A great equestrian vacation to fit in to an extended tour of New Zealand, this trail takes riders into the stunning landscape around Lake Hawea and the Hunter Valley. Riding on exclusively private land, this vacation offers breath-taking scenery between the isolated high country stations that provide the accommodation on the trail. The sure-footed horses make easy work of rocky bluffs, lush green paddocks, Beech forests and glacial valleys. Riding is predominately at walk.
The dramatic scenery of Lake Hawea, Mount Aspiring, Lake Wanaka and Hunter Valley, viewed from horseback in the fresh crisp air (and with no vehicles in sight), provides the perfect antidote to modern life. Horseback riders can even choose to sleep out under the stars on some nights like the musters of old. Be awed, inspired and rejuvenated by the unspoiled purity of the New Zealand wilderness on this horseback riding vacation.
Renovated shearers' quarters make up most of the accommodation on the trail, providing a few home comforts without interrupting the serenity of the isolated stations. Food is also locally sourced as much as possible, adding to the authentic feeling of stepping back in time and living as the local farmhands have done for decades. Lakes and Mountains of South Island offers an extended version of this itinerary.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from JC of North Sydney on 27/04/2023
New 6 night / 7 day Itinerary
Day 1
Guests will be met at Queenstown airport or the station building and transferred to Hunter Valley Shearer’s Quarters to meet the horse. After an briefing and the allocation of the horses, set out for an afternoon ride alongside the scenic Lake Hawea. This short trek allows riders and horses to get used to each other and make sure everyone is well matched. Return to the shearer’s quarters for dinner and overnight. There are some nice walks around the lake to enjoy after dinner, or just relax on the deck with a glass of wine and enjoy the view! Riding time approx. 2.5 hours.
Day 2
After a light breakfast it is an early start leaving Hunter Valley Station to ride through native Beech forests and pass waterfalls. Follow the lakeside tp Hunter Valley Boundary Hut. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. The accommodation is basic with solar lighting, 2 bunk rooms and a long-drop toilet. If the weather permits, riders can sleep under the stars. There are also tents for those who want more privacy. 6 riding hours.
Day 3
Enjoy either a rest day at the Boundary Hut, or take a ride into the Hunter Valley to explore. The fly-fishing is excellent for those who would like to spend some time at the river. Look out for falcons overhead. Whatever riders choose, return to the Boundary hut for the evening. Enjoy refreshments before dinner on the deck. There is no electricity in this hut but we do enjoy solar panel lighting. 6 riding hours.
Day 4
After breakfast, pack the saddle bags and head out across the Hunter River towards Dingleburn station through picture-postcard scenery reflected in the sparkling lake. Looking across Lake Hawea one can see the route back to the Hunter Valley Station. Arrive at Dingleburn Shearer’s Quarters for the evening. The accommodation has hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity from the station generator and a wonderful cookhouse where the group will enjoy a farm cooked meal and relaxing evening. Riding time approx. 6 riding hours.
Day 5
Another free day to either relax at the Dingleburn Station reading a book, taking a walk or swimming in the river, or explore the peninsular on horseback. Return to Dingleburn Station for dinner and overnight. 4 riding hours.
Day 6
After a hearty breakfast, saddle up for the route along the Dingleburn track, a feat of Kiwi ingenuity providing access to the remote station. Ride past the waterfall that provides the hydroelectric power to the station, on a gentle day’s riding through stunning scenery. Return to Dingleburn Station and say goodbye to the horses before being transferred to to Hawea Hotel for a set-menu dinner (alcohol not included) and to overnight. 4 riding hours.
Day 7
After a continental breakfast, the transfer leaves to get riders to Queenstown Airport by 1.30pm.
With a maximum limit of only 9kg, knowing what to include in your saddle bag for a trail can be daunting. Take a look at this clip for some practical advice on packing a 'blue bag' correctly.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The horses are typical hardy New Zealand hacks bred by the hosts, all of a solid build ranging from 15.1hh to 17hh. They are forward moving, calm, sensible, gentle and yet able to dig in and get the job done on terrain that climbs to 6,000 feet above sea. There are a number of Clydesdale crosses which can accommodate heavier riders, please check for availability of these if you exceed the weight limit but are interested in this ride. Saddles are comfy stock and western saddles and all the tack is well kept and suited to the horses. The pace is mostly at the walk as the terrain is varied with obstacles such as rocks, rabbit holes, bogs rivers and shingle slides. It is steep in places, with cliff drops off the side of the trail but the horses are all honest, calm and sure-footed. They are comfortable going high into the mountains and through glacial fed rivers and streams.
Intermediate onwards. Riders must be comfortable at all paces. Riding is sometimes over steep and uneven terrain and is predominately ridden in walk, although not suitable for beginners.
Horses are selected for each rider based on experience level as well as height/weight.
The minimum age for this ride is 12 years - children must be good riders and accompanied by an adult.
Rider maximum weight limit 100kg
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
On this trail riders will spend 2 nights in renovated shearers' quarters, 3 nights in basic cabins or camping, and 1 night in a hotel. On occasion, one of the nights in shearer’s quarters (at Hunter Valley) may be substituted for a second night in the hotel if the owner is in residence.
Shearers' Quarters: These cabins, traditionally used by farm hands watching and tending sheep in the valleys, have all been renovated to provide comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. They come equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets and electricity (often from a generator). Beds are dormitory style, with two or three rooms at each cabin. There is usually a dinning/social area at each cabin where you can relax in the evening.
