Trips and Pricing


​Prices are in NZ$ and include GST. Bookings essential. 
Our rides are usually run as exclusive groups, couples or families. Timings tailored to your needs.​ Occasionally additional riders are added.
 Part day and full day trail rides out of Lake Coleridge Village
​
High Country farmland, riverside, lakeside and forest trail rides. Find our main rides below, which could vary depending on the weather, season, and farming activities, feel free to get in touch if you want to know more about it.

Minimum of 2 riders per group. Do enquire if you are an individual, we can sometimes match individual bookings with groups.
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River crossing, 2 hour ride - $150 per rider (2 hour ride - you will be with us for 3.0 - 3.5 hours, including briefing, instruction if required and 2 hours in the saddle)
Half day river crossing or lake ride - $200 per rider (Half day ride - you will be with us for 5.0 - 5.5 hours, including briefing, instruction if required, 3.5 - 4 hours in the saddle and a tea/coffee break on the trail. You are welcome to bring your own lunch)
Full day, mountains, rivers and lake ride - $300 per rider (Full day ride - you will be with us for 8 hours, including briefing, instruction if required, 6.0 hours in the saddle and a lunch break on the trail. We provide lunch on full day rides)
Bring enclosed sturdy footwear with tread - walking boots or running shoes are ideal - please no slick sole arena riding boots. 
Bring long pants, warm clothing and a rain jacket. We provide helmets.
To avoid disappointment bookings should be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance

For day and part day treks please make your own travel arrangements to our Lake Coleridge Village base.  ​​​
Multi day backcountry treks
Join us on a classic High Country trek through remote, spectacular, wild and unspoiled mountain country. Camp accommodation is in authentic musterer's huts, wholesome camp meals are prepared by the guides. Accommodation, all meals and beer and wine are included in the pricing. 

We run our multi day backcountry treks with a minimum of 4 riders - maximum of 6. We take group bookings for the multi day treks. Occasionally we can take individual bookings if these can be added to an existing group booking.  
2 days/1 night - $1000 per rider  
3 days/2 nights ​- $2000 per rider
4 days/3 nights - $2700 per rider
5 days/4 nights - $3300 per rider 
​Longer Treks are available on request.
Bring enclosed sturdy footwear with tread - hiking boots with adequate ankle support are recommended for our multi day treks - please no slick sole arena riding boots.
Bring warm clothing, long pants, rain gear and a sleeping bag.
We provide helmets.
Multi day treks - we recommend that bookings should be made a minimum of 1 month in advance.
See trek descriptions below.

Age limits

Day treks - 10 years
Multi day treks - 13 years

How to pay

Pay by cash or credit card (EFTPOS, Visa or MasterCard only) on the day or Internet banking prior to arrival. Account number for payment is 03-1588-0513951-000. Include your name as a reference. Internet bank transfer is our preferred method of payment.
We do not accept Diners Club or American Express.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are available - email or phone to enquire
Accommodation (If required for the night before or the night after multi day or day treks)
​We recommend the following local accommodation:             We provide pick up and drop off from Mt Hutt Lodge for multi day treks.
Multi Day Trek Descriptions
Daily schedules are examples. We occasionally use different trails depending on river flows, weather, etc. Time in the saddle may vary.
2 Day - Big Ben Trek
2 day horseback trail ride with 1 night accommodation in a comfortable, private backcountry hut.
 
Classic New Zealand South Island high country trails – farmland – rivers – and scenic mountain views.
 
Daily Schedule
  • First day: You will arrive at our Lodge/family home in Lake Coleridge Village by 9:00 am. You’ll then get fitted for a helmet and receive a riding safety brief. Then you will meet the horses, pack your overnight gear on a packhorse, take some time to get familiar with your horse and have your stirrups adjusted for length. When everyone is ready we’ll set out on the trail for the day’s ride. We will spend the whole day on the trail with lunch and rest stops. Expect to be in the saddle for 4 to 6 hours. We can adjust riding time to the group. When we arrive at the comfortable, roomy cabin, you can relax with a wine or a beer and enjoy your evening meal prepared by the guide. 
  • Second day: Starts with a wholesome cooked breakfast, we then saddle up, pack the horses and continue on the second part of the trail finishing back at Lake Coleridge Village. Again we will ride all day with lunch and rest stops. You’ll be in the saddle for 4 to 6 hours again. You can expect to be back at the Village and free to depart by 5:00 pm.
 
