Private tour for groups 2-4 people
Total cost for 2 people: NZD 2600
Total cost for 3 people: NZD 3900
Total cost for 4 people: NZD 5200
Duration: 1 night / 2 days
Distance: approx. 25 km total (depending on route variations)
Difficulty: Light to Moderate. Can be suitable for beginners and adjusted for advanced riders.
This is an overnight journey focused on relaxation and comfort, offering a genuine backcountry experience with easy logistics and a gentle pace. The trip begins at our basecamp at St James Homestead, just a 20-minute drive from Hanmer Springs, making it one of the most accessible multi-day rides in the area.
The highlight of this journey is time spent at the Cow Stream natural hot pools — a secluded and little-known gem tucked into the St James landscape. Evening is spent soaking in naturally heated pools, surrounded by open alpine country, with camp set nearby for easy access.
The ride in and ride out each cover approximately 10 km of mostly flat terrain, following wide valley floors and river terraces that still deliver expansive alpine views. These rides are considered easy, take around 3–4 hours, and are well suited to riders with limited experience who are comfortable outdoors.
This is a pack trip -all supplies are carried in with pack horses. The string of pack horses rides in and out with you, setting up a comfortable and steady pace. If you are a seasoned rider, and would like to try different paces - the guide will do his best to arrange it where and if possible, but the opportunities are limited. There is a chance of some extra riding time once the camp is set up - based on day light and weather conditions.
This area is less remote than our deeper backcountry trips and is accessible by 4WD during summer months. You may encounter other travellers or hunters, particularly during busier periods, though overall traffic remains low and the sense of space remains intact.
With several creek crossings, an open valley riding, and warm pools waiting at the end of the day, this trip offers a comfortable, restorative introduction to riding and camping in the St James high country.
Camp beside natural hot springs
More focus on comfort and more relaxation time
A comfortable distance from home base — just 15 km away, giving you flexibility to rest or return whenever needed.
This trip can be done in almost any weather — the base camp is just 15 km from the trailhead, tucked out of the wind, with no major river crossings or mountain passes to worry about. It’s our most adaptable and least “wild” wilderness option, with simpler logistics and gentler terrain than other options.
Out-and-back route – follow the same trail on both days between the Homestead and Cow Stream.
Shorter travel days – roughly 15 km in the saddle on the first and last day.
A comfortable 15 km from home base — not as deep into the wilderness as our longer circuit
A string of pack horses sets up pace during ride in and out. We do our best to arrange extra riding where possible - based on timing and conditions.
Your adventure begins at the St James Homestead, the historic gateway to the high country. It’s about a 25–30 minute scenic drive from Hanmer Springs along a gravel backcountry road.
Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the horses who’ll be your companions for the journey. Together, you’ll repack your belongings to be loaded onto the pack horses, and you’re welcome to take part in every step — from grooming and saddling to preparing the gear.
Once everyone is ready, you will receive the health and safety introduction and a short riding lesson if you will need one. If you are complete beginner, the guides will spend some extra time making sure you are comfortable and well connected with your mount.
This is a private tour, so there is no such thing as a rushed morning. Once everything is ready, everyone mounted and last safety gear checks are done - you will be on a trail heading towards the hot springs.
The ride begins from the Homestead Run, following a narrow valley that winds gently into the backcountry. There’s no river here, but a small creek often runs alongside the trail, leading you deeper into the hills. The route passes through open grassland and patches of wild alpine scrub, where you might spot native birds and other wildlife along the way.
About halfway through, the valley opens up into the broad beauty of the Edwards basin, where the peaks of the Poplars Range rise sharply on your right. The scenery widens, the air cools, and the silence deepens — this is the true heart of the St James.
The day’s ride covers approximately 15 kilometres and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on pace and rest stops.
Have a look at your route on the Google Earth. Use their 3D feature to visualize yourself there better!
Upon arrival, the first task is to set up camp. Together with your guides, you’ll unload the pack horses, help pitch the tipi tents, and give the horses a well-earned groom and feed before they settle in for their rest.
Guests are warmly encouraged to join in these activities — it’s all part of the rhythm of life in the high country and a wonderful way to connect with both horses and the land.
Once camp is organised, you can relax with a hot or cold drink and a light snack or meal, while deciding how to spend the rest of your afternoon:
Take a soak in the natural hot pools,
Go for a short hike around the valley, or
Saddle up again for a gentle sunset ride, once the horses have rested.
