Comfort
Overnight in mountain huts or tents depending on the station and number of riders in the group. Please remember the accommodation is basic and will be shared with others on the ride. Some nights are spent camping and you should bring your own sleeping bag. Mattresses are provided.
Huts might have electricity and water. On some occasions, and especially on the camping nights, washing and loo facilities will not be available.
Meals
Homemade meals. A cook will prepare dinner for you. Breakfast is continental and lunch is taken during the ride. Before dinner your guides will offer you some cheese and crackers.
Alcohol has to be ordered at least 2 weeks before trip leaving and has to be paid separately. Alcohol choices will be provided with the booking.
You can also bring your own alcohol but it needs to be transported in plastic bottles as glass bottles are heavy to carry.
There will be €6 extra per day if you have any specific diet (vegetarian, gluten free, etc)
Climate
Christchurch's climate is Oceanic.
In summer the wind from the north-eastern Pacific limits the rise in temperatures.
In October the temperatures vary between 12° C at the best time of the day and 4 ° C for the coldest nights with a fog. In November the days are pleasant with 22 ° C in the middle of the day, and with a minimum of 10° C in the early morning. In December temperatures can rise to 25° C in the middle of the afternoon with cool morning at 10 ° C. In winter, temperatures below 0° C are frequent at night. On average, there are 70 days of frost per year. The snow falls about twice a year on the hills and once or twice in the plain.
Guide and local team
Lawrie and Jenny will be your hosts and guides. Corinna will be the cook during the trail, so she will keep you warm with her home-made dishes. Lawrie and Jenny have lived there since 1981 and started the trail rides in 1992. These horse lovers have an outstanding knowledge of the region and could not be happier to help you discover it.
Tips
In New Zealand it is not common to tip, except in some luxurious restaurants (Up to 10% of the bill, depending on the service)
Packing list
Important: For your riding holiday please make sure your luggage does not exceed 15 kg.
You are in a mountainous area and temperatures can be cold, especially at night. Consider layered equipment and clothes that will allow you to adapt to each temperature you will face during your ride.
Head
- A riding helmet is mandatory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet manufacturers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat for when not riding - Essential
- Sunglasses (UV protection) - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the cold wind.
Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth (quick dry fabric)
- T-shirts (quick dry fabric)
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Complete rain gear: Long waterproof jacket down to the knees
Legs
- 2 pairs of comfortable riding trousers or long leather chaps - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- 1 spare jean or walking trouser
- Gore-tex pants (waterproof and breathable)
- Thermal trousers for cold days or for sleeping in.
- A swimming costume may be useful for impromptu dips in the lakes or washing in the rivers.
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear
Hands and Feet
- 1 pair of walking shoes with chaps or booths with specific mini-chaps for riding.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings in the cabins.
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind, cold or rain whilst riding
Horse riding extras
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not permitted whilst riding
Night
- Sleeping bag with a comfort level of -5° min, -8° or -10° would also be beneficial. We also recommend you bring with you a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.
Other useful items
- Travel bag, preferably a soft bag 60-80ltrs (front opening or backpack) - Your belonging will be transferred in the 'Swags' so do no over pack.
- Head torch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries (biodegradable wipes to replace water)
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Towel
Medical kit
- Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) are clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrheal medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- A box of bandages.
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand wash gel
For High altitudes: Aspegic 1000, Duxil for persistent headaches due to altitude sickness, light sleeping pills, Diamox or Aldactazine tablets (on medical prescription, to use only on the advice of your doctor)
General information
- We recommend taking any valuables, such as your camera, iPod, iPad, medicines and glasses etc. in your hand luggage. Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Throughout the ride, we ask you not to exceed 15 kg of luggage per person to not overcharge the 'swags'
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- If, in wishing to 'travel light', you plan to wash your clothes throughout the trip, please ensure you bring biodegradable laundry products with which to do your washing
-Equipment provided:
- First aid kit
- 1 pair of medium size saddlebags
- Tents + Foam Mattress