Price
Experience
Strong Intermediate & Experienced
Duration
5 Days, 4 Night
Minimum Age
14 years old
Weight Limit
90kg
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
Glenorchy naturally!! No they are not fake clouds…
#glenorchybackcountry #photgraphytours #paradise #lotr #privatetoursqueenstown #privatetournz
Mt Alfred overlooking the Dart River Valley. Paradise Discovery Tour #glenorchybackcountry #glenorchynz #paradisevalley #lotr #lotrseries #hikingnz #queenstownholidays #agritourism #privatetours #exclusiveaccess privatediscoverytours.co.nz
Glenorchy is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise! Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the rural settlement of Paradise further north.….. Isengard Lookout 🖖🏻 #newsealand🇳🇿 #paradies #glenorchy #glenorchybackcountry #isengardlookout #triproundtheworld #naturephotography #naturereserve
Tales to inspire: ‘This was my second time 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 🙌
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: `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!
... and of course I went for a horse ride 🐎🥰🏞
#newzealand #glenorchy #glenorchybackcountry #queenstownatnight #samsung
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!☝️
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!
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
✨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 ☝️
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 ☝️🏇
Affectionately known as "the gallop hill" how good does this look!?
Day 4 on the #glenorchybackcountry ride
.
.
.
.
.
#highcountryhorses #gallop #adventure #horsesofinstagram #horses #wonderlust #mountains #scenery #nzmustdo #glenorchynz glenorchynz
we only regret the rides we didn`t take
.
.
.
.
.
#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!?
.
Rees valley at its best 👌🏻
.
.
.
.
.
#horses #adventure #wild #nzmustdo #nature #beauty #mountains #highcountryhorses #newzealand #freedom #glenorchybackcountry
🇳🇿 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! 🌏🏇
📍Glenorchy boat shed
#glenorchywharf #glenorchy #weekendadventures #southisland #newzealand #glenorchybackcountry
This gem of a 5 day, 4 night itinerary is situated one hour from Queenstown in the cute-as-a-button, lakeside community of Glenorchy, New Zealand.
Music: Hold On by Taxi Home and Takeaway
#TravelTuesday The Glenorchy Back Country Ride defies description: there`s just something so magical about it. Located amidst the untamed peaks of New Zealand`s South Island, 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 landscapes that few are ever lucky enough to see.
Five days with a group of globetrotters who will feel like long-lost friends within minutes.
It`s SO popular that we have no less than 18 departures on offer this summer, from early November right through to late March!
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 🇳🇿🏇
Wednesday Wishlist: On the Glenorchy Back Country Ride you’ll journey into the dramatic, pristine environment of Rees Valley. Rees Valley Station is rated one of the area’s most scenic places to ride.
Music: Chemtrails by Semo
Wednesday Wishlist: The land of the long white cloud might be small, but it makes up for size in globetrotting goodness!
Music: Mentis Spiritualis by Alex Zado
The Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand gives you exclusive access to over 100,000 acres of pristine back country stretching from the Dart Valley through to the Rees Valley with Mount Alfred sitting in the middle.
Music: Keep An Eye by Back To Dream
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!
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!
ALL Riders for our multiday treks are required to be Strong Intermediate or Experienced riders. This means, capable of riding a horse at all paces, over uneven, complex terrain in an uncontrolled environment.
Riders must be balanced in the saddle, have an independent seat and capable of using aids correctly and effectively.
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!
Night #1- 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.
Night #2 and #3- Arthurs Creek Glamping: This is our most historic location, right at the edge of Arthurs Creek which features a 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 an eco drop toilet. It is unpowered.
Night #4 –The last night guests are in for a real treat! You will stay at the stunning Paradise Homestead, a historic, bespoke accommodation house with laze-about beds, hot showers, flushing toilets and kitchen. Guests also have the option for a professional massage by one of our professionally trained masseuses at extra costs.
This boutique accommodation is smack bang in the center of Paradise, the iconic filming location known famously world wide for its fantasy setting. You’ll be able to wake up to the most beautiful mountain view, sip a coffee surrounded by ancient beech forests and wildflowers, listen to the native birds sing and be refreshed and ready to ride!
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 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!
