Horse Riding Lake Ōhau

Our Taxi begins picking up around 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
Riding day 1 -
2 hours riding - 3pm arrival
Kia 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.

Riding Day 3 -
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

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 _10 am you
will be picked up by our taxi and returned to Queenstown



Enjoy stunning
views of Lake Ohau ,“Aorangi” Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Exploring the breath-taking famed
McKenzie
Country, ride deep into the heart of the Southern Alps NZ/ Tiritiri-o-te-moana, Te on
horseback.
Experience the
cultural history:
Farming: E xplore 2 of
these privately owned, iconic Kiwi farms (ranches/stations), Glenlyon
Station & Lake Ohau Stations.
Stargazing: The Aoraki
Mackenzie Dark Sky 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.
Digital Detox : A wonderful
location to immerse
yourself in Papatuanuku “Mother Earth” and recharge your batteries.