As evening falls, the valley quiets and the stars emerge — the perfect ending to your first day in the wild.
For our base package, we ask guests to plan and pack their own lunches and snacks. This gives you the freedom to bring the foods you enjoy most and that suit your energy needs for the day.
Your first lunch will be at your hot springs camp upon arrival. Something easy to eat will work best, as you’ll be helping your guide with the camp setup when you get there.
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.
A smooth ride through golden tussock, splashing through creeks and slipping over wooden bridges as the mountains rise around you.
Hidden natural hot springs and pools
Your last morning in the St James begins quietly. The valley fills with pale light, the air crisp and still except for the sound of horses shifting in the grass. Your guide lights the camp stove early — the smell of coffee and toasted bread drifts through the camp.
After breakfast, you’ll help break down camp and prepare the horses for the journey home. Guests are always welcome to take part — brushing, saddling, or simply lending a hand as the pack horses are loaded.
By mid-morning, you’re back in the saddle, following pretty much the same trail toward the Homestead. The route retraces the broad Edwards basin, passing through open tussock country where you might spot falcons circling or wild goats picking their way along the slopes.
Further down the valley, the landscape narrows again into the Homestead Run, where the familiar sight of the St James station flats signals the nearing end of your journey. The ride covers around 15 kilometres and takes 3½ to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace and rest stops.
You’ll arrive back at the St James Homestead by 2 pm. Together, you’ll unsaddle the horses and unpack the gear — a quiet, satisfying rhythm to close the journey.
Your guide will offer a final cup of tea or coffee as you share stories from the trail and say your goodbyes to the horses who carried you through the wilderness.
Breakfast is simple, hearty, and tailored to your preference — usually eggs, bacon, and fresh bread, or a granola/muesli bowl with dried fruit and honey for something lighter. Hot tea or coffee warms your hands while the valley slowly wakes around you.
Guests are always welcome to take part in the morning rhythm — checking the horses, fetching water, or helping prepare the stove — before everyone sits down to eat together in the quiet of the high country.
This is an exclusive adventure for just you and your partner — no other riders will join your group.
You bring the spirit — we bring the expertise. We’ll support your pace, your vibe, and your preferred style of adventure, always with safety first.
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.
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 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 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: tipi tents, Portable wood stoves, Sleeping mats, Cooking equipment and cookware. Cutlery and basic camp utensils, Gas supply for cooking, Insect repellents suitable for backcountry use. 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 2 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.
And we will ask you to wear them 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.
Guests are required to drive themselves to our basecamp at St James Homestead, which is the meeting point and trailhead for this trip. The homestead is located approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Hanmer Springs, accessed via a well-maintained gravel road in normal conditions. At the end of the trip, guests will also depart independently from the homestead after returning from the ride. If you have any questions regarding vehicle suitability or road conditions, please feel free to ask — we are happy to advise prior to departure. If you would like us to arrange transportation for you, please enquire in advance and we will let you know what options are available.
The story of St James is written first in rivers, then in fire, and finally in what remains.
European settlement reached this country late, and when it did, it arrived cautiously. The first St James homestead was built on the Styx River, exactly where the station’s earliest foothold could be made. From there, the centre of life soon shifted to the broader flats of the Clarence River, whose wide valley offered better access, grazing, and movement through one of the most remote regions of the South Island.
By the late nineteenth century, the St James Homestead on the Clarence had become the heart of a vast high-country station. It was a place of order in a wild land — a house, woolshed, stables, cookhouse, and yards surrounded by mountains that paid little attention to human effort. Then, in 1947, fire swept through the homestead and destroyed it completely. It was never rebuilt. Today, only the chimneys, concrete paths, foundations, and the old long-drop remain — quiet markers of a life that once burned bright and vanished in a single night.
Beyond the homestead, the Clarence River valley carried everything the station depended on: stock, horses, musterers, supplies, and news from the outside world. Long before Europeans arrived, Māori had travelled this same corridor, following the river inland toward alpine passes.
Nearby, Cow Stream hot pools offered something rare in this cold country — warmth. Valued by Māori for healing and restoration, and later known to station workers as a place of relief after long days in the saddle, the pools remain a reminder that even in the hardest landscapes, comfort can rise naturally from the earth.
St James endures because its history is still visible — not preserved behind glass, but written into the land itself.