Birchwood Station Boutique Ride
Stay at the lovely Birchwood Homestead and ride out in a different direction each day. River crossings, waterfall, a challenging ride up to the top of Mt. Gladwish with a 360-degree stunning mountain view.
Details
Duration
4 days
3
nights
Riding
3 x
4-6 h
all
levels
Price (NZ$)
3.300
Payment Plan
yes
10
staged
Available Dates
17. – 20. Nov ’26
12. – 15. Jan ’27
(Sold out!)
23. – 26. Jan ’27
26. – 29. Mar ’27
Pick Up & Drop Off
Pick Up: 7.30am, Camp Street QT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xcYgBvQxMHdVkG8w9
One taxi for all guests –
so please be on time!
Drop Off in Queenstown after trail: 1.30 – 2pm
Riding Location
Ahuriri Valley
Included
transfer (Queenstown
to location & back)
3 nights accommodation
full catering
trekking horse incl.
tack and saddlebags
first aid kit
hard hat (as required)
Excluded
flight/travel to
and from Queenstown
travel insurance (mandatory!)
alcohol
personal riding & travel gear
personal medication
Summary
A lodge-based ‘clover leaf’ trail composed of three different day rides through Birchwood Station in the gorgeous Ahuriri Valley. You will spend between four and six hours in the saddle each day and return in the evenings to Ahuriri River Lodge, a beautiful high country station homestead.
Accommodation
Ahuriri River Lodge is a traditional and cosy homestead with two lounges, a large dining room with sweeping views of the valley, and a huge log-burning fireplace. Towels, bedding, and basic toiletries are provided. Bedrooms are a combination of double and twin-share rooms.
Food
You will be treated to high-quality home-cooked meals on this trail, prepared primarily with home-grown or local ingredients. We will share cooked breakfasts and two-course dinners together in the dining room, as well as a more informal afternoon tea in the sunroom upon returning from each day’s ride. Packed lunches will be provided to take with you in your saddlebags.
Adventure Level
3/5 – this trail is suitable for all levels of rider including beginners with an outdoorsy outlook and a good sense of adventure. Although the accommodation is extremely comfortable and two out of the three days riding are very easy-going, a good head for heights is recommended for the trip up Mount Gladwish.
Due to the rocky, mountainous terrain, we ride only at a walk on all our trails, as is traditional throughout most of New Zealand.
Ride Itinerary
Day 1
Approx four hours in the saddle.
Your trip begins with collection from Queenstown Airport and transfer to Birchwood Station. The car journey alone showcases some of Central Otago’s world-famous alpine scenery, with the spectacular Lindis Pass being a destination in itself.
Upon arrival at Ahuriri River Lodge, our team will greet you and show you to your room. Get settled in and join us for an introductory briefing over nibbles and homemade scones before heading down to meet the horses.
Our first day’s ride is an easy and interesting route; cross the Ahuriri River and head out over the wide-open plain before climbing the hillside to a hidden emerald green lake. Time-permitting, we might carry on to explore the historic Hideaway Hut and enjoy a view of Snowy Gorge. Return along the edge of the hill and make several crossings of the crystal-clear river before rejoining the valley road and heading for the homestead.
Day 2
Approx six hours in the saddle.
Head deep into the Ahuriri Valley, following the path of the river. Today’s ride is relatively flat, and the terrain makes for easy going – perfect for relaxing into the unique pull of this wonderful valley and enjoying views of snow-capped peaks rising steeply up on either side of you.
We will cross the river and stop for our lunch break at Canyon Creek; a secluded clearing nestled close against the the mountainside. For those feeling extra adventurous, leave your horse behind and our wranglers will take you on a short but steep climb on foot up to a spectacular viewpoint high up above the canyon for a brilliant view of the Huxley Range.
Make your way back down the hill and reunite with your horse to enjoy a relaxing ride back to the homestead for afternoon tea.
Day 3
Approx four hours in the saddle.
If you ask us, this is one of the most memorable days you can spend on the back of a horse. Start out your day with a gentle ride back into the valley, before peeling off and climbing a steep, winding track to the summit of Mount Gladwish.
The ascent is varied and soaringly beautiful. The terrain changes from dense bush to an open rocky track as you climb higher and includes tackling a few short sections of scree close to the summit. We promise you will be amazed at how safe you will feel in the care of our wonderfully sure-footed horses!
No matter how many times you have ridden the climb up Mount Gladwish, it never gets old.
Eat lunch at the mountain’s summit and enjoy the feeling of being completely alone in the world. The landscape is vast and breathtaking, providing views far into the Dingleburn Valley – see if you can spot the glaciers in the distance.
After lunch, descend the mountain and return to the homestead, swapping trail stories over a final dinner together.
Our trip ends with one last full farmhouse breakfast before collection by your transfer for the return trip to Queenstown.
Day 4
Trail Gallery
