Total cost for 4 people: NZD 18,000
Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
Distance: approx. 45 km total (depending on route variations)
Difficulty: Moderate. Moderate level of fitness is required. Confidence in a saddle is required.
This is our Fowlers Circuit, reworked for riders who want more than just the journey — they want the ride itself.
Same country. Same lines through the mountains. But a different rhythm.
We’ve reduced the time spent on camp routines — less packing, less loading, less standing around — and shifted the focus back to what matters: time in the saddle, ground covered, and space to ride.
You’ll hold camp for two nights in Stanley Vale, a quiet basin deep in the St James. From there, Day 2 breaks free.
No pack horses. No restrictions on pace. Just horses, terrain, and open country.
We ride out light and push deeper — 20 to 25 km depending on conditions — following valleys, cutting across flats, moving with the land. This is where the ride changes — longer trots, canters where it opens, and the kind of movement you don’t get when you’re tied to a pack string. If we’re lucky, we cross paths with the wild St James horses, moving through their country the way they always have.
Day 3 is a longer pull — around 20 km, 4-6 hours in the saddle — steady, committed, and earned. By the end of it, you drop into a new camp at the Cowstream hot pools. Hot water, open sky, and the kind of silence you only get this far out.
This route keeps its backbone — Fowlers Pass, raw and exposed, the high country cut by rivers and creeks, the natural hot pools and the wide alpine basins that make this place what it is.
Less structure. More riding. Fewer interruptions.
This is the circuit, pushed closer to what it was always meant to be — a real pack-country ride, with space to move.
True expedition experience — this is real backcountry riding through untouched alpine terrain, far from tourist tracks.
Dramatic scenery — includes the most striking mountain pass of the St James (Fowler’s Pass 1,296 m), wild rivers, and endless tussock valleys.
Rich sense of history and wilderness — historic huts, the trail of early settlers, and almost no human presence once inside the circuit.
Freedom riding - the second day is fully dedicated to freedom riding - tailored to your pace, experience and preference.
Possible wildlife sighting: deer, wild pigs, chamois, native birds
Moderate to advanced fitness required
Physically and mentally demanding — remote, self-supported terrain with basic facilities and barely any or no vehicle access.
Weather-dependent route — alpine conditions can change quickly; rivers, especially the Waiau, may rise after rain and require route adjustments.
Would you like to really imagine yourself on this trip?
You will drive yourselves to Fowlers Hut, our trailhead for this journey.
The drive is approximately 30 km from Hanmer Springs and takes around 1 hour. The road is a well-maintained gravel road and is suitable for standard vehicles in normal conditions.
Fowlers Hut marks the gateway into the St James Conservation Area and is where our ride begins.
We will meet you there at around 9:00 am. As this is a private tour, there is no strict rush — arriving 30 minutes earlier or later will not affect the day’s plan.
While you settle in, we will:
Introduce you to your horses
Load your personal belongings onto the pack horses
Run through a full safety briefing
Discuss the route and conditions for the day
We aim to be riding by approximately 10:30 am.
The ride from Fowlers Hut to Stanley Vale Hut takes you through some of the most dramatic country in the St James. After leaving the trailhead, we begin a steady climb toward Fowlers Pass, a true mountain saddle sitting at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level. This is widely regarded as the most dramatic pass in the St James Conservation Area, offering wide, exposed views across multiple valleys and ranges.
As this is a high mountain pass, exposure to the elements is very likely. Wind, rapid weather changes, and temperature shifts are common, even in settled conditions. With the nature of the terrain, elevation gain, and variable weather, we grade this day’s ride as moderate complexity.
This ride is very much doable for a fit adult beginner rider who is accustomed to the outdoors. Horsemanship skills are less important than general fitness, balance, and an adventurous mindset. However, this experience is not suitablefor those who feel uncomfortable around animals or horses, are uneasy with heights or exposed terrain, are not confident in outdoor environments, or are unwilling to accept tired legs and a full physical day in the saddle.
From the pass, the landscape opens into expansive valleys as we descend toward Stanley Vale. The riding alternates between open flowing sections, historic stock routes, and quieter stretches with creek crossings, all set within a remote alpine environment.
By mid to late afternoon, we arrive at Stanley Vale Hut, where we settle in for the night after a full day crossing high country terrain.
