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Ride World Wide, Staddon Farm, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BX - UK. |
| Australasia | New Zealand | ||
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General Description
New Zealand's rugged south island is magnificent and remote pioneer country. Crossing vast hill stations you can ride for days without seeing a fence or road, just rolling grassland hills against the snow capped Southern Alps, thick beech forest, sparkling lakes and clear rivers racing over weather-worn stones. Accommodation varies with nights in simple camps set up along the way, in remote herders huts in the mountains, or perhaps the welcoming hospitality of a friendly station.
Various itineraries are available for rides of 3 to 10 days between October and early May. Dates for some trips are set each season and other rides may be arranged on request for groups of 2 of more.
Summary
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Riding: 4-7 hours a day. | ||
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Horses: station bred TB x Connemara, TB x Clydesdale. | ||
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Pace: slow due to the rugged terrain. | ||
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Riding ability: confident novice to experienced riders. | ||
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Weight limit: 100kg (15st 10lbs). | ||
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Accommodation: shearers quarters, 2* camping, mountain huts or comfortable farmhouse. | ||
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Group size: max 4 to 10 (varies with itinerary). |
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2008 Dates:  |
The Hurunui Ride Mt. Noble Ride Station to Station Ride - on request throughout the season, usually departing on a Monday | |
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Season: |
October to early May | |
Horses and Riding
New Zealand produces some wonderful tough, thoroughbred and station bred horses that are highly sought after for their all round ability. The horses on these trips are of a medium hunter type build and have been bred locally on the high country stations. They are crossbreds of about 15hh to 17hh with some Clydesdale / Thoroughbred crosses, some Connemara / Thoroughbred crosses and some Irish Draught / Thoroughbred crosses. There is a good selection of horses for riders of different abilities, with several that are a calm, yet responsive ride for intermediate riders and others that more experienced riders will really enjoy. All the horses are schooled to a good standard, are well motivated and forward going with excellent temperaments. Rides are normally limited to a maximum of 10 guests (less on some trips).
Hours: There is generally between 4 and 7 hours riding a day broken up with rests and for lunch.
Pace and experience required: To join these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and should be secure and comfortable on a horse at a walk, trot and canter. The rides are generally at a slow pace overall as the terrain in the area can be quite rough and includes river crossings, mountain paths and rough pasture. You may also ride with a pack horse which carries food and equipment.
Accommodation
Nights on the rides are spent in remote mountain huts, or in small tents carried with you by back up vehicle. For those who are certain they will enjoy the New Zealand High country all the more if they know a hot shower and comfortable bed await at the end of the day, the 'Station to Station' include accommodation with a family at a welcoming station each night. Swag rolls are provided but you will need to take your own sleeping bag (these can be hired).
Rates & Travel
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Rates 2008: |
(valid until May 2008 - please enquire for autumn rates) Hurunui Ride (9 nights) - £1190 single supplements - none charged as single rooms / tents are generally not available and cannot be guaranteed. |
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Rates include - all riding, meals and shared accommodation. For the 'Hurunui' ride, they also include return transfers at set times from / to Christchurch by vehicle. Bed rolls are provided but you will need your own sleeping bags - these can be hired (with prior notice). | |
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Rates exclude - international flights, transfers to the riding base (or to / from Christchurch where that is the meeting point), personal medical insurance (compulsory), drinks, visa fees and any tips you might wish to leave. |
Travel
The meeting point for the rides is either the stables base near Christchurch or for
the longer rides, in Christchurch, the largest town on New Zealand's South Island. Where you need to make your own way to the stables, we will supply
directions. There are many options for flights to Christchurch from London, most via Auckland in the North Island, or via Australia. For flights from London
budget around £800 - £900 economy return (varies with airline and season).
Itinerary in Brief (Hurunui Ride)
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Day 1 |
Met in Christchurch and transfer to a 'farmstay'. Dinner and the night. |
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Day 2 |
Breakfast and set off riding for about 5 hours through mountains to Whitnow Station. Dinner and night in shearers quarters. |
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Day 3 |
Follow the Seaward River, stopping for lunch by a clear swimming pool. In the afternoon ride on to Lake Taylor Station for dinner. Night in the shearers bunkhouse. |
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Day 4 |
Ride past Lake Taylor and over the Munro Saddle to Lake Mason. Dinner and night in camp next to rustic shepherd's hut. |
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Day 5 |
The day at Lake Mason - a rest day for horses and a chance to swim, fish for a trout or just relax with a book. Night in camp. |
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Day 6 |
Leave Lake Mason and ride over the Catherine Saddle following the Hurunui River. Return to Lake Mason for the night in camp. |
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Day 7 |
Leaving Lake Mason behind, ride through ancient forest to Lake Sumner. Lunch on the grass flats beside Loch Katrin and on to Lake Taylor Station. Camp that night in the shearers quarters as before. |
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Day 8 |
Breakfast and ride of about 7 hours with breathtaking views to a tented camp above the Hurunui River. A barbecue dinner and the night in camp. |
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Day 9 |
Leaving the camp, ride along the banks of the Hurunui River. Stop for lunch below Mt. Self beside the Hurunui, and then head across country again, up and over the Kanuku Saddle back to the stables. Transfer to farmstay for dinner and night. |
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Day 10 |
Breakfast and transfer to Christchurch. |
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Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
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