Hanmer Springs Guided & Freedom Horse Trekking in the St James High Country.
Experienced and Adventurous riders enjoy New Zealand’s first ever Freedom Horse Trekking where you can explore the majestic St James Conservation Area at your leisure!
Freedom Horse Trekking
Pukatea Horse Trekking is the first in New Zealand to offer ‘Freedom Trekking’ for experienced riders to go horseback riding on our trustworthy horses unguided. Riders are expected to be able to competently control a horse without assistance and will be assessed on whether they are capable of this before departure.
There is accommodation available on your trek in DOC huts however, these can be busy during the high season so it is recommended that a small tent is taken along as alternative sleeping arrangements if required.
The huts available are;
- Scotties Hut
- Pool Hut
- Jervois Hut
- Stanley Vale Hut
- Lake Guyon Hut
- Anne Hut
- Christopher Hut
- Rokeby Hut
- Magdalen Hut
All riding gear is supplied.
For private and hunting trips with a guide please enquire, and we will try to do our best to meet your requirements. This will come at an additional charge.
Personal locator beacons are mandatory for freedom trekkers. This can be hired for $15 per day if you do not have your own. There must be at least one beacon with each group.
PRICE: $150.00 per day
Guided Horse Trekking
THE HOMESTEAD TRAIL
1.5 hours – $130 per person – minimum of 2 riders (Age 8+)
Private horse treks can be arranged at an extra charge.
A gentle trek on an incline passing through Stallion Gate and following the mountain stream taking in the beautiful native bush and rocky outcrops of the high country. On the return trip you get to take in the stunning view of the Molesworth mountain peaks and Clarence river.
For young or unsure children, a guide can walk and lead the child’s horse for $20.
THE EDWARDS TRAIL
3.5 hours – $250 per person – minimum of 2 riders (Age 8+)
We mount our horses at the St James Homestead carpark, riding up the plato reaching Peters Pass taking in the mountain vista. Then we turn into Peters pass weaving our way back through the valley floors, beautiful grasslands and low mountains arriving back at the St James Homestead. This trail is suitable for those that are comfortable being in a saddle for four hours.
COW STREAM NATURAL HOT POOLS
2 days & 1 night – $550 per person – minimum of 2 riders (Age 8+)
Let our trusty horses take you off to enjoy and relax amongst the beauty and nature in this little piece of paradise that is nestled here in the St James Conservation Area. Our riders will enjoy taking in the stunning views whilst sitting back and relaxing in the natural hot pools amongst some of the most amazing mountain scenery.
- 2 days & 1 night
- Minimum of two riders
- Natural Hot pools for a dip.
- Accommodation at Scotties Hut (DOC Hut) or Glamping Tent.
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast Meals included
DAY ONE – 9am depart St James Homestead and take the Edwards Valley trail out to Cow Stream Natural Hot Pools. Enjoy lunch at the hot pools before departing to Scotties Hut to set up camp. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery whilst enjoying your dinner.
DAY TWO – 8am breakfast, pack up camp and head back to St James Homestead via Peter’s Pass. Arrive back at midday.
WAGON & STAGE COACH RIDES – We currently do not have our Wagon Ride or Stage Coach rides available.
ACCOMMODATION
For treks that are departing early and arriving in late we have available a comfortable bunk house accommodation at the St James Homestead carpark. This sleeps up to eight people and has all the basic amenities. Bring your own food and sleeping bag for a small charge of $25 per person. Meals and sleeping bags can be provided on request at an extra charge.