Location and accommodation  
Classic New Zealand South Island high country – farmland – rivers – and scenic mountain views.
 
Location: Lake Coleridge, Rakaia Valley, Inland Canterbury.
​ 
Available dates and duration
  •  2 Days / 1 Night, available from Mid November to March and June to September. Occasionally April - May treks are available.

Price
Total Package price NZ$1000 per rider including taxes. 
 
What is included: 
2 days of riding, 1 night of cabin accommodation, lunch on both riding days, wine/beer and evening meal at the end of the first day, wholesome cooked breakfast on the morning of the second day, coffee, tea and refreshments. Helmets are provided.

What is not included?
  • Transport to Lake Coleridge Village, rain jackets.

Rider weight limit: 
  • 105 kg

Rider’s experience: 
  • Basic, intermediate and advanced. Where possible we endeavour to match rider experience in each group. We ride at a pace to suit the least able or least confident rider in the group.

Extra information 
  • We book a minimum of 4 riders per group and a maximum of 6 riders. Mixed group bookings can be arranged to make group up to minimum numbers.

​Deposit required to confirm a booking 
  • NZ$500 per rider upon booking.
  • To protect us from losses incurred due to an individual cancelation dropping a booked group size below the financially viable threshold, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • In case of cancellation due to weather or a trek cancelation by High Country Horse Adventures Lake Coleridge - all deposits will be fully refunded.
​2 Day Black Hill Trek
​2 day backcountry horseback trail ride with 1 night backcountry cabin accommodation.
 
Iconic New Zealand South Island high country – big braided rivers – big mountains. Comfortable private high country hut.
 
Daily Schedule 
  • First day: You will arrive at our Lodge/family home in Lake Coleridge Village by 9:00 am. You’ll then get fitted for a helmet and receive a riding safety brief. Then you will meet the horses, pack your overnight gear on a packhorse, take some time to get familiar with your horse and have your stirrups adjusted for length. When everyone is ready we’ll set out on the trail for the day’s ride. We will spend most of the day on the trail with lunch and rest stops. Expect to be in the saddle for around 3.5  hours. Initially we will ride up and across a large braided river then climb up into a large high country valley where we ride to our cabin. Here we settle in where you can relax, enjoy wine/beer and a hearty evening meal followed by great starlight views after dark.
  • Second day: Starts with a wholesome cooked breakfast, we then saddle and pack the horses. Again we will ride for most of the day with lunch and rest stops, we’ll retrace our trail back across the river to the Lodge. You’ll be in the saddle for around 3.5  hours again. You can expect to be back at the Lodge and free to depart by 5:00 pm.
 
Location and accommodation  
Iconic New Zealand South Island high country – big braided rivers – big mountains. Comfortable high country hut.
As this trek involves a major river crossing, at times when the river level is not safe to cross or is forecast to rise we reserve the right to substitute this package for the 2 day / 1 night Big Ben package at the same rate.  
Location: Lake Coleridge Village, Rakaia Valley, Inland Canterbury. 

Available dates and duration
  •  2 Days / 1 Night, available from November to March and June to September snow level permitting. Occasionally April - May treks are available.
  • As this trek involves a major river crossing, at times when the river level is not safe to cross or is forecast to rise we reserve the right to substitute this package for the 2 day / 1 night Big Ben package at the same rate.  

Prices of the complete packages: accommodation + activity
  • Total Package price NZ$1000 per rider including taxes. 
 
What is included: 
2 days of riding, 1 night of backcountry cabin accommodation, lunch on both riding days, wine/beer and evening meal at the end of the first day, wholesome cooked breakfast on the morning of the second day, coffee, tea and refreshments. Camp equipment and riding helmets are provided.

What is not included?
  • Transport to Lake Coleridge Village, rain jackets.

Rider weight limit:
  • 105 kg

Rider’s experience: 
  • Basic, Intermediate and advanced. Where possible we endeavour to match rider experience in each group. We ride at a pace to suit the least able or least confident rider in the group.

Extra information 
  • We book a minimum of 4 riders per group and a maximum of 6 riders. Mixed group bookings can be arranged to make group up to minimum numbers.

​Deposit required to confirm a booking 
  • NZ$500 per rider upon booking.
  • To protect us from losses incurred due to an individual cancelation dropping a booked group size below the financially viable threshold, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • In case of cancellation due to weather or a trek cancelation by High Country Horse Adventures Lake Coleridge - all deposits will be fully refunded.
3 Day Backcountry Trek
 3 day backcountry horseback trail ride with 2 night backcountry cabin accommodation.
 
This trek is less challenging than our 5 day trek and is designed to give options for long or short riding days at the discretion of the group. 

Daily Schedule (Example)
  • First day: You will meet us at 9:00 am, settle in, then get fitted for a helmet and receive a riding safety brief. You will meet the horses, take some time to get familiar with your horse and have your stirrups adjusted for length. When everyone is ready we’ll set out on the trail for the day’s ride. The first day ride is on easy trails in beautiful, spectacular mountain country. We ride out to the cabin stopping for lunch on the way. The ride to the cabin is around 5 hours reaching the cabin by early to mid afternoon. We all settle in at camp where you can relax, enjoy wine/beer and a hearty evening meal followed by great starlight views after dark.
  • Second day: After a wholesome cooked breakfast we saddle the horses and choose between a variety of interesting and scenic mountain and river flat trails depending on how big or small a riding day the group want, plenty of options. Lots of scenic photo opportunities and opportunities to view wild game. After the day’s ride we return to camp and after tending to the horses we settle in for our usual relaxed evening of refreshments and another fine camp dinner.
  • Third day: After breakfast and preparing horses we strike camp and set out to explore some more country, then return to the trailhead. You can expect to be finished up and free to depart by 5:00 pm.
 
Location and accommodation 
Spectacular, vast,  remote and mountainous country. A true backcountry experience. Big mountains – big country.
 
Location: Rakaia Valley, Inland Canterbury.

Available dates and duration
  •  3 Days / 2 Nights, available from Mid November to March and June to September.

Prices of the complete packages: accommodation + activity
  • Total Package price NZ$2000 per rider including taxes. 
 
What is included: 
3 days of riding, 2 nights of backcountry cabin accommodation, lunch and refreshments on all riding days, wine/beer and evening meal at the end of the 1st and 2nd days, wholesome cooked breakfast on the morning of the 2nd and 3rd days, coffee, tea and refreshments. Camp equipment and riding helmets are provided.

What is not included?
  • Transport to Lake Coleridge Village, rain jackets.

Rider weight limit:
  • 105 kg

Rider’s experience: 
  • Basic, Intermediate and advanced. Where possible we endeavour to match rider experience in each group. We ride at a pace to suit the least able or least confident rider in the group.
  • This trek is less challenging than our 5 day trek and is designed to give options for long or short riding days at the discretion of the group. 

Extra information 
  • We book a minimum of 4 riders per group and a maximum of 6 riders. Mixed group bookings can be arranged to make group up to minimum numbers.
  • ​Be prepared for some hill walking. You will need boots with reasonable tread.
  • Bring a rain jacket and some warm clothing, even on Summer bookings. Hot weather can also be expected.

​Deposit required to confirm a booking 
  • NZ$500 per rider upon booking. 
  • A second $500 deposit per rider is payable one month out from the trek start date on mixed group bookings.
  • To protect us from losses incurred due to an individual cancelation dropping a booked group size below the financially viable threshold, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • In case of cancellation due to weather or a trek cancelation by High Country Horse Adventures Lake Coleridge - all deposits will be fully refunded.
4 Day Backcountry Trek
 4 day backcountry horseback trail ride with 3 night backcountry cabin accommodation.
 
This trek - terrain, distances, etc can be adapted to the experience and fitness level of the group.

Daily Schedule (Example)
  • First day: You will meet us at 9:00 am and settle in. You’ll then get fitted for a helmet and receive a riding safety brief. You will meet the horses, take some time to get familiar with your horse and have your stirrups adjusted for length. When everyone is ready we’ll set out on the trail for the day’s ride. The first day ride is on easy trails in beautiful, spectacular mountain country. We ride out to the cabin stopping for lunch on the way. The ride to the cabin is around 5 hours reaching the cabin by early to mid afternoon. In the evening we all settle in at camp where you can relax, enjoy wine/beer and a hearty evening meal followed by great starlight views after dark.
  • Second day: After a wholesome cooked breakfast we saddle the horses and choose between a variety of interesting and scenic mountain trails depending on how big or small a riding day the group want, plenty of options. Lots of scenic photo opportunities and opportunities to view wild game. After the day’s ride we return to camp and after tending to the horses we settle in for our usual relaxed evening of refreshments and another fine camp dinner.
  • Third day: Another big cooked breakfast and we pack up camp and ride a high trail to our next camp. 5 hours of riding on a high mountain trail with spectacular views. Camp for the night is another backcountry cabin where we enjoy another wholesome camp meal and refreshments.
  • Forth day: After breakfast and preparing horses we strike camp and set out to return to the trailhead. The ride out is through new country - a scenic and pleasant 5 hour ride . You can expect to be finished up and free to depart by 5:00 pm.
 
Location and accommodation 
Spectacular, vast,  remote and mountainous country. A true backcountry experience. Big mountains – big country.
 
Location: Rakaia Valley, Inland Canterbury.

Available dates and duration
  •  4 Days / 3 Nights, available from Mid November to March and June to September. 

Prices of the complete packages: accommodation + activity
  • Total Package price NZ$2700 per rider including taxes. 
 
What is included: 
4 days of riding, 3 nights of backcountry cabin accommodation, lunch and refreshments on all riding days, wine/beer and evening meal at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days, wholesome cooked breakfast on the morning of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th days, coffee, tea and refreshments. Camp equipment and riding helmets are provided.

What is not included?
  • Transport to Lake Coleridge Village, rain jackets.

Rider weight limit: 
  • 105 kg

Rider’s experience: 
  • Basic, Intermediate and advanced. Where possible we endeavour to match rider experience in each group. We ride at a pace to suit the least able or least confident rider in the group.

Extra information 
  • We book a minimum of 4 riders per group and a maximum of 6 riders. Mixed group bookings can be arranged to make group up to minimum numbers.
  • ​Be prepared for some hill walking. You will need boots with reasonable tread.
  • Bring a rain jacket and some warm clothing, even on Summer bookings. Hot weather can also be expected.

​Deposit required to confirm a booking 
  • NZ$500 per rider upon booking. 
  • A second $500 deposit per rider is payable one month out from the trek start date on mixed group bookings.
  • To protect us from losses incurred due to an individual cancelation dropping a booked group size below the financially viable threshold, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • In case of cancellation due to weather or a trek cancelation by High Country Horse Adventures Lake Coleridge - all deposits will be fully refunded.
5 Day Backcountry Trek
5 day backcountry horseback trail ride with 4 night backcountry cabin accommodation.
 
Big awe inspiring country – big rivers – big mountains - a true backcountry experience !
 