Basic cabins: These huts have long-drop toilets and water will be provided for washing. There is solar power lighting and a limited water supply to have hot camp showers at the Boundary Hut. Beds are dormitory style in one room, or there is the option to have a 1-2 person tent.
Hotel: The final night of the tour (and night 4 if Hunter Valley is unavailable) is spent at Hawea Hotel on the shores of Lake Hawea. Rooms will be twin or family with all modern amenities including hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity, Wi-Fi and TVs. There are common areas available to relax in including a bar with pool table
Food on the trail will be locally sourced as much as possible, adding to the authentic feel of the trek. Meals will generally be rustic and hearty farm fare. On the last night dinner will be in a local restaurant (alcohol not included). At breakfast there are cereals, toast and preserves as well as a cooked breakfast (bacon, eggs, sausages), tea and coffee. Lunches are pack-ups of sandwiches/wraps, fresh fruit, home baked slices, sweets and nuts. Dinners are designed to enhance the visit through each high country station with Angus beef, roast merino lamb, high country salmon, Mount Harris venison. Puddings also include the fruits from central Otago. There is a complimentary glass of wine with dinner, additional drinks can be purchased before the trail and will be carried to each overnight location for you.
Please enquire if you have any dietary requirements: every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs but please note that all the food is carried in pack boxes and the isolated location of the trails can make it difficult to source certain items.
Below: Cabins
Above: Hotel Hawea room
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.
NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures.
When visiting New Zealand, your passport should be valid for three months from the date you intend to depart.
Visas are not usually needed to enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months, but you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. The NZeTA costs NZD $9 if applying via the dedicated mobile app, or NZD $12 if completed online.
You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for up to two years. The New Zealand immigration authorities recommend that applicants allow up to 72 hours for processing.
On arrival in New Zealand, you will also need to satisfy the Immigration Officer that you meet the criteria for visa-free entry, which includes having an onward ticket and sufficient funds to support you during your stay.
Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.
Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/new-zealand
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The seasons are sharply defined: summers are hot and low in humidity; winter mornings are often misty, the days cloudless and windless and the nights freezing. Spring warms the soil and fruit tree blossom dominates the district’s orchard areas. Temperatures range from minus 3 to 20 deg C, with 10 frosts a month. Average rainfall is 28mm a month and sunshine 206 hours.
In summer, daylight lasts as long as 10pm. Temperatures range from 10 to plus 30 deg C on several days. Rainfall averages 38mm a month and sunshine is 227 hours. Autumn is brilliant as the extensive orchards and poplar shelterbelts turn red, yellow and gold. Temperatures range from minus 3 to 24 deg C. Rainfall averages 30mm a month with 11 frosts monthly and 150 hours of sunshine.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
Research has shown that asthma sufferers may be more at risk of an attack in New Zealand and sufferers should be suitably prepared.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the New Zealand and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
There are no specific health warnings for this ride. Insect repellent is a good idea though!
In New Zealand the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
There are opportunities to charge phones and cameras at some, but not all, accommodations along the trail. Spare batteries and/or a powerbank are a good idea. There is only Wi-Fi in the hotel on the last night. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the group's permission to be filmed.
We recommend you bring the following equipment (in a soft travel bag, please avoid hard suitcases): You will be issued with a kit bag on arrival, it should hold your sleeping bag/ 3x change of clothes, toiletries, footwear for hut, towel etc please try to keep weight to 9kg
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Torch
Sleeping bag
Wet wipes
Portable/solar charger
This is a 6 day / 6 night programme with 6 days riding available on set dates.
2025: 6 - 12 April; 13 - 19 Nov
Single rooms are not available every night so guests need to be willing to share. Single tents are available at no additional cost. Single rooms in hotels may be arranged subject to availability, please enquire.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,355 |
| 2026 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,745 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,785 |
| 2026 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 3,245 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 3,305 |
| 2026 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 3,849 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 31,249 |
| 2026 Hunter River | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 36,395 |
Kiwi Tracks: New Zealand Journey by Andrew Stevenson
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Red, Fallow and Wapiti deer, Merino sheep, Chamois (an agile goat/ antelope with short hooked horns) and Himalayan Tahr (is associated with wild goats from the Himalayas in southern Tibet)
New Zealand has very strict bio-security regulations. It is illegal to import most food-stuffs (meat and meat products, honey, fruit, dairy produce) and strict penalties are handed out to those breaking these rules. Take care when importing wood products, golf clubs, footwear, tents, fishing equipment and items made from animal skin.
New Zealand is a fertile and mountainous group of islands in the south-west Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands (the North Island and South Island) and a number of smaller islands.
New Zealand's first settlers were the Maori, whose Polynesian ancestors probably landed on what they called Aotearoa ('Land of the Long White cloud') during the 10th century AD, making New Zealand the last major habitable land mass to be settled by mankind. European settlers first came across New Zealand in 1642 when the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, spotted it in the course of his search for Antarctica. He named the South Island 'Nieuw Zeeland' after the Dutch province. James Cook sighted the North Island in 1769 and returned with various charting and scientific expeditions a number of times over the next few years. His enthusiastic reports encouraged a wave of European settlers who came across from Australia, and whalers who came from the UK, the USA and France. They gradually displaced Maori from their lands.
New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant native forests and long, deserted beaches. Because of its isolated geographical location, New Zealand is home to many unique species of flora and fauna, including the kiwi, kakapo and weka (all flightless birds).
New Zealand is twelve hours ahead GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.
The international dialling code is +64.
