Horse Safaris

 The Explorer (4 days)

Departs from: Hawarden

Overview

 

Our 4 day Explorer trips are arranged to suit the person who wants an exhilarating experience but has limited time. Any one of these trips you choose, takes you past some of the spectacular and breathtaking scenery viewed on the longer safaris. The Explorer trips are available on dates other than our 6, 11 or 12 day safaris.

Day 1

Leaving from Waitohi Downs Stable at approximately 10.00- 10.30 a.m. we  ride round track to influx of the Mandamus Rive into the Hurunui River. We cross the Hurunui River and ride up the Mandamus River onto the road, travel along passing Glens of Tekoa Homestead and buildings onto Island Hills Station, owned by Ed and Jan Shand. WE ride over the saddle to the Glencoe River, passing hill country of native scrub and scattered silver tussock on our way to reaching the Mandamus River once more. We travel up the east bank, crossing for the last time and follow track through dense manuka into Organ Stream where our first night is spent in the Valley Camp Hut.

 

Day 2

Leaving the Valley Hut at approximately 8.30 a.m. and head up the pack track through beech bush onto a saddle and down to Darkies Gully, follow the pack track through the beech forest to Gorge Creek Saddle. Descend down a steep face into Gorge Creek, follow the creek for approximately 1/2 mile and take the track to the west on the west side of Gorge Creek. Ride onto the top of Little Organs Range. From here a magnificent view can be seen of Glynn Wye Station, the Lewis Pass Road, also views up the Doubtful and Hope Rivers with the Southern Alps in the background. After lunch we ride back to Valley Camp and spend the night.

 

Day 3

Leaving Valley Camp we ride South  for 30 minutes, then head west up the Blue Rock stream into the Glenrae Saddle.  Follow down the track and upon crossing the Glenrae River we arrive at the Glenrae Hut, our accommodation for the night

 

Day 4

Leaving Glenrae Hut we ride south over Beau Saddle down to the Hurunui River, crossing and following the river  and viewing many mountain peaks on our way back to Waitohi Downs.

No shower or electricity         

Maximum participants: 10

 

Additional Information / Instructions

Click here for Google map and driving directions.

To make a reservation on any of our rides we require a honest assessment of your height, weight, and riding ability. The horses really appreciate it!

We lead the horses down steep terrain, this is where the sturdy boots with good ankle support are most important. A very good level of fitness is required; good hips knees, ankles.



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