Dart Stables, Glenorchy Horse Riding
Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, at the head of Lake Wakatipu lies Glenorchy, gateway to New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park.
It's a place of stunning beauty, immortalized in the world of famous Lord of the Rings trilogy, and it's the home of Dart Stables.
Since 1992 Dart Stables has offered horseback riders a range of experiences from short treks across the Dart and Rees rivers to day long rides up to the beautiful and tranquil Paradise Valley.
Dart Stables have exclusive horse riding rights to Paradise station which was chosen by Peter Jackson as the location for several scenes from the Lords of The Rings trilogy, including Isengard, Amon Hen and "The Death of Boromir" scene from The Fellowship of The Ring film.
More recently Paradise has also been used as a location for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones" and the new Hugh Jackman film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine".
Dart Stables Offers:
- Tutoring and encouragement for beginner riders
- More experienced riders the opportunity to ride to their own ability
- Fully trained, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides
- Over 50 horses of various breeds, cared for by a dedicated team of horse lovers
- At least one guide to every five riders
- Complimentary wet weather gear, safety helmets, gloves and boots
RIDING OPTIONS - Dart Stables offers a variety of riding options to suit everyone, from first timers to those who have been riding all their life! To ensure clients enjoy themselves regardless of their ability, we provide a guide to client ratio of at least 1 to 5.
Our team of experienced guides will assess each client's riding experience and ability when allocating horses, and instruction will be provided to first timers or to those less experienced. Our guides are keen to instruct those willing to learn and will provide every opportunity for the experienced to ride to their own ability. Please note for the health and well being of our horses there is a weight limit of 95kg (210lbs or 15 stone).
When making a booking please ensure that you confirm your riding ability, your weight and your height as accurately as possible, so we can match you to a suitable horse.
Choose from our range of scheduled rides. Exclusive rides and large group rides are also available on request.
Prices valid to 30th April 2012
The River Wild - A beautiful 2 hour ride along the delta flats, crossing the Rees and Dart Rivers at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This ride is suitable for all riding abilities, from complete novice to lifetime rider. There are several river crossings, with the opportunity for the more experienced rider to canter whilst beginners are tutored.
- Price: With return transport from Queenstown ( 8.30am & 1.30pm ) Adult - NZ$ 149 p.p | Child - NZ$ 139 p.p.
- With your own transport to Glenorchy ( 9.15am & 2.15pm ) Adult - NZ$ 129 p.p | Child - NZ$ 119 p.p.
The Trilogy Loop - Follow the trail of Saruman’s army as they departed Isengard on this epic 3 - 3½ hour ride. With breathtaking views of The Misty Mountains, Wizards Vale and the Mighty Methedras, the Trilogy Loop encompasses both the Rees and Dart River Valleys.There are several river crossings and magnificent views towards the head of Lake Wakatipu with plenty of opportunities for some faster paced riding. For experienced riders only.
- Price: With return transport from Queenstown ( 8.30am) $189 pp
- With your own transport to Glenorchy ( 9.15am ) $169 pp
The Ride of the Rings - Be transported to Middle-Earth astride your own steed! Following the beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing Ithilien and stopping en-route to admire The Misty Mountains, you eventually arrive in Paradise where your 1½ hour ride starts. Winding through the golden woods of Lothlórien, passing Amon Hen, the track opens up and the 'Golden Mile' begins. From here the views of the Wizard's Vale and the mighty peak of Methedras are breathtaking.
Probably the most scenic horse ride in the world, and a must for The Lord of the Rings' fans. It is a slower pace ride suitable for beginner riders.
- Price: with return transport from Queenstown (8.30am & 1.30pm). Adult - NZ$ 169 p.p | Child - NZ$ 159 p.p (There is no self drive price).
The River & Rings - Two great rides in one day! Combine The River Wild and The Ride of the Rings in one day, with time in between to enjoy Glenorchy’s tranquil township.
- Price: with return transport from Queenstown (8.30am & 1.30pm). Adult - NZ$ 279 p.p | Child - NZ$ 269 p.p (There is no self drive price).
The Loop &B Rings - Two great rides in one day. Combine the Trilogy Loop with the Ride of the Rings in one day, with time in between to enjoy Glenorchy’s tranquil township. For experienced riders only.
- Price: with return transport from Queenstown (8.30am). $309 pp (No child rate or self-drive price.)
A Day in Paradise - A stunning 5 to 6 hour ride to either Paradise Estate or the Rees Valley. The scenery is second to none. A reasonable level of fitness and riding experience is required. The ride leaves subject to minimum bookings. A picnic lunch is included. A Day in Paradise is not one of our scheduled daily rides but is available by arrangement.
Overnight in Paradise - A two day ride takes you to Paradise Estate, a 5-6 hour ride. Accommodation is provided in wooden cabins set in Paradise's untouched beech forest. The following day, another 5-6 hour ride takes you home via The Golden Mile.
A reasonable level of fitness and riding experience is required. Accommodation and all meals are included. The ride leaves subject to minimum bookings on the dates below.
Price: With return transport from Queenstown (8.30am) NZ$ 715 per person. With your own transport to Glenorchy (9.15am) NZ$ 695 per person (No child rate. Prices valid until 30 April 2012)
Dates of Forthcoming Trips:
- 13th Sept 2011
- 28th Sept 2011
- 26th Oct 2011
- 10th Nov 2011 (Full Moon)
- 24th Nov 2011
- 30th Nov 2011
- 8th Dec 2011
- 22nd Feb 2012
- 8th March 2012 (Full Moon)
- 22nd March 2012
- 3rd April 2012
- 30th April 2012
Dart Stables, Glenorchy Horse Riding Enquiry Form
Address:
58 Coll Street
Glenorchy
Phone: +64 3 442 5688
Freephone: 0800 4 743464
Fax: +64 3 442 6045
Web: Visit website
Shop Address: 26 Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand