Price
Experience
Strong Intermediate & Experienced
Duration
5 Days, 4 Night
Minimum Age
10 years old
Weight Limit
95kg
The Quintessential Back Country Experience
Please book directly through Globe Trotters, our trusted boutique equestrian travel agents and administrator for this fabulous Glenorchy back country 5-days, 4-night trek.
With five days of unrestricted hours in the saddle, this ride has it all – from exhilarating canters through untouched land, swimming horses through glacial fed streams, wandering through native beech forest, ride amongst the snow capped mountain ranges and explore the fantasy based landscapes that have inspired some of New Zealand’s biggest Hollywood blockbuster films.
High Country Horses have exclusive access to some of Glenorchy’s most Iconic scenery, stretching over 100,000 acres of pristine back country, from the Dart Valley, Paradise through to the Rees Valley with Mount Alfred sitting in the middle.
Day One, guests will stay at Rees Valley Station’s shearer’s quarters on day one. Rees Valley Station is a 37,000 acre working Merino sheep, and Hereford beef station that borders World Heritage listed Mt Aspiring National Park.
On Day Two and Three, we explore the Rees Valley with its glacial fed rivers and wild, untamed beauty. Accommodation is beside Arthurs Creek Musterer’s Hut, where it’s back country camping at its best. Think waterfalls, starry nights and silence.
On Day Four, cruise through enchanted landscapes made world-famous from blockbuster movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mission Impossible and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. The last night is at Miller’s House, a historic, bespoke guest house set within Paradise (quite literally)!
Day Five, the final day of your riding holiday where you’ll venture from Paradise through the mouth of Lake Diamond and ascend the southern side of Mount Alfred. At the top of the track you’ll be able to take a moment and contemplate where and what you have just experienced in the last few days. As far as the eye can see and further is where you have traversed from your sure-footed station horse. Your ride will pass the Dart Bride featured in the recent NZ drama One Lane Bridge before heading back to base for a welcome cold drink.
The Glenorchy Back Country ride typifies everything we love about New Zealand.
All you need to do is get yourself to Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand and we’ll take care of the rest!
Testimonials
Tales to inspire: ‘This was my second on the Globetrotting Glenorchy Back Country Ride, and it was just as wonderful as the first one. I rode a wonderful little horse called Slim who was the real gentleman. The team did a wonderful job of matching us with willing, experienced horses who knew their job. I met wonderful friends and explored one of the most beautiful areas of NZ. The guides, Shaun and Joel looked after us so well. There was plenty of great food, and the accommodation was basic, rustic and clean. Put this ride on your bucket list!`
-Wow! 😍 How stunning are these photos from Rae Marie Gibbs? We can`t get enough 🤩 Thank you for sharing with us 🙌
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 ☝️🏇
✨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 ☝️
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: `Breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountains in the foreground whilst crossing pristine alpine rivers on magnificent horses! I rode Kumara, and I adored him. He was a very responsive, keen adorable horse with good pep in his step and a smooth canter. The guides were amazing and knew a lot about the area and the horses. They offered great hospitality and were always positive. A real highlight was swimming the horses bareback in the pristine, ice-cold alpine river. Just enchanting!`
- A big thank you to Aliza Venn for this fabulous feedback. We are drooling over that pristine blue river!
Tales to inspire: ‘It took me a few days to come down from the high I was on after spending five days and four nights on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride. What an experience! We crossed glacier-fed rivers, swam with the horses, plunged into a waterfall and circumnavigated snow-capped mountains. The scenery is jaw-dropping! Our guide, Sean, was incredibly knowledgeable and fun, and the trip was made even sweeter by the best bunch of funny, strong women, capable horses and many, many bottles of wine. I would recommend it to anyone who’ll listen!’ 🏔️✨
-👏 A big shout out to Lauren Hockey for her delightful feedback and cracking images!
Tales to inspire: ‘I was absolutely ecstatic with this trip! The meals were so good and fresh, and I was very happy with the accommodation. I had a horse named Roll, who was sweet as. Bijmin was a genius when it came to horses, with more knowledge and experience than anyone I know, and Gabby went above and beyond to accommodate us all. I especially loved the river crossings on day 1, and day 3 when we got to gallop! The value for money was excellent and I’d happily book with Globetrotting again.’
- A big thank you to Tenille Licari for such brilliant feedback on the Glenorchy Back Country ride in New Zealand 🏔️✨.
You can still snatch up a saddle seat on this deliciously scenic ride in 2023!
Check the link in our bio for more information or to book ☝️.
Tales to Inspire: `Could it get any better - a beautiful horse, incredible scenery, fresh air and no mobile phone reception for days. New Zealand, you blow my mind. I can`t say enough good things about our guides Sean and Gabby, and hiking up to Lennox Falls was another highlight. I`d recommend this trip to anyone.`
- The Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand was a stunning escape for globetrotter Samantha Philp!
Tales to inspire: ‘Do yourself a favour and get on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride. The scenery is breathtaking, the air is fresh, the water is clean and crisp and the horses are outstanding. You`re off the grid for the whole trip and can truly reconnect with nature.
