Cost per rider NZ 4888.00
Trail Details
6 days riding/ 6 nights accommodation 
Riders with good levels of fitness
from Queenstown(T & C’s Apply)
Upcoming Dates
17 – 23 January 2025 – 10 saddles available_ back by popular demand
Itinerary
Riding Day 1
1> 2 hours riding
Pick up Queenstown at 11am
Due to heavy traffic in Queenstown we only have 2 locations that we now pick up from.
1. Outside the Station Building on the corner of Shot over and Camp Streets in central Queenstown
or
2. Queenstown airport
Please be at your location at least 10 mins prior to pick up.
Tiki Touring
If you are touring New Zealands’ South Island in a car then our driver maybe able to pick you up in Cromwell and Omarama as he travels through to the start of our trail (this is by prior arrangement only)
Important note: we do not return to the same location as we started from if you are considering driving yourself
TRAIL TAXIKia Ora, Welcome to iconic Glen Lyon Station
On arrival at the Glen Lyon shearer’s quarters we enjoy afternoon tea together, you will be introduced to your personal adventure horse team mate. The horses will be saddled and waiting for you.
Pack your saddle bags with camera and gear you need for the duration of your ride and we head out to ride to explore the iconic Glen Lyon Station.
Our accommodation is basic shearer’s quarters with hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity, (ensure you charge everything tonight as this is the last electricity for 3 days)
You will be issued with our blue bags, saddle bags and have time to sort out your gear and get to know the other riders through the evening over dinner.
The remainder of your gear will be waiting at Glen Lyon quarters when you return.
Riding Day 2
5 hours riding
Valley Views and Mountain Magic
Time to adventure with your horse deep into the heart of the landscape.
Today heading away from civilisation, as we ride into the valley, it is as though the mountains wrap around us, welcoming us into their home. The beautiful braids of the Dobson river stitch the mountain vista together.
Your camera will be exhausted today.
Horses are a wonderful way to explore these isolated environments. You will feel like a rider in a movie set on your own personal quest.
Our evening’s accommodation is a 12 bunk Musterer’s Hut with long drop toilet; we also carry tents for those who wish to have more privacy.
The station hut is located in the heart of the mountains right beside the river.
This location is based in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve we don’t need a telescope as the stars appear to envelop us. Relax, star gaze and enjoy the peace of a digital detox.
Home cooked farm fresh food prepared over an open fire always tastes so good when you have been riding all day.
Iconic Glen Lyon Station
Riding Day 3
3 hours riding
or
6 hours riding
Ride that River and Catch a Falling Star
After a continental breakfast at the back hut we pack up our horses, tucker boxes filling our saddle bags and head towards the Kennedys hut in the Dobson Valley.
Far from the tourist routes, deep into the valley we ride like 100’s of musterers’ (shepherds’) before us.
Our destination for this evening is a 6 bunk musterer’s hut we are not guaranteed to have a bunk this evening as we share this location with other users. Tents/ sleeping mats and camping gear are provided as additional accommodation.
This is a quaint hut in a stunning setting.
There is a shower available under the trees and long drop toilet.
For those who wish we can enjoy a lovely swim in the river.
On arrival at the hut, we enjoy lunch while the crew unpack the pack horses.
There are two options on arrival at the hut.
“Your day, Your way “
- for those riders who wish to stay at Kennedys Hut and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing in breath-taking location you can do so…..furthermore
- The alternative ride is to Waterfall hut with the trail boss. On our return to Kennedy hut the wranglers will have set up camp for the evening.We return to the hut for dinner and overnights accommodation
The deeper we ride into this valley keep your eyes peeled for wild deer, Tahr and native falcons.
Riding Day 4
3.5 hours riding
Mornings in the Mountains
This morning we enjoy a relaxing start to the day giving riders time to explore this beautiful location while our staff load up the pack horses.
When you are emersed in the mountains with horses there is a wairua “spirit” that makes you feel whole again. A deep sense of connection to Papatuanuku “Mother Earth”, brings with it the reailsation that humans are not in control of everything. Futhermore, the connection to your horse and those you ride with on this journey becomes woven into the landscape, it is very humbling.
Saying goodbye to Kennedy Hut, we enjoy a gentle days riding back down the Dobson river to Station hut soaking up the idillic beauty.
Even though we are retracing our own footsteps, the views are so different looking out of the valley than looking inward. The different light means that the colours of the mountains change considerably.
Afternoon tea and dinner nestled in the heart of the mountains with the glacial river running by, what a receipy for happiness.
Accommodation is a 12 bunk Musterer’s Hut with long drop toilet, we also carry tents for those who wish to have more privacy
Iconic Glen Lyon Station
Riding Day 5
5 hours riding
Glen Lyon you are Gorgeous
Today we are riding back to the Glen Lyon shearers quarters.
The views are so spectacular as the mountains open before us, releasing us from their grasp.
We enjoy a hearty farm cook meal together with a chance to meet and chat to the owners of the station.
The Wigley family (who own Glen Lyon) where one of the first to encourage tourism in the Aoraki “Mount Cook” area. Incredibly, inventive adventurers one and all.
Riding Day 6
6 hours riding
Looking Glass Lake through the Mountain Pass
Today’s riding destination is Twizel; Saying goodbye to our hosts at Glen Lyon Station we ride out along the beautiful braided Dobson river which leads us to the magnificent Lake Ohau.
We are riding up and over the historic Flanagan’s Pass to an elevation of 741m with outstanding views over Lake Ohau and surrounding mountains. with incredible views up the Dobson and Hopkins Valleys. From our vantage point we stare straight over at Lake Ohau Station.
Once we reach the top of the pass we look out over Lake Pukaki and up into the Tasman Valley.
We will stop several times for photo opportunities so that you don’t miss a moments magic.
From here we will be transported to our motel in Omarama for the evening, Here we have hot showers soft beds in twin share or family rooms.
If you wish to have a hot tub Omarama Hot tubs is a wonderful location and within easy walk of our motel.
Day 7
None Riding day
Home is where the heart is… and if your heart is in the mountains
Our taxi picks riders up at 9:30am, returning to Queenstown by 12:30 > 1pm.
“May the magic of the mountains and the love of horses stay forever in your heart”
Glen Lyon Station is nestled on the banks of Lake Ohau.
History of this location
For Maori, during seasonal excursions to Lake Ohau they would harvest a great range of roots, birds and eels.
Lake Ohau Station was first farmed in 1857 by European settlers.
Note: This land is called “high country” because it is located at 550m up to 2100m above sea level. The station is 8322 hectares and runs around 5000 merino sheep and Angus cattle.
Star Gazing– Lake Ohau is within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky International Reserve
Fishing: Lake Ōhau is well known for its brown trout and rainbow trout fishing.
Photography:
Do not forget your camera with spare batteries as this location is outstandingly beautiful. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Ohau,“Aorangi” Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain
Digital Detox: A wonderful location to immerse yourself in Papatuanuku “Mother Earth” and recharge your batteries.