Daily Schedule (Example)
  • First day: You will arrive at our Lodge/family home in Lake Coleridge Village by 9:00 am. You’ll then get fitted for a helmet and receive a riding safety brief. Then you will meet the horses, pack your overnight gear on a packhorse, take some time to get familiar with your horse and have your stirrups adjusted for length. When everyone is ready we’ll set out on the trail for the day’s ride. We will spend most of the day on the trail with lunch and rest stops. Expect to be in the saddle for around 5 hours. Initially we will ride up and across a large braided river then climb up into a large high country valley where we ride to our cabin. Here we settle in where you can relax, enjoy a wine/beer and a hearty evening meal followed by great starlight views after dark.
  • Second day: After breakfast, saddle and pack horses – ride up a beautiful high country valley including a gorgy section. We then climb up a steep trail to a high plateau and our next cabin camp. You’ll be in the saddle for around 6 hours on this our longest day. Parts of the gorgy stream section and the steep hill climb to the high plateau involve walking and leading your horse. After tending to the horses we settle into camp for our usual relaxed evening of refreshments and another fine camp dinner.
  • Third day: After breakfast and preparing horses we set out on a day long loop trail high through the mountains with spectacular views and opportunities to view wild game. Expect 4 to 5 hours in the saddle and lunch and refreshment breaks.
  • Forth day: We retrace our trail from day 2, back down into the valley to the cabin we stayed in on the first night. Expect 5 hours in the saddle today. The horses are always keen when headed for home so the return on this trail is a little quicker than the day 2 ride out. 
  • Fifth day: Starts with another wholesome cooked breakfast, we then saddle and pack the horses. Again we will ride for most of the day with lunch and rest stops, we’ll retrace our trail back across the river to the Lodge. You’ll be in the saddle for around 5 hours today. You can expect to be back at the Lodge and free to depart by 5:00 pm.
 
Location and accommodation 
Spectacular, vast,  remote and mountainous country. A true backcountry experience. Big rivers – big mountains – big country.
As this trek involves a major river crossing at the start, at times when the river level is not safe to cross or is forecast to rise we will start the trek from the opposite side of the river.
Location: Lake Coleridge Village, Rakaia Valley, Inland Canterbury. 

Available dates and duration
  •  5 Days / 4 Nights, available from Mid November to March and June to September. 

Prices of the complete packages: accommodation + activity
  • Total Package price NZ$3300 per rider including taxes. 

What is included: 
5 days of riding, 4 nights of backcountry cabin accommodation, lunch and refreshments on all riding days, wine/beer/ and evening meal at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days, wholesome cooked breakfast on the morning of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th days, coffee, tea and refreshments. Camp equipment and riding helmets are provided.

What is not included?
  • Transport to Lake Coleridge Village, rain jackets.

Rider weight limit:
  • 105 kg

Rider’s experience: 
  • Intermediate and advanced. This is big country. Where possible we endeavour to match rider experience in each group. We ride at a pace to suit the least able or least confident rider in the group.
  • This is our most challenging trek. You don’t need to be an expert rider, but you will need to be confident riding in big, open and rugged mountain country and be prepared to walk at times, leading your horse through rough and steep sections including stream crossings and hill climbs and descents.
  • Riders looking for a less challenging backcountry trek should consider our 3 day backcountry trek.
 
Extra information
  • We book a minimum of 4 riders per group and a maximum of 6 riders. 
  • Be prepared for some hill walking and stream crossing on foot. On some bouldery sections of streams and rivers and on some step hill inclines and declines we lead the horses. You will need boots with reasonable tread, expect to get wet feet.
  • Bring a rain jacket and some warm clothing, even on Summer bookings. Hot weather can also be expected.

​Deposit required to confirm a booking 
  • NZ$500 per rider upon booking. 
  • A second $500 deposit per rider is payable one month out from the trek start date on mixed group bookings.
  • To protect us from losses incurred due to an individual cancelation dropping a booked group size below the financially viable threshold, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • In case of cancellation due to weather or a trek cancelation by High Country Horse Adventures Lake Coleridge - all deposits will be fully refunded.
Risk Disclosure
Horse riding involves inherent risk, including – falls, bites and kicks which can result in serious injury or even death. Backcountry horse trekking involves the additional hazards of being exposed to the elements of nature, hazards of being and traveling in remote wilderness areas and rugged, steep country, hazards associated with crossing major rivers including drowning risk and hazards arising from acts of God and forces of nature. 
While we provide all possible care, safe operating procedures and instruction, your participation in our activities is at your own risk and with the understanding and acceptance of these inherent risks.

You will be required to sign a risk disclosure upon booking or prior to riding to acknowledge your acceptance of the risks involved in the activity.
High Country Horse Adventures - Lake Coleridge
James, Deb & Dylan Cagney
1 Hart Place, Lake Coleridge Village
email - [email protected] (email is best contact for bookings)
Ph (03)3185049
​Cell 0274507280
© COPYRIGHT 2017.​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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