Apon arrival at Stanley Vale in the afternoon, you will enter a remote area with limited 4WD access, permitted only under Department of Conservation (DOC) authorisations. Because of this, there is a chance you may encounter other backcountry users, most commonly hunters, though overall traffic remains very low.
The guides will unsaddle, check, feed, and settle the horses while you have time to change out of riding gear and rest.
For the night, there are several accommodation options, which will be decided on the day, depending on weather conditions, ground conditions, and the group’s preferences:
Use of the historic Stanley Vale Hut as shelter
Setting up a camp near the hut
Camping closer to Lake Guyon for a more open valley setting
The evening is relaxed and unstructured, allowing time to unwind, prepare dinner, and enjoy the quiet and scale of the Stanley Vale area after a full day in the saddle.
Fowler’s Pass (1,296 m) — one of the most dramatic alpine crossings in the St James. Wide-open ridgelines, rugged scree slopes, and views stretching across the Hanmer and St James Ranges.
Lake Guyon (optional ride) — a short evening detour to a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by golden tussock and reflections of the Poplars tops. If the weather and your adventure spirit permits, we could wash or swim with horses there.
Mixed terrain adventure — steady climbs, scree and tussock flats, multiple creek crossings, and the main Stanley River crossing on the approach to Stanley Vale Hut.
Wildlife encounters — keep an eye out for red deer, and chamois moving across the slopes; occasionally, falcons circle above the ridgelines.
Stanleyvale hut -a genuine piece of high-country history: The hut dates from the 1860s and was originally built as the homestead for the Stanley Vale run.
Please arrive fully fueled for the day. Breakfast is not provided.
For our base package, we ask guests to pack their own lunches and snacks. It’s the best way to bring the foods you enjoy most and that suit your energy for the day.
On this ride, lunch is usually taken somewhere along Fowlers Pass
We recommend easy, nourishing food that travels well and doesn’t need heating. If you’d prefer your meals to be fully catered, we can arrange this as an add-on option when booking.
Yor your camp dinner will be prepared by your guide — hearty, simple, and best enjoyed in the open air. Guests are always welcome to join in and help, especially if any of the horses need a bit of extra attention after the day’s work.
We do our very best to accommodate dietary requirements, though please keep in mind that the remote nature of the St James places a few limitations on ingredients and preparation. For practical reasons, any dietary requirements will be applied to the entire group’s meals during the trek.
The morning starts slow.
No rush, no packing, no breaking camp. Coffee on the fire, horses grazing nearby, the valley still quiet. If you feel like it, there’s time for a cold plunge in the creek or even Lake Guyon — sharp, clean alpine water to wake you up properly.
Then we saddle up — light.
No pack horses today. Just riding horses, open country, and a full day ahead.
From Stanley Vale, the ride opens in every direction. We move out across the flats and into the valleys, following lines that aren’t fixed — choosing terrain based on conditions, energy, and curiosity. Without the pack string, the pace changes. There’s room for longer trots, stretches of canter where the land allows, and a more natural flow with the horses.
Over the course of the day, we can cover 20 to 25 km, reaching further into the St James than most riders ever do. Wide tussock basins, braided streams, quiet ridgelines — country that feels untouched and expansive.
This day can be as adventurous or as calm as you want it to be.
You bring the vibe — we match it.
Want to spend hours by the lake, swimming with the horses and resting on the sand?
Feel like pushing further to track down the wild St James horses?
Keen to test yourself on steeper terrain?
Or prefer open flats to stretch into a canter?
The day is yours — we shape it around you.
That said, all pace changes are always at your guide’s discretion. We are responsible for your safety, and we ask you to respect that. Every decision is made based on terrain conditions, weather, and your riding experience. Helmets are required to be worn at all times.
By afternoon, we return to the same camp. No setup waiting. Just time — to rest, to eat, to sit by the fire, and let the day settle in.
One place. One valley. Fully explored — on your terms.
Freedom riding - no pack horses to slow you down. You bring the vibe, we match it.
Camping at the same spot - no camp pick up and re-set up.
Multiple rivers and creeks crossings
Spot wild life
Breakfast is organized and cooked for you..
Guests are always welcome to join in the morning routine — checking on the horses, fetching water, or helping with the fire before sitting down to eat together in the stillness of the valley.
