“Discover the best hidden gem in the MacKenzie”
3 Day Pack Track Horse Trek in Fairlie, MacKenzie
Blue Mountain Lake Lodge, 146 Blue Mountain Road, Fairlie 7987, New Zealand
Horse Riding Tour in New Zealand
This all inclusive package will be running throughout the year, putting you right into the heart of the action of the station. Horse hire, food and accommodation are all included in this two night adventure meaning all you need to do is book and turn up ready to ride.
Key information
- Weight limit: 100 kilograms / 220 pounds
- Horse breed: Pony
Meet the instructors
Lauren
Read more
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Highlights
- 3 riding days
- Explore the station on horseback
- Ride to the native gulleys of Blue Mountain Station and see the native wildlife
- Evening wool shed tour
- All rider abilities are welcome, tailored rides to your needs and levels
- 2 nights accommodation at Cook Shop & Basin Hut
- Gear cartage and delivery
- Homemade personalised food menu
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
3 days with instruction
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
13:00
Check-out Time:
10:00
Basin Creek Hut (1 night)
This beautifully restored historical hut was built in the late 1800's. The hut sits under the shadow of the mighty Mount Peel in a peaceful gulley just off the Orari River. It is the perfect place to stay for anyone looking to get out and explore the high country.
The hut is accessible by a 4x4 farm track along the Orari River and you can drive right to the front door. It is a perfect spot for a family getaway or fishing trip along the Orari River. Park up, sit back and relax or follow the marked trails around the station.
Facilities
- The hut can sleep up to 6 people - the bunk room has 4 single bunks and 2 doubles joined together)
- Small kitchen and dining area with basic kitchen supplies and electric lights
- Indoor and outdoor fires
- BBQ with gas supplied
- A freshwater natural tap for water just outside the hut. There is no running water at the hut, only the creek. Although the water is very clean, we advise bringing your own water or boiling your water for 3 minutes before drinking.
- There is a long drop behind the hut.
Cook Shop (1 night)
Blue Mountain Cook Shop was built by the Buick family in the 1960s to supply hot meals for the shepherds & shearers. This cosy little cottage has been renovated into accommodation for people visiting the farm. This is the perfect place to explore the station while having a few home comforts. The Cook Shop makes a great base to ride across the station from with the sheep yards and float parking right next door.
The Cook Shop is situated right at the heart of the busy working station. It is a great place to see the everyday goings-on of a fully operational Merino station. The Cook Shop is right opposite the mighty Blue Mountain Wool Shed. Most days you'll see our shepherds training their dogs in the sheep yards.
The building consists of a fully equipped kitchen/lounge with a TV, sofas and a wood fire. There are 3 bedrooms and the original dining room. The bathroom is accessible via the veranda and has a shower and a toilet. Bedroom One has a double and single bed, Bedroom 2 has two single beds. Bedroom 3 (The Snorer's Snug) has a double bed. Bedroom 4 has two single beds, one snuggled in the cove in the dining room.
This stay includes bottom sheets and pillows cases for each bed, all kitchen needs, fridge/freezer, beer fridge, free W-Fi and firewood. All you need to bring is towels.
Bell Tent
Camp out with bell tent accommodation is possible. Please send an inquiry to Blue Mountain Lake Limited for more information.
Program
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival - around 1:00 p.m.
- Meet and greet - meet the crew and riders
- Meet your horse - get matched up with your pony
- Ride to camp - join a ride out to camp, this gives you a chance to get to know your horse and get the saddle warmed up
- Stay at the Basin Creek Hut
- Dinner - served by a professional chef
- Card games
Day 2
- Breakfast at the basin hut - up bright and early, breakfast and get you and your horse ready for a big day on the hill
- Explore the Andrews - you will make your way to the native gulleys of Blue Mountain Station, stopping at historical huts and seeing the native wildlife
- Lunch - stop for a scenic lunch along the way
- Cook Shop - return back to the heart of the station to stay at a traditional New Zealand cottage for a hot shower and to put the ponies to bed
- Dinner - have dinner at the homestead with the farm owners, learn some of the rich history
- Wool shed tour - an evening wool shed tour after dinner, learn about the New Zealand wool industry and the quality of wool produced
Day 3
- Breakfast at the cook shop - up bright and early, breakfast and get you and your horse ready for a final ride around the river
- Pack you bags - return home by 10 a.m.
- Final goodbyes - say goodbye to the crew, your newfound friends, and group photos
- See you next year!
Rider Requirements
- Weight limit 100 kilograms / 220 pounds. All riders must be honest about their experience and ability with horses. You will be partnered with a horse that suits your ability. The track has some steep climbs in the open country and the back country. All riders must be physically fit. You could be in the saddle for many hours, all riders must be prepared for this. You will be sent an information sheet for you to tell about your riding experience. This ride is not suitable for anyone with hip, knee or ankle injuries.
- Gear will be carted to each accommodation ahead of the arrival on horseback, please ensure that you have packed your bags so that items are not going to fall out en-route. Cameras are optional and encouraged so that you can capture your adventure. You are advised to have a neck strap and a travel case for your camera so that it can be stored and carried in a way that is compatible with riding a horse at the same time.
- Horse riders - gear transport is included in your horse extra. All riders must be ready to ride out by 4 pm. Pack transport leaves at 4 pm daily. Gear transport is limited to 1 bag per person (must be under 25 kgs), one bag or bucket per horse and 2 chilli bins per group.
Instructors
Lauren Brown
Lauren is the main guide at Blue Mountain Station. Lauren has over 15 years of experience in the horse world, an equine bachelors degree and a huge passion for Blue Mountain Station. Lauren will guide you throughout your ride across the station and tell you all about the farm and what goes on there.
Location
Blue Mountain Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, the best-hidden gem in the MacKenzie. This 5-hectare crystal clear waterskiing lake is nestled under the Four Peaks' Range just a short 30-minute drive from Fairlie. Completely secluded and 100% privately owned, this sanctuary provides an amazing place for any group to come and play with total privacy.
Food
Meals will be provided from dinner on Night 1 to breakfast on Day 3. Preference and information sheets will be sent prior to arrival. Alcohol is not provided but BYO is allowed.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 2 nights stay at Cook Shop and Basin Hut
- Explore the station on horseback
- Gear cartage and delivery
- All-inclusive stay (BYO alcohol)
- Homemade personalised food menu
- Tailored trip to your needs/levels
What's not included
- Airfare
- Transportation
How to get there
Recommended Airports
CHC
Christchurch International Airport
126 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by car
Fairlie is a 30-minute drive from the main homestead. The Basin Creek Hut is in the middle of the station, 1 kilometer away from the Orari River. It takes at least 30 minutes to drive from the homestead to the Basin Hut. It is very remote with no cell phone reception or Wi-Fi. All groups must carry a personal locator beacon at all times - these can be hired. Be prepared to stay in a very remote environment.
The hut is accessible by 4x4 only via the farm track. All persons driving to Basin Creek Hut must have a suitable 4x4 vehicle, off road driving and farm track experience is essential before booking. The track runs along the side of the Orari River, bringing you straight to the door of the hut. It is a relatively flat track, loose shingle, clay mud, some muddy and swampy areas and several small creek crossings.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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