Day 1 Arrival in Waikari, transfer to Hawarden for dinner and overnight at a local B&B.
Day 2: After saddling up we ride out from our base at The Peaks, up through the pretty Waitohi River. We cross into the Trussochs station and then follow the Waitohi gorge. We pass over some high hill country with lovely views before arriving at the Seven Hills homestead. Here we enjoy dinner with the family at the homestead and spend our first night there or in tents. Approx 5 hrs riding.
Day 3: After a cooked breakfast we ride over hill country and meet the Waitohi River again. We stop for lunch at the Mt Noble ridge before carrying on past a picturesque duck pond and into Haydon Downs, with views of Gola Peak and Mt Whitnow. We ride on to Mt. Noble Station, a High Country sheep and cattle station. We take care of our horses, enjoy cool refreshments and then have a barbeque dinner with the station owners. Accommodation is in a small cottage with optional camping in tents. Approx 7 hrs riding.
Day 4: After a hearty breakfast we saddle our horses and continue through Mt Noble station, rising up and over the spectacular Windy Ridge with magnificent views of the mountains in all directions. Then after following the road for a short time we arrive at the Seven Hills woolshed above the Hurunui River. From here we are transported to our accommodation for the night (comfortable cottage).
Approx. 3 ½ hours riding.
Day 5: Today we ride along the banks of the tranquil Hurunui River, under the impressive Hooligan Range with Mt. Mizar, Ben Cliberick, Phyllis Fell and Mount Catherine on the opposite side of the river. We lunch below Mt. Self beside the Hurunui, after which we ride across country again, up and over the Kanuku Saddle (approx.850metres.) with its panoramic views of the Amuri Basin, down to our base where we unsaddle, unpack, wash the horses down and then enjoy afternoon tea. Approx.5 ½ hrs riding. Overnight at B&B.
Day 6: Departure after breakfast and drop off at the bus station in Waikari.
Note on Accommodation: Please be aware that we are riding through and staying on high country working farms. The accommodation will therefore be comfortable but basic. Rooms may be shared with others on the trek.
Route can vary due to seasonal conditions.
Meeting:
Hawarden
Airport:
Christchurch
Transfer:
Hanmer
Passport and Visa Requirements: PassportsPassport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart.VisasNot required by nationals referred to in the chart above for s.
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... this list is only a guideline for you |
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X = Necessary |
Check List |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Comfortable trousers for riding in (jodhpurs ,riding jeans, track pants, men may like to wear lycra cycle shorts under their pants) |
X |
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Chaps ( we do ride through a lot of briar in places) |
X |
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Tramping / light Hiking boots with a heel and good ankle support or comfortable riding boots that are suitable for some hiking as well |
X |
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Warm woolen socks |
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Safety helmets are mandatory and will be provided |
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Riding gloves |
X |
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waterproof hat / sunhat |
X |
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Lightweight Rain coat |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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A warm change of clothes, if you feel the cold polyprop / thermal underwear is a good idea on Spring and Autumn rides |
X |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
X |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
X |
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Underwear and socks |
X |
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Pyjama |
X |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
X |
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sport sandals |
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Swimsuit |
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For Camping trips: |
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Sleeping bag ( A warm sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions) |
X |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal toiletries, face cloth and towel |
X |
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Soap ( please only use environmentally friendly soap & shampoo) |
X |
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Insect protection |
X |
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Personal medications |
X |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
X |
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Belt pack |
X |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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drink bottle |
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small torch and batteries |
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Plastic bags to put your clothes in |
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We supply full length stockman's type rain coats, saddle bags and swag rolls for the duration of your trek, and sleeping bags can be hired. Remember on our longer rides you will be travelling in the mountains where the weather can change very quickly, and a warm change of clothes is essential.
We recommend you wear sturdy tramping (hiking) boots as we will at times walk down steep hillsides.
Maximum baggage weight allowed is 12kg. (Including sleeping bag & swag)
We supply for the duration of your ride:
Horse, tack & guide
Meals and lodging
Oilskin riding coat
Saddle Bags (available for hire)
Swag Roll / Swag Bag (like a duffle bag)
Air mat.
You will need a sleeping bag while on the ride. Please bring your own or we do hire them out if you are unable to supply your own. Cost is NZ$40. Please let Hidden Trails know if you would like to hire a sleeping bag.
First and last nights in Hurunui Cottage B&B, tents, farms and musterers huts. Our trek menu is varied and sometimes includes venison and wild pork. We also cater for vegetarians.