Lunches on this journey are simple, flexible, and taken where the day leads you. For our base package, we ask guests to bring their own lunches and snacks, so you can enjoy your favourite foods and fuel yourself the way you like.
If you prefer your meals to be fully catered, just let us know when booking — we can happily organise that as an add-on option.
Your guide will prepare a hot, hearty dinner on the camp stove — simple food, cooked well, and best enjoyed with a view of the mountains and the sound of horses quietly grazing nearby.
Guests are always welcome to lend a hand, especially if any of the horses need tending or you’d like to help with camp chores.
We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements, though please keep in mind that the wilderness setting places some limitations on ingredients. For practical reasons, any special requests will be applied to the whole group.
The morning at Stanley vale camp begins with a steady camp routine — breakfast, packing personal gear, and preparing the horses for another day on the move. With camp packed down and panniers loaded, we set out into the valley, continuing deeper through the St James landscape.
Today’s ride carries a strong sense of transition. The terrain remains open and expansive, with wide valley floors, braided river systems, and long, flowing sections of riding. The pace is steady and comfortable, allowing time to settle into the rhythm of the journey and take in the scale of the surroundings.
We follow the natural lines of the country, gradually working toward the Cow Stream area, with several creek and river crossings along the way. These crossings are part of the experience — clear alpine water, shifting riverbeds, and the quiet focus that comes with moving confidently through them.
As the day unfolds, the landscape begins to soften slightly, and by mid to late afternoon we arrive at one of the highlights of the trip — the Cow Stream natural hot pools.
Ride grading: moderate
Camp is set nearby, horses are settled, and the rhythm of the day gives way to something slower. The evening is spent soaking in the natural hot springs, surrounded by open high-country terrain — a rare and well-earned contrast after days in the saddle.
Dinner is prepared at camp, and the night unfolds quietly under the stars, with the warmth of the pools just a short walk away.
Longer riding day - apps 20 km, around 5 hours
Natural Hot Springs
Wild life sighting
Multiple river and creeks crossing.
Breakfast is simple but hearty — think oats or muesli with dried fruit and honey, eggs or pancakes when conditions allow, and hot drinks to warm your hands against the alpine chill.
Guests are always welcome to join in the morning routine — checking on the horses, fetching water, or helping with the fire before sitting down to eat together in the stillness of the valley.
Lunches on this journey are simple, flexible, and taken where the day leads you. For our base package, we ask guests to bring their own lunches and snacks, so you can enjoy your favourite foods and fuel yourself the way you like.
If you prefer your meals to be fully catered, just let us know when booking — we can happily organise that as an add-on option.
Your guide will prepare a hot, hearty dinner on the camp stove — simple food, cooked well, and best enjoyed with a view of the mountains and the sound of horses quietly grazing nearby.
Guests are always welcome to lend a hand, especially if any of the horses need tending or you’d like to help with camp chores.
We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements, though please keep in mind that the wilderness setting places some limitations on ingredients.
The final morning begins at Cow Stream camp with a relaxed start to the day. After breakfast, there is time for one last soak in the hot pools for those who wish, before packing personal gear and preparing the horses for the final leg of the journey.
Once ready, camp is packed down, panniers loaded, and we set off toward St James Homestead, following the valley out of the backcountry.
The ride out is quite easy and relaxing covering approximately 11 km of mostly flat terrain. The route follows open valley floors and river terraces, with a few gentle creek crossings along the way. After several days in the saddle, the pace is relaxed, giving time to enjoy the final stretch of the landscape and reflect on the journey.
Ride grading: easy
As we approach the homestead, the sense of remoteness gradually softens, marking the transition back to the outside world.
Arrival is typically early afternoon, depending on the pace of the morning. Horses are unsaddled, gear is unloaded, and the trip concludes with a relaxed farewell at the homestead
Relaxing ride through tussocks flats
Breakfast is simple but hearty — think oats or muesli with dried fruit and honey, eggs or pancakes when conditions allow, and hot drinks to warm your hands against the alpine chill.
Guests are always welcome to join in the morning routine — checking on the horses, fetching water, or helping with the fire before sitting down to eat together in the stillness of the valley.
