Ride Overview

This amazing trail is the ideal short equestrian getaway into the pristine landscape of the New Zealand’s South Island, and is THE perfect way to explore the area around the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky International Reserve and Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Your super luxurious and comfy accommodation is a beautiful ski chalet with breath taking views in all directions – a treat when both riding and relaxing in front of the stone fireplace – you’ll not want to leave!

The riding is remarkable in all ways. It requires riders to be reasonably fit as it is steep and mountainous terrain and there are places that you may need to dismount and lead your horse up or down the steeper parts. The fun and sweet horses are bred on the property and are beautiful Shire cross Clydesdales and are the embodiment of healthy and happy trail partners. They are beautiful, majestic and are very sure footed.

The resort has 3 king bedrooms (shared or single) and 3 rooms with bunk beds that can sleep 6 with 3 shared bathrooms. And it’s sheer bliss to relax after your fun riding in the hot tub on the deck overlooking the Lake with the spectacular views.

The station is a working Merino sheep property; it runs approx. 5000 merino sheep over 8322 acres. It is the high country as it is up to 2100M above sea level, so this truly is the heart of the South Island.

For non riders, the area is also a dream – Bungee jumping, fishing, white water rafting, jet boating, canoeing, (skiing in
season), there are also scenic helicopter flights available nearby. Also, lots of walking tracks to discover, skydiving for the intrepid, winery tours, and golfing. There is also a relaxing boat cruise in Milford Sound – all near Queenstown. These fun activities do require one to drive or arrange transport as they are not walking distance from the station.

2026 Dates: Jan. 12-14
Rate: $1,980.00 USD per person shared or $3,300.00 NZD

Included

  • 3 nights chalet accommodation
  • 3 days guided trail riding
  • All meals
  • Horse and all tack
  • Guiding services
  • Transfer to/from Queenstown at pre set time
  • All local taxes

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Transfers outside pre set time
  • Activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay

Arrival Details

Independent arrival to Queenstown International airport. Depending on arrival, you will be met at one of two arranged destination and picked up at 10AM - please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the designated area for pick up.

The meeting place is at one of two areas, of which we will share prior to your arrival: Either outside the station building on the corner of Shot Over and Camp streets in central Queenstown - OR - Queenstown Airport.

We advise that you spend the previous night or so in Queenstown, to ensure you get there on time. Alternatively, if you opt to hire car and make your way to Lake Ohau, there is plenty of parking. Please be ready to ride on arrival to the farm.

It is approx. a 2.5-hour drive from Queenstown to Lake Ohau.

Day 1: Arrival and first day of riding (3.5-5 hours riding)

Arrive at the Lake Oahu Station woolshed for a delicious picnic lunch, nestled on the banks of Lake Oahu, get ready for the most spectacular scenery you will ever see, magnificent breathtaking mountains, overlooking pristine lakes surrounded by lush forests.

Meet your guides and your beautiful shire horse, get ready for a spectacular first day with incredible views of Lake Oahu, as you head over the vast range of the station down along the lower Maitland Valley in the Ruataniwha
Conservation Park.

Cut into the heart of the mountains , looking down into the Maitland stream and the stunning beech forests that cover the Maitland Valley, today’s ride is approx. 3.5-to-4-hour ride. The scenery is truly breathtaking from every angle - even these words alone do little justice to the majesty just below you.....

Heading back down the mountain to arrive at your accommodation, the horses are put away and you will head over to the deck for a relaxing soak in the hot tub overlooking the resplendent views spread out before you. Afterward, a nice glass of wine and some snacks await as your homemade two course dinner - with local farm fresh
ingredients - is being prepared. Your culinary senses are in for a true treat during your stay.

Relax after dinner getting to know your fellow riders in the comfortable lounge. If it is a bit cool there is a big log firepit to sit around and savor the local wine. Or maybe just behold the expansive clear night sky - as this location is close to Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, there is no light pollution so it is crystal clear and the sky is literally FULL of stars.......

The air is crisp, pure and clean - a perfect situation to try and spot the Southern Cross or Milky Way or even the Saucepan stars (if you're not familiar, you may have to google that one) once you see it you will know!

Day 2: Riding (5.5-6 hours riding)

Enjoy a homecooked hearty breakfast before you head out to saddle up your trusty steed for the big day ahead.

As you clover leaf the station on the daily rides (if you aren't familiar with that term, just ask us!) you will discover the changing scenery of the magnificent Lake Ohau from different angles, don’t forget your camera, as the sun captures the glistening water.

Lunch will be packed in your saddle bag, just don’t get tempted to eat it before lunch :)...

Head along the trails around the lake to arrive back at the homestead for your lunch from your saddle bag, sit on the verandah and kick back and relax overlooking those stunning views.

Relax for the afternoon, enjoy afternoon tea at the lodge or read a book, or go back to the hot tub for a soak and the views.

Dinner that night is a delicious high-country salmon sourced locally with farm fresh local ingredients. New Zealand is very well known for their clean fresh locally grown foods.

If the weather is a bit chilly, snuggle up with a good book and a glass of wine sitting by the open fire. Or head back out looking for that saucepan!!!

Day 3: Riding (5-6 hours riding)

After another hearty homecooked breakfast, and you head back out to saddle up for another breathtaking day in the saddle and exploring the picturesque Huxley Valley.

The ride today, along the Huxley River flows into the larger Hopkins River and spreads out over the river flats. You will ride through the cool beech tree forests with their unique fauna, explore along the river the local birds and wildlife before you head into a cool beautiful location for a lunch that has been prepared and is in your saddlebag.

Hopping back on your horse, you'll meander through the forest along the pristine and crystal clear water to arrive back to your luxury accommodation, back for a soak in the hot tub relaxing as the sun sets from the deck. Soak and relax with a local wine - as you may know, New Zealand is famous for their wines, for which we have a very fond affinity. (Either before or after the trip, you can visit many of the amazing wineries around Queenstown.)

Another amazing meal will be ready for you with a Kiwi farm style BBQ. A mouth watering two course dinner to delight all of your senses and give you the true feeling of this lifestyle and community.

Day 4: Departure

Wake up to a last breakfast with all your new friends. Your Driver will pick you up at 9.30AM and take you to
Queenstown arriving around 2 pm, depending on traffic.