PUKATEA HORSE TREKKING & ADVENTURES
Pukatea Horse Trekking & Adventures is located at the St James “homestead”a historical site built in 1880, which is a short distance from Hanmer and is accessible almost all year round. The St James Conservation Area was one of the largest operating cattle and sheep stations in the country, dating back to 1862. This vast area is one of the most renowned wilderness areas with immense natural beauty. Pukatea horses are waiting to take you on an unforgettable horseback journey over breathtaking mountains, isolated high country, glacial fed rivers and lakes. The authentic experience immerses you in the vast history of the St James & Molesworth area leaving you with a deeper understanding of the past journeys and early exploration by Maori and pioneers when Aotearoa was first settled.
Memorable Horseback Experience
Pukatea Horse Trekking has something for all abilities on the saddle of our trusting horses.
Our horses will give you a memorable horseback experience through the 78,000 hectares of three mountain ranges, characterised by mixed beech forests, open river flats, tussock tops rising to rocky snow mountain tops with contrasts of stunning natural features from glaciated valleys, glacial fed streams, wetlands, lakes and high altitude tarns.
Accommodation is available in the muster and DOC huts, as well as the historic cottages, as you explore the ranges from Jacks Pass in the south to the St Arnaud in the north and Molesworth Station in the east.
Our stagecoach will bring you back in time along the trails that Māori and early settlers once took between the east and west coasts showcasing the beautiful native scenery.