This trip is guided by Milo, the company owner and main guide. He is a highly experienced horseman, specialising in western-style riding, and a passionate outdoorsman. Milo has over 15 years of experience training horses and guiding riding trips across New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and Europe. His background extends well beyond horse trekking. He has worked for several years as a commercial hunter in the South Island of New Zealand, operating in some of the country’s most challenging and changeable weather conditions. He also has experience working as a commercial fisherman in the Mediterranean, further adding to his extensive time spent in demanding outdoor environments. Together, this experience amounts to years spent outdoors in all climates and conditions, developing strong judgment, adaptability, and risk awareness. You will be in the safest hands possible throughout the journey. Depending on weather complexity, group size, and overall conditions, the trip may also be supported by a second junior guide. All our guides are: Passionate about what they do; Highly experienced in rugged and remote terrain; Trained in First Aid; Competent horse handlers; And, as an added bonus, not bad at cooking
Just you and your crew, no other riders
You bring the spirit, we match your vibe, your mood and your adventure style. Safety first
We provide horses suited to a range of riding levels. More responsive horses are allocated to experienced riders, while calm, steady, “bullet-proof” horses are chosen for beginners. Regardless of level, all riders are carefully matched with a horse that suits their experience, confidence, and the nature of the ride. All of our horses are well trained, well mannered, and highly experienced in the terrain and conditions they work in. They are accustomed to alpine weather, river crossings, steep slopes, and long days in the saddle. The health and wellbeing of our horses is a top priority. We treat all our animals with care, respect, and consistency, and they respond in kind — with reliable temperaments, sure feet on mountain slopes, and brave, steady hearts at river crossings.
All riding is done using western-style saddles, chosen for their comfort, stability, and suitability for long hours in the saddle. Western saddles distribute weight evenly across the horse’s back and provide riders with a secure, balanced seat, which is especially important in alpine terrain, on long climbs, descents, and during river crossings. Our tack is: Well maintained and checked before every trip; Selected specifically for backcountry and multi-day riding; Adjusted individually for both horse and rider; Each saddle is fitted with saddle bags, allowing easy access to personal items during the day such as water, extra layers, snacks, or cameras. For multi-day journeys, we use pack horses with panniers to carry overnight gear, food, and shared equipment. This allows riders to travel light and focus on the riding experience, while keeping camps comfortable and well supplied. All horses are ridden in tack they are familiar and comfortable with, which contributes to calm behaviour, reliability, and confidence in challenging terrain.
All camping equipment required for the trip is provided and fully organised by us, allowing you to focus on the riding and the experience. We use canvas tipi tents, chosen for their durability, space, and comfort in alpine conditions. Each tipi is equipped with a portable wood stove, providing warmth and a dry, comfortable shelter even on colder evenings. The following camping equipment is included: Canvas tipi tents; Portable wood stoves; Canvas bedrolls and matrasses; Cooking equipment and cookware; Cutlery and basic camp utensils; Gas supply for cooking; All camp systems are well tested, weather-appropriate, and set up with efficiency and safety in mind. From shelter to cooking and comfort, the logistics are fully planned and managed so you can relax into camp life at the end of each day.
The trip is offered on a half board basis. We provide: Camp breakfasts; Camp dinners; Tea, coffee, and hot drinks at camp; Guests are asked to plan and bring their own lunches. This allows you to choose foods you enjoy most, that are easy to eat on the go or as a picnic, and that best match your personal energy needs during the riding day. We do our best to plan meals around guests’ dietary requirements and preferences. However, due to the remote nature of the trip and shared camp logistics, dietary requirements need to be applied to the whole group. If you have specific needs — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-carb, or keto — please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite snacks and drinks, including a bottle of wine or a six-pack, to enjoy after a day of riding. Please let us know in advance and we will advise on weight allowances, as all items are carried by pack horses. Please note: Breakfast on Day 1 prior to meeting us is not included Dinner on Day 3 after returning to the trailhead is not included This approach keeps lunches flexible while ensuring warm, nourishing meals are provided at camp in the mornings and evenings.
