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.
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
Loving this cute bikini I was gifted by awwathelabel - the bottoms are period proof 🙌🏻 If needed too!! I’m just wearing it coz I like it and the back is gorgeous!!.
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(AD) (gifted)
use Leanne10 for a discount
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#glenorchy #glenorchynz #glenorchybackcountry #awwa #awwaperiodunderwear #awwaperiodswimwear #bath #bathroom #motel #southlandnz #southisland #south #beautifulsouth #southislandnewzealand #nz #periodproof #tub #nzblogger #nzlifestyle_ #nzmade #nzbloggercommunity #nzbloggers #nzblog #nzcommunity #tattoo #tattoos
📍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
✨UPDATE: The Glenorchy Back Country Ride is a GO! ✨
For those of you who have long lusted after this legendary New Zealand holiday, try not to pee your pants when we tell you that we have NINE new departures up for grabs for summer 2023-24! 🥳
AND for those of you who just cannot wait that long, if you`re ready to STOP, DROP AND RIDE, there`s one spot up for grabs from December 5-9 - that`s right, next week!! 🏇
From riding through fields of purple lupines to splashing across glacier-fed rivers, this is an adventure you`ll remember on your deathbed.
It`s five days on the back of a horse you`ll want to smuggle home in your suitcase.
Five days with guides whose knowledge, friendliness and epic hospitality will blow you away.
Five days immersed in a landscape few are ever lucky enough to see.
Five days with a group of globetrotters who will feel like long-lost friends within minutes.
Ready to go on an adventure?!
Head to our website to learn more and book! The link is in our bio ☝️
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
Tales to Inspire: `If you are considering doing one of these rides, just DO IT! An amazing experience for any horse lover or traveller.
Every day was spectacular. My horse Dylan was perfect... a well educated, safe little Appaloosa Quarter Horse who looked after me every day. Our guides were skilled in horsemanship, cooking and conversation among other things, and went above and beyond to make this ride incredible. I couldn`t recommend them highly enough. The food was delicious and served in huge quantities - dinners were spent laughing and sharing stories together.
Just an all-round amazing experience.`
- Susie O`Neill was blown away by the Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand`s South Island!
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
Have you been lurking longingly on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride page lately, wishing you`d booked a spot before they all sold out?
Well TODAY is your lucky day - or more like your lucky hour, because you`ll have to drop everything to snap up the ONE saddle seat that`s become available from November 7-11!
Yep - two weeks from now, you could be riding a station-bred stock horse across eye-popping scenery in New Zealand`s untamed South Island, free at last from the pressures and distractions of modern life.
The Glenorchy Back Country Ride defies description: there`s just something so magical about it. You`ll be picking your jaw up off the ground on a regular basis as you traverse glacier-fed rivers, movie-star mountains (yep, really!), old growth native forest and sprawling, historical stations.
By night, you`ll spend two starlit evenings in tents with camp stretchers, swags, a hot shower and flushing toilets; and two nights in bunk bed cabins. The food is mouthwatering, hearty, served with generosity and made with love by your friendly, knowledgeable back country guides.
This ride is LEGENDARY among the Globetrotting community and saddle seats are as rare as hens` teeth.
SO if you`re ready to zip across to the South Island of New Zealand for an adventure that you`ll still be raving about when you`re grey and wrinkly, head to our website and grab this opportunity by the horns! The link is in our bio ☝️🏇
Tales to Inspire: `This is the 13th week-long trek I`ve done in New Zealand. Most of these have been on the `Great New Zealand Trail Ride`, on a mix of my own and borrowed horses, which was held in some pretty great North Island locations. This trek in Glenorchy, however, was by far the best I`ve experienced. Each day was better than the last. The location is just epic and magical, the horses are perfect for the job and seem pretty darn happy with their life, and the guides are delightful. They are passionate, patient, helpful, interested and interesting people. I would absolutely do this ride again in a couple of years and would be delighted if they were still there.`
- Wowee, we`re absolutely stoked that the Glenorchy Back Country Ride gets Nadeen Mitchell`s tick of approval!
Tales to Inspire: `The Glenorchy Back Country Ride gives you breathtaking views while riding great horses. Scenic snow-capped mountains, epic waterfalls, forests, canters along valleys while admiring glacial rivers. Our guides Shaun and Nat were very helpful and full of knowledge. They worked hard to take care of the horses and riders and prepare yummy food for all of us. I rode Tonto and he was such a star! Forward and calm with the sweetest personality. I will definitely choose him again if I have the opportunity to come back. I would do this ride every year if I could! It is fantastic and every day is magical, truly a memory for life. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Glenorchy, New Zealand.` - Caroline Holm seems to have found her perfect Globetrotting match in the Glenorchy Back Country Ride - and check out her photos!! 😍
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
#TravelTuesday Heads up, Globetrotters, we`ve had a cancellation on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride from November 11-15! EVERY ride for this season sold out within days of release, so you can bet your bottom dollar this saddle seat will be snapped up in no time!
The Glenorchy Back Country Ride defies description: there`s just something so magical about it. You`ll be picking your jaw up off the ground on a regular basis as you traverse some of the most dramatic scenery this country has to offer, and you`ll fall in LOVE with your perfectly-matched trail horse.