Every day was a highlight - the scenery was incredible. Swimming in the glacier-fed streams and with the horses was amazing, too. Bonus: there are no creatures in New Zealand that can kill you!`
- We are so chuffed that Carolyn Seuberlich had such a magical time in NZ - oh, and that no creatures ate her, of course! 😂
Check out your perfect summer holiday via the link in our bio!☝️
We’ve traded in the campervan for horses for the next five days. Trekking through the Glenorchy Mountains, spending our first night in a cabin on a sheep station by the Rees River ✨Magic✨ #glenorchy #glenorchybackcountry #trekking #lovetoridelivetotravel #travelmanagerheather
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
we only regret the rides we didn`t take
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#highcountryhorses #adventure #freedom #glenorchybackcountry #mountains #wild #horse #riding #beauty #newzealand #nzmustdo
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
📍Glenorchy boat shed
#glenorchywharf #glenorchy #weekendadventures #southisland #newzealand #glenorchybackcountry
Tales to Inspire: `The Glenorchy Back Country Ride totally exceeded my expectations. My fellow companions became friends and our guide Shaun looked after us and our horses extremely well: a great cook with an extensive knowledge of the local environment and rivers we crossed, as well as the wildlife we saw. My horse Gizzy was a real star, honest and keen, exactly the type of horse I love to ride. A perfect match for me and probably one of the best horses I have ever ridden. The scenery was spectacular and we had great weather all the way. Thank you to everyone who makes these rides possible.`
- Raewyn Beale`s got us blushing with her fabulous feedback on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand!
#TravelTuesday If a 3 day horseback escape to the South Island of New Zealand sounds like JUST the minibreak you`ve been looking for, look no further! Globetrotters, we give you...
🌏🏔️🏇✨The Glenorchy Experience! ✨🏇🏔️🌏
Squishing all the very best bits of the legendary Glenorchy Back Country Ride into just 72 hours, this holiday 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.
Frequent departures are scheduled from September 28 onwards, and although it`s only open to New Zealanders for now, 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 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 to Inspire: `This was the trip of a lifetime for me and something I have been working towards for the last five years in line with my riding goals, in order to be able to ride through the beautiful Lord of the Rings high country. What I didn’t realise was just how breathtaking the setting would be in real life, and how outstanding the horses would be. Casey and Deana really have put together an amazing troop of horses that can cater to all manner of riders - we had a broad spectrum of abilities and experience in our group but it didn’t feel like that once we were out in the wilderness. I loved this ride - five days was a long time to be in the saddle, but every day there was something new and different to see and experience. To anyone thinking of doing this trip - stop thinking and just do it!`
- The Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand was a real-life fantasy ride for Jen Dalitz!
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 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 scenery was absolutely beautiful. I rode Dylan, who was very comfortable. Having not ridden for years, it took a few days to remember how to saddle the horse and get my seat back. I was the only one without a horse at home, but everyone was very helpful. On the whole I think I rode quite well, but experience does help enormously. We had a lovely friendly group of people, too. I loved hearing their stories of the different rides they`ve done. The guides were exceptional in their knowledge and care of everyone. It is a very well run business and I would highly recommend this trip to other riders - worth every penny.`
- The Glenorchy Back Country Ride was a perfect reintroduction to the world of horses for Gillian Thomas!
#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! 🌏🏇
🇳🇿 Kiwi globetrotters, heads up: you only have your fabulous backyard to yourselves for a couple more months! And what better way to explore it than by supporting a legendary local riding outfitter on an EPIC horse riding holiday?!
The rest of the world is champing at the bit to experience our New Zealand rides and we can see why - each of them offers a unique, authentic and totally immersive experience guaranteed to leave you breathless.
📷1&2: Glenorchy Back Country Ride, South Island - *NOT* available this season, but contact us to discuss next season! One of our most raved-about rides, this trip is a Lord of the Rings fantasy come to life (minus the monsters, of course!).
5 days, 4 nights. $3,285 NZD per person, twin share.
📷3&4: Twin Coast Adventure, North Island - January 13-17, March 24-28, April 21-15. Hosted by two of NZ`s top horsemanship clinicians, you`ll explore secluded and private pockets of the magnificent Twin Coast.
5 days, 4 nights. $2,995 NZD per person, twin share.
📷5&6: River Valley Ride {and her shorter sibling, the River Valley Escape}, North Island - limited saddle seats in Jan, Feb & March. Bitless, barefoot horses, High Country landscapes opened up just for you, family hospitality and real Māori culture.
8 days, 7 nights - $4,075 NZD twin share or $4,575 NZD single accom.
3 days, 3 nights - $1,800 NZD twin share or $2,040 NZD single accom.
Sound good? Head to our website to make this dream your reality! 🌏🏇
Tales to Inspire: `My friend and I had the most amazing holiday. We made a lot of good friends, and a lot of great memories as well. The scenery, guides, horses and food were all exceptional. My horse Gizzy was a pleasure to ride. Jess and Bijmin were very professional and friendly, and cared about us and the horses we rode. Nothing was a problem and they had a lovely happy disposition. I enjoyed every moment of the trip.
Thank you for letting us be a part of the Glenorchy adventure. We are both looking at doing another ride with the Globetrotting team very soon.` - Elisa Emmett loved spending time with a close friend on the Glenorchy Back Country Ride in New Zealand!
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
Please contact our awesome equine travel agent Globetrotting directly to book your spot on this world famous ride. You won’t regret it!
In order to fully enjoy the magic of this overnight ride you will need to be either an intermediate or an experienced rider with a high level of riding fitness. This means you need to be able to confidently trot and canter over uneven terrain whilst maintaining control of your horse.
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!
For the first night guests stay in bunk bed rooms with a hot shower and flushing toilets a short 1min walk away in a separate building. The next two nights guests will stay in tents with camp stretcher and swag) beside a station muster hut where there is a camp shower and a long-drop toilet. The last night guests stay at Paradise Homestead which is a historic, bespoke accommodation house with laze-about beds, hot showers, flushing toilets and kitchen.
Please check with Globetrotting directly for age requirements on this 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.
Please check with Globetrotting directly for their cancellation and refund policy.
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 New Zealand’s most formidable and famous filming location. You’ll be able to get an exclusive up close and personal experience riding amongst 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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