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Having operated a trekking business for a number of years, one thing River Valley has noticed is the desire amongst many of their riders for more knowledge. More knowledge in particular about how to work with their horse for a more enjoyable experience for both rider and mount. This holiday is an experience where you can get to know your horse, bond with it, and feel your confidence and enjoyment improve as you explore the new countryside and undertake rides that have greater levels of challenge. Mix your time spent in the arena or exploring the countryside with accommodation at River Valley Lodge in a deluxe guest room, add some great country style meals, pick a wine from the selection, and you have the makings of a great break away.
Are you one of those people who value getting away from the tourist hubs? Then maybe River Valley Lodge is for you. River Valley Lodge is an adventure lodge which highly values getting out on both the river and land, exploring, experiencing, normally by raft or horseback.
Enjoy a high standard of comfort after your day of adventure! Each deluxe room features its own unique decor. All the bathrooms have underfloor heating and are tiled in a unique, distinctive pattern reflecting the local environment. Each of the guest rooms can be made as either a double or twin. The deluxe rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, free wireless internet, and free use of the spa facilities. The lodge itself is in an area that does not have cellphone coverage, ensuring a strong dose of peace and quiet.
Arrive and check in anytime from 3:00 p.m. Enjoy a three-course dinner and a complimentary drink, served in the main lodge.
Have breakfast at the lodge, before heading up to the stables around 9:00 a.m. Spend the day riding or working with the horses and return to the lodge around 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included. Then, relax for a while, use the spa, and enjoy another three-course dinner at the lodge.
Have breakfast at the lodge. Check out of your room before you head up to the stables again for your second day of riding. The riding will finish around 3:00 p.m. After this, you can either head home or opt to stay and add on some additional days.
Your riding experience starts off with a couple of hours in the saddle on the first morning. During this time, your stables guide will have a chance to assess your riding ability and to match you with the appropriate horse for the duration of your stay. That afternoon, you will spend time learning about natural horsemanship techniques and how you can apply them.
The second day is an exploring day, putting into practice some of the natural horse training techniques you learned the previous afternoon while taking in some of the magnificent scenery in our area, the hill country of the northern Rangitikei District. Riding will finish up at about 3:00 p.m. allowing you time to return home if staying only two days.
This horse riding holiday is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.
River Valley Lodge team takes a fairly broad view on defining someones riding ability. However, it is important that people are as honest as possible about their level of ability.
It is also important to note that their horses are trained using natural horse training techniques, which is in many ways quite different from traditional English style riding. On occasion, even experienced riders have found this transition difficult, whereas beginner or novice riders have not.
River Valley is situated in the Rangitikei District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is near the central North Island town of Taihape. River Valley Lodge is the ideal place to break a journey from the Rotorua/Taupo area, to Wellington, being about halfway between.
This Home On The Range package includes:
There are vegetarian options available with all meals. However, it is advisable that you let River Valley Lodge know in advance of any specific dietary requirements so the kitchen can prepare the appropriate meals. The lodge does maintain a large onsite vegetable garden from which a great deal of fresh summer produce is sourced.
For those wanting to stay longer than the minimum two days, additional days can be added at a discounted rate. Each subsequent day will be a mix of working with your horse in the arena, trekking over the surrounding hill country, and of course, relaxing when you need a break. The price of the extra day includes another night in deluxe ensuite accommodation, a three-course dinner, breakfast, and your day of riding. Please send an inquiry for further details.
Your stay in deluxe ensuite rooms comes with complimentary use of the spa. This includes a hot tub, wood-fired sauna, and infra red sauna.
If you are using a GPS then the lodge's coordinates are South 39°37-800 East 176°02-583. However, using GPS is not recommended as it does not take you on the easiest route.
If you are traveling south, turn left at the River Valley signpost, 18 kilometers after Waiouru.
If you are traveling north, use the Gretna Hotel in Taihape as your starting point, with the Gretna Hotel on your left. A 32-kilometer drive will last around 35 minutes after taking you through some of New Zealand’s finest and most picturesque hill country. Please follow the regular signs to River Valley.
After turning off State Highway 1, you will cross two bridges coming from Waiouru, and three bridges coming from Taihape. The last 1.5 kilometers are gravel and take you to the lodge at the end of Mangahoata Road.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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