SO if you`re ready to zip across to the South Island of New Zealand for an adventure that you`ll still be raving about when you`re grey and wrinkly, head to our website and grab this opportunity by the horns! Link in bio 🌏🏇
Tales to Inspire: ‘The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was absolutely magical. The horses were amazing, responsive, well cared for and well educated. I rode the handsome Buddy, who was a bit of a character at the start, but by the end I wanted to bring him back to Australia with me, and I shed a few tears when I had to say goodbye. The ride was beyond beautiful and each day revealed more and more amazing views and experiences. Our Guides, Jess and Bijmin, were so incredible, friendly, knowledgeable, and fantastic horse people. I did the ride in early December, and riding through the lupin fields was one of the highlights, as well as splashing through the glacier-fed streams.
If you are thinking of doing this ride, go for it – you won’t regret it!’
- Brielle Hallett loved her time in New Zealand`s South Island and took some fantastic photos, too!
https://www.globetrotting.com.au/horse-riding-holidays/glenorchy-back-country-ride-new-zealand/
Tales from the Road: `The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was a special horse riding trip I will always remember. Being my first international ride, I was in awe of the beautiful countryside we rode through each day. Having 5 Kates and 2 Sheryls in the group meant there was loads of laughter and fun along the way. The group all bonded so well and new friendships for life have been made too. Thank you Globetrotting!! Your fine selection of rides and outfitters is just awesome!` - thank YOU, Kate Cadet, for letting us book your saddle seat on the absolutely epic Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand!
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!
#TravelTuesday Squishing all the very best bits of the legendary Glenorchy Back Country Ride into just 72 hours, The Glenorchy Experience is literally a highlight reel of everything we love about the South Island. From snow-capped mountains to glacier-fed rivers winding through volcanic valleys, the scenery will leave you gobsmacked.
Your hosts are born and bred locals who love showing off their homeland and their home-bred, perfectly trained horses. And with one night camping and one night in a cabin overlooking the aptly-named Diamond Lake, you`ll get just enough wilderness to feel like you`ve had a real adventure.
On the other hand, if you`ve been hanging out for the 2020-21-22 season full-length Glenorchy Back Country Ride departure dates, they`re now live on our website!
Frequent departures for both The Glenorchy Experience and the Glenorchy Back Country Ride are scheduled from now through to March, and although it`s only open to New Zealanders at present, as soon as the borders open, international globetrotters are welcome. So, Kiwis - get your skates on!!
Head to our website to learn more - link in bio! 🌏🏇
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 to inspire: `What an absolutely incredible ride. Not only have I walked away from this with my bucket filled, but I got to experience so many things I’d never done before! Swimming with the horses in a glacier fed river, diving into a pool of ice-cold water under a waterfall and cantering and galloping across the most incredible landscapes - I will cherish these memories forever. I went on this trip with the mindset that I wouldn’t say no to anything, would expect the unexpected and enjoy each day as it came. I’m so glad I did, because the newfound confidence in my abilities as a rider that this trip gave me is just indescribable.`
-We are so proud of Jess Roddam! She overcame some big metal blocks after a riding injury at home and found her confidence again on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand. ✨
Tales to Inspire: `The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was an amazing experience. We rode on well cared-for and capable horses that were more than willing to go out each day. I was a little nervous about the type of horse I`d have for the week, but needn`t have worried, as my horse Jungle was simply adorable! He looked after me so well and built up my confidence, even jumping a few logs. He was never silly or spooky, just a solid mount. Each day the was scenery was different; beautiful forests, river crossings and riding through long-grassed, open fields with mountains either side - it was fairy tale stuff! The guides were very knowledgeable about the countryside, horses and all the movies that had been filmed along the way. The food was plentiful; my daughter and I have dietary issues and we were catered for flawlessly at each meal, often with multiple options. I can`t thank Deana and Casey`s team enough for putting on such a great week for us. We will remember it fondly for many years.` - Christine Wallis and her daughter had a fantastic time riding together in New Zealand on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride.
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 to Inspire: `My Glenorchy Back Country Ride was sublime... beyond expectations. The horses were exceptional. I was allocated the most divine, well-schooled, spirited gelding called Doobie, and we bonded instantly, as did the other riders with their steeds. Spending time with these stunning horses was a gift. We had snow the night before our trek (capping the mountains), sunshine for a few days (flushing the lupines), rain one day (flooding the streams) and sunshine on our last day; the perfect mix for exploring this striking landscape. Plus, our hosts and guides were among some of the nicest people I`ve ever met - generous, warmhearted and highly skilled. They tended to our every need, providing nourishing meals, welcoming lodgings and inspired conversations. I`ve made so many new friends from the experience and I`m blessed to have made the journey.`
- And we`re blessed to be able to facilitate journeys like Marina Larcombe`s! The Glenorchy Back Country Ride is undoubtedly the BEST way to experience New Zealand`s jaw-dropping South Island.
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.
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!
The gateway to the untamed beauty of the Wakatipu Basin.
Your own personal guide and horses – Build your own ride.
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