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, pack up camp and saddle up the horses to trek off to the Historic Stanley Vale Hut on a 4 hour trek through Charles Saddle. Arrive at Stanley Vale Hut, set up camp and explore the area including Lake Guyon (hunting, fishing & swimming) before tucking down dinner and resting up in readiness for the final day.
Day Three
An early start for the hunting & fishing enthusiasts to scope out a well renown hunting and fishing spot, followed by a full breakfast before packing up camp, saddling up our horses and heading over Fowlers Pass on a 3 hour trek taking in the panoramic views. Riders are then transported back to the St James Homestead for end of trek refreshments.
CLASSIC KIWI TRAIL
2Days/3Nights - $1995 per rider
The Classic Kiwi 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 Stanley Vale Hut where you will have the opportunity to explore the area, hunt, fish and take a dip in the stunning Lake Guyon before settling into the Historic Stanley Vale hut for the night. Day three will begin with an early start which will allow the opportunity for our hunting and fishing enthusiasts to catch some game, before packing up camp to head back over Fowlers Pass to take in the spectacular scenery.
We Provide
Helmets
Sleeping mattress
Meals -
Day 1- Lunch & Dinner
Day 2, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3, Breakfast & Lunch
Note we do not cater for any special diets.
Please Bring
-
One set of clothes suitable for riding
-
One set of fresh clothes
-
Extra pairs of socks
-
Warm jacket
-
Wet weather gear
-
Swimming togs & towel
-
Sleeping bag
-
Torch
-
A fully charged phone or camera for photos.
Hunting & Fishing
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 Fishing for trout at Lake Guyon requires a fishing licence. Information for this is found here; www.fishandgame.org.nz or fishing/outdoor sports stores.
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 and are not permitted in any of the huts.
Rider Level & Minimum Age
Intermediate and experienced riders. All must be confident riding at all paces and on uneven terrain.
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 the first night and on the second night if available, in the historic Stanley Vale Hut, an earth rammed hut that was once used for the Stanley Vale run or alternatively tents.
Please bear in mind that the hut has very basic facilities which add to the nature of your experience.
Duration & Season
3 Days, 2 Nights.
The Classic Kiwi 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.
Bookings & Cancellations
The cost of the trip is $1,995.
Minimum of four riders for this trek to take place.
A 50% deposit is required on confirmation of the booking.
The full amount is to be paid 14 days before your trek date.
Cancellation Policy
No refund is available within 7 days of your trek.