Hut Ride
The ultimate backcountry adventure! An all inclusive multi-day trek with an overnight mountain stay, spanning mountains, hillsides and pristine lake waters. Best suited to the more adventurous, active rider/person who enjoys being outside in beautiful nature.
The trek is a beautiful 17km ride through a variety of landscapes, it feels like you are travelling through different country. There is a good 4km climb winding it's way uphill towards the hut which then gives the most beautiful views of Lake Wanaka.​
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Our staff will drive a truck with our gear, and food, so we only need to bring the minimum on the horses. This means we can have fun doing some trotting and cantering as well.
​Price: $2000 per person
Catering and sleeping arrangements included
Arrive at: 10 am
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Season: December - March
Age Limit: 16+ years
Weight Limit: 95 kgs
Experience: Experience riders​
Pace: Fast (You must be comfortable in trot and canter)
We believe this ride is one of the best in New Zealand.
The food and non alcoholic drinks are included. We work with a local chef who makes the best meals right from her garden. We then bring it with us so you will be well nourished.​
Once you arrive at camp there will be a cheese platter waiting for you with your drinks while I take care of your horse. However if you like to help you are more than welcome to. We can work with dietary requirements so please tell us if there are any. There will be a lot of food so you won’t leave hungry.
This is at the top in between the hut and the paddock
Because we ride up a big mountain this means the second day involves a little bit of walking. We value the health of our horses a lot, and to keep them strong and healthy we don't want to ride them down a steep hill. This saves their shoulders, and we keep them happy and healthy.
This means you will have to lead your horse down for 20-30 minutes which is quite nice actually. They are very easy to lead, or else I can lead a few if that is easier. Plus you get to look down the most beautiful view of Wanaka!
This ride is only available from December - March
The summer months are the best for such an immersive and authentic outdoor experience. We have limited capacity on the big rides. Please book ahead and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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Are you only available for 1 day and you do you want to treat yourself to a trully special ride of the rides?
Come on a Big Hill Loop.
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Do you want to ride with us during winter season or something a bit more low key, but still get some fun fast canters and kms in?
Come on a Lake Ride.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
This was the most fun and unique experience I have ever had with horses. The terrain is just so versatile, and around ever corner you are blown away by nature. Sam and Nathan looked after us in the best way ever.
We will be back!
I went with 3 girlfriends, and I am not a "camper" so I was worries about this experience. But I was so amazed by the service of Sam and Nathan and their kind horses. We had super comfortable beds, hot water bottles, and I loved the whole experience. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined.
I have ridden in many places in the world, but this was by far the best ride. The horses, and how well looked after they are, the beautiful mountains, and of course the lake! Loved swimming, and being outside spending time in nature away from the busy daily life.
Cancellation Policy:
We require a non-refundable 25% deposit at the booking to secure the reservation. The remainder 75% is due 30 days before the ride start date.
If a customer cancels 30 days before the ride start date, the deposit is forfeited, but the remaining balance is refunded. Rescheduling is an option at this stage, but it is subject to Wanaka Horse Trekking availability. If a customer cancels 15 - 29 days before the ride start date, we retain 50% of the total price. If a customer cancels less than 15 days before the ride start date or doesn't show up, the full ride cost is charged, there is no refund.
If an operator cancels due to weather or health & safety reasons we offer either a full refund or reschedule. We will try to provide as much notice as possible.
In the event of force majeure, unforeseen events like natural disasters, pandemic etc. either party may cancel and we will offer a refund or reschedule if available at another date.
We highly encourage customers to have travel insurance that covers cancellations, especially for multi day rides.
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.