Big Hill Loop
A full day 25km expedition showcasing the best of West Wanaka station, from the highest hilltops to the shores of Lake Wanaka. Best suited to more experienced riders with some riding fitness. The ride of the rides!
Price: $900 per person, Lunch included in the price
Minimum: 2 riders for the ride to go ahead
Arrive at: 9 am
Duration: Allow 7-8 hours for the experience
Season: December - March
Age Limit: 16+ years
Weight Limit: 95 kgs
Experience: Experience riders
Pace: Fast (You must be comfortable in trot, canter and gallop)
This ride is very beautiful, but very challenging so please don't hesitate to get in touch via email or phone if you'd like to go on this adventure and have further questions about it.
For riders who really want to get out there and explore the hidden gems of West Wanaka station, this full day 25km ride truly delivers! The big hill loop spans some of the highest and lowest points of the landscape. After riding to the top of the hill, we continue along the summit, taking in the spectacular views below, before descending down to Lake Wanaka for lunch and a potential swim (alone, or with your horse!).
The dramatic changes in terrain on this ride, from rugged, desert-like hillsides to rich grasslands, are truly breathtaking and can leave you feeling like you have travelled between continents!
This ride includes sections of trot and canter and gallop, subject to the ability of the group. We find that this is a big day for most people, and we advise to only book this ride if you are fit to spend the full day outside in the saddle and on your feet.
Not sure if Big Hill Loop is too much of a big day for you? See the Lake Ride.
Are you keen on an overnight adventure instead? See Hut Ride.
Are you only available for half a day, but want to do some fun canters? See Lookout Loop.
The horses carry us up the hill, but we dismount and lead them for a short section (about 30-40 minutes of downhill walking) of this ride as we descend down the steeper slopes. This is an important part of backcountry riding at altitude. It saves our horses’ shoulders, back and keeps them strong and healthy. You must therefore be physically fit and happy to lead a horse from the ground to participate in this ride. Please wear sturdy shoes, ideally lace up hiking boots or shoes with a good grip sole.
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Important things to consider:
You must speak and understand English.
You must be able to rise in trot and canter.
You must be confident rider, no nervous Nellies.
You must be physically fit to mount the horse from the ground. (We'll help you find a higher bank of course)
You must be able to walk downhill for at least 30 mins.
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Cancellation policy:
Because we only have so much availability, and take small groups only we have to be a bit strict with this. Cancellations must be made with a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to the day of your booked ride to qualify for a refund. Cancellations and booking changes made after 30 days, but prior to 48 hours will incur a 10% of the total booking fee, cancellations and changes made within 48 hours of the day of your booked ride are non-refundable.
Riding Experience Levels
Not sure of what's your category? See the guidelines and recommendations below.
Beginner
This might be your first time around horses, or you have ridden only a few times. This means you need guidance on how to ride; steer, stop, speed, and help with mounting and dismounting your horse. You would like a calm ride, on a calm horse, and learn the first things on what it is like to ride this amazing animal. You need guidance and encouragement throughout the ride.
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Best ride for you: Homestead Bay (walking only)
Intermediate
You have ridden multiple times, have gotten lessons for a little while, and have tasted what it is like to go faster. You have been learning how to rise to the trot, and have done a few canters and you feel excited doing more of those. You are reasonably confident, well-balanced and able to control your horse at a basic level. You have been on a few trail rides with some uneven terrain, and hills. You might still be nervous about going for a gallop, and going fast in open spaces.
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Best ride for you: Lookout Loop (trotting and a few fun canters)
This is a guidance only, and we understand there are situations where you may doubt if you are suitable for a certain ride. Please don't hesitate to call or send us an email. We are more than happy to help you decide which ride is best for you.
Experienced
You are a confident, capable rider with good control, balance, and experience across different horses and environments. Ideally you are currently riding, and have done so for a few years now. But you may have a lot of experience from when you were younger, and still ride occasionally. You can handle forward but responsive moving horses at all paces. You feel confident trotting and cantering while controlling your own horse. You love riding in varied terrain, steep hills, river crossings and a long day in the saddle doesn't scare you. We shouldn't need to help you get on your horse.
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Best ride for you: Lake Ride or The Hut Ride.
And if you have all of the above plus extensive hiking and riding fitness, miles under your belt and need for speed, Big Hill Loop ride is an unforgettable adventure for you.