Day One
Meet at the St James Station at 9am, pack horses and set off for Cow Stream Natural Hot Pools on a 3 hour trek. Relax having lunch sitting nestled amongst the mountains before heading to the Natural Hot Pools for a soak. A hearty dinner by the campfire before settling in for the night in Glamping style.
Day Two
After a hearty breakfast, saddle up the horses to trek off to explore the St James wilderness. Taking in the views of the St James Ranges, Opera Ranges and Hanmer Ranges. After a full days ride out you will arrive back to camp to an enjoyable meal, and a soak in the natural hot pools to help relax and soothe your muscles after a long ride out. Enjoy the evening sitting by the camp telling stories of the ride out underneath the canopy of stars deep in the St James outback, before nestling into bed.
Day Three
The morning begins with a full breakfast before packing up camp, saddling up our horses and heading back to St James Homestead via Edwards Valley. The four hour trek will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the natural panoramic views of the St James Ranges & beyond. Arriving back to the Homestead you will enjoy a refreshment before heading home.
ST JAMES RANGE OUTBACK TRAIL
The St James Range Outback Trail is a three day and two night horse trek which has been specially put together for those of you who wish to explore the hidden gems in the St James Conservation Area.
You will have the opportunity to explore this peaceful area of natural beauty which is nestled in 78,000 hectares of mixed beech forests, open river flats, tussock tops rising to rocky snow mountain tops, glaciated valleys, lakes and high altitude tarns.
The Trail will take you from the St James Homestead to Cow Stream campsite where you will be treated to a soak in the Natural Hot Pools and a dinner by the campfire under the stars, before settling in for the night in our premium comfort Glamping style.
Day two will start with a hearty breakfast before heading off to explore the St James Ranges and surrounding areas, taking in the fresh alpine air and spectacular views of the mountains. You will enjoy a packed lunch while out for a full day of adventure, exploring where the wild St James horses run free. Riders will return to our Glamping site to enjoy a relaxing soak to relieve the muscles after their ride out. You will enjoy a delicious meal around the camp sharing stories of the day underneath the star spangled sky.
Day three will begin with a full breakfast, then packing up camp to head back over to the St James Homestead riding through native and exotic grasslands, steeping mountains whilst taking in the wonders of the Edwards Valley out to the Clarence River.
We Provide
Helmets
Sleeping mattress
Meals -
Day 1- Lunch & Dinner
Day 2, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 3, Breakfast & Packed lunch
Refreshments on arrival back
Note we do not cater for any special diets.
Please Bring
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Two set of clothes suitable for riding
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One set of fresh clothes
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Extra pairs of socks
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Warm jacket
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Wet weather gear
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Swimming togs & towel
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Sleeping bag
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Torch
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A fully charged phone or camera for photos.
A small pack can be taken on the trail out to our campsite and the rest of your gear will be transported by vehicle or a pack horse.
Hunting & Fishing
If you wish to bring your rifle, we will be expecting to show your valid firearms license.
Please bring your own equipment for this and ensure that it is packed safely for transporting by horse. Hunting permits are available from any DOC office or online at www.doc.govt.nz
Dogs are able to accompany us on the trip. They are not permitted on the West of the Waiau River, in order to protect native birds, particularly kiwi.
Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
Rider Level & Minimum Age
All riding abilities however all riders must be confident riding in the saddle for long periods.
Minimum age is 12 years old. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Accommodation
Trekkers will stay in a Glamping tent on both nights. You will sleep on soft, comfortable airbeds to give you a good nights sleep.
Duration & Season
3 Days, 2 Nights.
The St James Range Outback Trail is available all year round however the weather in the high country is at its best from October to April.
High Country weather can change very quickly so it is important that all riders are prepared for this. Snow at all levels from May to October can be expected.
The weather may permit us from exploring some areas if rivers are running high.
Bookings & Cancellations
The cost of the trip is $2,200.
Minimum of four riders for this trek to take place.
A 100% deposit is required on confirmation of the booking.
Cancellation Policy
No refund is available within 7 days of your trek. If the weather does not permit the horse trek to go ahead you will be offered an alternative date.
Transport
Transport from Christchurch Airport or Hanmer Springs to St James Homestead can be arranged at an additional charge.