Your safety is a top priority throughout the trip. All guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and satellite communication devices, allowing them to communicate externally even in areas with no mobile reception. In the event of an incident: Support can be contacted immediately via satellite communication. In non-critical situations, the camp area is accessible by 4WD during the summer months, typically within a few hours, depending on location and conditions. In the case of a serious emergency, helicopter evacuation is available and response times are generally very rapid, often within minutes. All guides are First Aid trained, experienced in managing incidents in remote and rugged environments, and accustomed to making sound decisions based on weather, terrain, and group wellbeing. While the trip takes place in a remote backcountry setting, robust safety systems and emergency procedures are in place to manage risk effectively. You will also be able to use the sat communication to send a quick text to your emergency contact to let them know you are safe and happy, and you can share the number to them - should they wish to reach out to you during the trip.
Will be provided and we will require you to wear a helmet all the time while riding
Sleeping bags are not included. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions. If you prefer to travel light or do not have a warm enough setup, sleeping bags can be rented from us. Our rental bags come with an extra-warm fleece sleeping bag liner for added insulation and comfort. While we are very happy to provide rental sleeping bags, we strongly recommend bringing your own if possible. Our rental bags are washed and sanitised after every use, which is essential for hygiene but can, over time, slightly affect their warmth and overall coziness compared to a personal bag. If you are unsure what rating or setup is suitable, we are happy to advise.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing and riding gear suitable for alpine and backcountry conditions. The following items are mandatory: Waterproof outer layer — jacket, poncho, or oilskin Waterproof, sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor use Riding boots must be waterproof Sturdy hiking boots work very well These items are essential due to variable weather, river crossings, and extended time spent outdoors. Warm layers are required in all seasons, including summer. Night-time temperatures can drop close to 0°C, and early mornings can be cold. While the canvas tipi will be warm with a wood stove, it is still essential to have a very warm layer for evenings and mornings around camp. Additional notes: Waterproof overpants are optional but recommended in wet or windy conditions Leather cowboy chaps are available to rent if you wish — practical for protection and warmth, and they also add a great touch to photos A detailed recommended pack list will be provided prior to departure to ensure you are well prepared for the conditions.
Lunches are not included in the trip. Guests are asked to bring their own lunches for each riding day. This allows you to choose foods that suit your taste, dietary needs, and energy requirements, and that are easy to eat on the go or as a picnic. We recommend lunches that are: Lightweight and easy to carry High in energy Suitable to eat without heating If you are unsure what to bring, we are happy to provide lunch ideas and recommendations ahead of the trip.
Transportation to and from the trailhead is not included. Guests are required to drive themselves to Fowlers Hut, which is the meeting point and trailhead for the trip. The drive is approximately 30 km from Hanmer Springs and takes around 1 hour on a well-maintained gravel road in normal conditions. At the end of the trip, guests will also need to drive themselves away from the trailhead after returning from the ride. If you have questions about vehicle suitability or road conditions, please feel free to ask — we are happy to advise prior to departure. If you wish us to arrange a transportation for you - please enquire
The country between Fowler’s Hut and Stanley Vale lies at the very heart of St James — a landscape shaped by movement, hardship, and the quiet endurance of those who lived and worked here. Long before huts or fences, Ngāi Tahu travelled through these valleys, using the Waiau and Clarence corridors as inland routes linking coasts, alpine passes, and places of healing, including the natural hot springs scattered through the region.
European history arrived late to this land. In the mid-1800s, when much of the world was already settled, St James remained one of the most remote outposts of European civilisation. Early pastoral runs were taken up from the 1860s, including Stanley Vale, first settled in 1865. Life here was isolated and unforgiving, and many early runholders failed. Over time, these scattered runs were absorbed into the vast St James Station.
Fowler’s Hut, built in 1890, belongs to a later chapter. It was constructed for a rabbiter stationed along the great Hurunui rabbit-proof fence — part of a desperate battle to protect high-country pasture from the rabbit plague. The hut’s iron walls and simple rooms speak of solitude, cold winters, and a life lived far from comfort.
Beyond Fowler’s Pass, the land opens into Stanley Vale — a wide, honest basin shaped by horses, musters, and long seasons of work. Stanley Vale Hut stands as a reminder of that pastoral era, when men crossed these passes on horseback, moving stock and supplies through country that allowed no shortcuts.
Together, these huts and valleys tell the full St James story: Māori travel, frontier settlement, relentless labour, and a land that demanded resilience from everyone who passed through it — and still does today.