well-behaved horses, ten fun-loving, adventure-seeking ladies, five unforgettably fantastic days in the saddle, three experienced knowledgeable helpful guides, two owners who thought of every detail. All adds up to a Ten out of Ten!" - We agree with that rating too Sharon Rowles!
#talesfromtheroad #horseridingholidays #lovetoridelivetotravel #globetrotting #glenorchybackcountry #travelNewZealand #horseridingNewZealand #holidayNewZealand #bucketlist #horseridingadventure #seetheworldfromthebackofahorse #tripofalifetime #horsemad #horsestagram #horseriding
Tales from the road: "My trek through the Glenorchy High country will be one I will never forget. Globetrotting provided a highly organised, safe and unforgettable experience for those wanting to view the exceptional scenery from horseback. Deana, Duayne and their experienced guides made all this possible with their expert knowledge and horsemanship. Nothing was too much trouble, from delivering the cold bottles of wine to replacing the forgotten lip balm. My horse Buddy was a total gentleman, guiding me through some rugged terrain without any trouble at all. Many thanks to Globetrotting for providing this most wonderful experience. One to tick off the bucket list!" - You are most welcome Lisa Pritt-Gordon, stoked you had such a great time!

Interactive Trail Map

*Please note trails are subject to change and the interactive map is only a rough guide to one of our potential trails. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To book, please contact us directly via info@highcountryhorses.nz with your desired ride, date and number of participants. 

One of our friendly team will respond back with availability options, further information and a booking form to complete. Please fill out your form (individually) and send it back to us to hold your ride spot. Once this has been vetted by our team, you will receive our bank information to transfer your 50% deposit. As soon as we receive this fund your ride will be confirmed!

We will be here every step of the way to make this process as simple and easy as possible. Any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to reach out. 

ALL Riders are required to be Confident intermediate or Experienced Riders. This means, capable of staying balanced in the saddle, have an independent seat and capable of controlling a horse at a trot and canter easily in an uncontrolled environment. Due to the terrain, pace, and horses, we cannot accommodate to anyone with less ability sorry – we are strict on this! 

If you used to ride regularly but have not for a few years we strongly recommend building up some saddle hours before the ride. Your bum will thank you later!

This ride has varied accommodation depending on the time of year, weather conditions and size of group.

The Boiler Room: This quaint hut sits on the edge of Diamond Lake at the base of Mount Alfred within the Paradise Trust. This hut is fully insulated with a gas fireplace, eco composting toilet, and outdoor BBQ cooking facilities. This is shared accommodation, Sleeping arrangements are bunk beds able to sleep six people all together. This location is unpowered.

The Bunk Room: This location is a fully functional shearers quarters with the original cook shop and a new separate bunk room. The Bunk Room overlooks the Rees River across to the Paradise Valley and is fully powered with modern bathroom facilities as well as a full oven and kitchen.

Arthurs Creek Glamping: This is our most historic location, right at the edge of Arthurs Creek which features a stunning waterfall close by and pristine drinkable glacial water. The main hut is over 100 years old and is surrounded by semi-permanent glamping tents on wooden platforms. Each tent sleeps two guests with camp stretchers, swags, blankets and pillows. This camp site also offers a kitchen with gas burners and an outdoor BBQ. It has a gas califont shower along with an eco-composting toilet.

Our age limit for our Heritage ride is 14 years old, provided they have extensive riding experience and are riding fit. If your child is younger we recommend checking out our Rees River Ride. 

All children under 18 years old and MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The well being and safety of our horses is of the utmost importance to our team and weight limits are put in place to ensure their welfare is kept in accordance to the world horse welfare tourism standard. We are strict on this policy.

Please note that guests may be weighed at check in and then introduced to the horse that best suits your riding ability and weight.

  • A few sets of riding clothes (depending on the length of trip)– we love our riding tights here – light and comfy (long riding pants are a MUST)!
  • One or two sets of normal clothes (track pants/jeans/yoga pants etc).
  • 3 EXTRA pairs of socks/undies (better over packing then under 😉)
  • Riding boots and an extra pair of runners/hiking boots to wear around the camp sites (Jandles also recommended – that’s thongs for you Aussies!)
  • Short sleeve top
  • Long sleeve top
  • Thermals
  • Jersey/jumper
  • Swimming clothes/togs
  • Waterproof /Wind breaker Jacket
  • Gloves (riding)
  • Camera or phone to capture your memories (and a portable charger – there are very limited charging opportunities on our multiday treks)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block/Sand-fly repellent
  • Toiletries and medical drugs that you may require (Panadol, antihistamines etc.)
  • Warm PJ’s
  • Drink bottle (re-usable) we do not supply bottles as we are trying to lower our plastic use, but water is plentiful for you to refill your own bottles from
  • Extra snacks and alcohol (BYO) if you wish – No alcohol is supplied on this trip but you are more than welcome to bring your own

All booking cancellations 60 days prior to your trek date will be refunded in full.  50% of the booking cost will be refunded between 60 days and 30 days to your trek date.  No refund is available within 30 days of your departure date.

Why’s this? Because your ride has been carefully curated months in advance, all accommodation, catering and other expenses have been pre organized by us based on the individual needs of yourself or group. Late change fees and expenses are incurred by us and as such no refunds will be permitted after that period. 

If you are a movie lover, this is the ride for you!

The back drop of this ride has been featured in numerous Hollywood blockbuster films over the years. It’s not hard to see why, as you ride through fantasy based landscapes, mystical beech forests and around towering snow capped mountain ranges. 

You’ll be riding beneath the famous “misty mountains” in The Lord of The Rings looking up at the Dart Valley that was the epic location of the tower of Isengard. 

Rees Valley Station played host to Mission Impossible 6: Fallout, Walking with dinosaurs and Netflix’s hit ‘Sweet Tooth’ TV series, just to name a few.

Paradise is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful and famous filming location in the Country. High Country Horses have exclusive horse riding rights to this incredible location and prides itself on offering an up close and personal riding experience amongst authentic scenes from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The chronicles of Narnia, X-men Origins: Wolverine, Taylor Swifts ‘Out of the Woods’ Music video and many many more.

Most importantly… this ride will leave you feeling like you’re the star in your own movie!

Ready for the experience of a lifetime?

Multiday Booking
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