Dart Stables, Glenorchy

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.

Horse Trek famous movie set locations

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

Horse 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.

The Trilogy Loop - Follow the trail of Saruman’s army as they departed Isengard on this exhilarating 3 hour, 22km ride. Plenty of good canters, river crossings and spectacular views of The Misty Mountains, Wizards Vale and The Mighty Methedras.  For advanced riders only.

The River Wild - A beautiful 2 hour ride with crossing rivers and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The ride is suitable for all levels of rider and is the best option for mixed ability couples and groups who are not experienced enough to join The Trilogy Loop, but can, or want to learn to, ride.

The Ride of the Rings - This amazing 1 ½ hour horse ride starts at Paradise, 22km north of Glenorchy, overlooking a World Heritage Area. Winding through the golden woods of Lothorien, passing Amon Hen, the ride climbs to 2000 feet above sea level.  From here the views over Isengard, the Wizard’s Vale and the mighty peak of Methedras are breathtaking. Popular with movie directors, it’s a location used for filming scenes in Narnia, The Lovely Bones, Wolverine, Tracker and not forgetting to mention The Lord of the Rings and now The Hobbit! 

This is probably the most scenic horse ride in the world and a ride of a lifetime for ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans and movie buffs. As a slower paced ride it’s suitable for beginner riders.

The River and Rings or The Loop and Rings - Combine two rides, either The River Wild or The Trilogy Loop with The Ride of the Rings in one day at a discounted rate. These two options provide clients the opportunity, in between rides, to explore Glenorchy’s tranquil township and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the township’s cafes.

Dart Stables Rates for 2013/14 (effective to 30 April 2014)

• The River Wild - Adult: $135pp  Child: $125pp without transport. Adult: $155pp  Child: $145pp with transport
• The Ride of the Rings - Adult: $175pp Child: $165pp (price includes shared transport, there is no self drive price)
• The Trilogy Loop - $175pp without transport. $195pp with transport (there is no child rate)
• The River & Rings - Adult: $285pp, Child: $275pp (price includes transport, there is no self drive price)
• The Loop & Rings - $315pp (price includes transport, there is no self drive price or child rate)
• An Overnight In Paradise - $705pp without transport. $725 pp with transport (there is no child rate)

Address:

58 Coll Street
Glenorchy

Phone: +64 3 442 5688

Freephone: 0800 4 743464

Fax: +64 3 442 6045

Web: Visit website