Name: Epic half day adventure in St James
Location: St James Homestead

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Guided scenic horse ride in St James conservation land. Half day experience.For advanced riders we can make a personalized experience with challenging routes.Can be beginners friendly.You might be riding with other guests, max group size is 6 people.If you would like to have a private experience please talk to us and we can discuss options.Ride in a small, personalized group through the stunning St James landscape. Each trek is tailored to your riding ability and sense of adventure — whether that means a calm journey through serene river valleys with gentle creek crossings and sweeping mountain views, or a more spirited climb into the high country to catch breathtaking alpine vistas from the Poplars Range. The ride takes about 4 hours.🧨 Dates reserved for solo travelers or couples confident on canter:20 December🐌 Dates reserved for beginners solo travelers or couples:TBCHave a look in our social media - Facebook and Instagram if you are curious to see what our advanced rides have to offer. St James is 78,000 ha of wilderness and is an ultimate playground. One way, or another we will quench your thirst for adventure.Check out our other offers here.

St James Homestead

Epic half day adventure in St James

Mountain Horses Outfitters

What a great morning we had... best weather.
 Best Views.   Milo Our guide was awesome!  The horses were great, lovely condition, safe comfortable to ride.
Defiantly recommend to others whether it be experienced riders or first timers.
Can't wait to go again !
Helen
  

Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Morning

Absolutely amazing. A very professional team, kept us engaged throughout the journey. Very knowledgeable and confident about both the horses and the terrain. A great experience for even a non rider. Highly recommend for children, adults, experienced or new riders alike. My daughter loved it too! Thank you!

We had an incredible half-day horse trek with Mountain Horses Outfitters. Milo was an amazing host — incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to customise the ride perfectly to suit our abilities and comfort levels.

We enjoyed plenty of river crossings, trotting, and riding through breathtaking countryside with stunning views the entire way. The horses were beautiful and so well cared for (Chad and Ryan were absolute legends), and Milo’s two gorgeous dogs joining us made the experience even more special.

Highly recommend — an unforgettable experience and something we would absolutely do again.

Great experience. The ride suited our experience and push a little to make it challenging at times. Very satisfied.

Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Afternoon

This was amazing! I would 100% recommend this

Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Custom

Hi Jenny! Thank you very much for your feedback! It is always great to see when a great group coming together and truly enjoy the great outdoor. Great vibe and great day out there. We hope to ride with you again one day.

We had the best time with the best horseriding guide, the sweetest horses and the most beautiful views. Thank you very much for the adventurous experience. 

Hi Melissa! Thank you very much for your feedback! We were really happy to go an extra mile to put together a group for advanced riders and looks like it was worth it! We love sharing the beauty of the Land we have a privilege to work on with like-minded people - it is a special pleasure for us. Thank you for choosing us and we hope to be riding with you again! In winter next time :)

Exceeded our expectations!! Super horses, Milo was a fantastic guide. He took us on an adventurous ride up to amazing views. So much better than the usual nose to tail rides you usually find. They helped make a more interesting ride for our more experienced group and did a fantastic job !! Communication was also top notch!! I could not recommend more!!

Our guide was great.  From the time we arrived to the time we left...was a lot of fun.  The horses will not step out of line at all.  I tried to get my horse to pass the one in front but they have pecking order and eo.t step out of form.   We crossed the river which was amazing and also walked up a high mount trail which was exciting and the views were fantastic. We did 1.5 hours which was good as any longer is a killer on the knees. Horses were all well trained. I would definitely recommend. 

Our full day trek was such an incredible experience. Our guide Milo was extremely welcoming and experienced. Our horses were beautiful to ride and clearly very well looked after. St James was a beautiful place to explore and we got to experience true mountain climbs, river crossings and vast open plains. I would highly recommend Mountain Horses Outfitters. Thank Milo and Daria for a personalised day we will always cherish.

Epic full day adventure in St James

Hi Heather!
Thank you very much for your review, we appreciate your time! Your words are very important for us. We hope riding with you again one day!

We loved our horse trek across the St James homestead! Absolutely beautiful scenery, our horses were happy companions and our guide Jurgen was an absolute delight to spend the day with. We so enjoyed being in this beautiful and unique part of the country and experiencing it on horseback was an absolute treat. 

Thank you very much Maiju and Markus! Was a pleasure having you with us and thank you for being flexible with the time - so we could adjust based on weather conditions!

Lovely half day trek with Jurgen - had a mix of experienced and a beginner level in our small group and the ride was enjoyable for all. Stunning views up the mountain and down the river, surefooted horses clearly tended with love & care. Great communication before the trip aswell, considering weather changes and making sure we're ready for the trip.

Hi Neil! It was a pleasure riding with you, an A-class guest :) We hope our paths cross again! Thank you for your review and all the best!

Impossible to find a better horse trek than this. Open range, epic backdrops, adventure awaiting around every hill and valley. By far the best thing I did while in New Zealand for 3 weeks. The team at Mountain Horses Outfitters is kind and a true joy to be around. 

Do yourself a favor and book a horse trek with them while on your travels. You won’t regret it!

Epic full day horseback adventure in St James 

Epic half day adventure in St James in St James Homestead

Guided scenic horse ride in St James conservation land. Half day experience.For advanced riders we can make a personalized experience with challenging routes.Can be beginners friendly.You might be riding with other guests, max group size is 6 people.If you would like to have a private experience please talk to us and we can discuss options.Ride in a&nbsp;small, personalized group&nbsp;through the stunning St James landscape. Each trek is&nbsp;tailored to your riding ability and sense of adventure&nbsp;— whether that means a calm journey through serene river valleys with gentle creek crossings and sweeping mountain views, or a more spirited climb into the high country to catch breathtaking alpine vistas from the Poplars Range. The ride takes about 4 hours.🧨 Dates reserved for solo travelers or couples confident on canter:20 December🐌 Dates reserved for beginners solo travelers or couples:TBCHave a look in our social media - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/pukateahorsetrails">Facebook</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mountainhorsesoutfitters/">Instagram</a> if you are curious to see what our advanced rides have to offer. St James is 78,000 ha of wilderness and is an ultimate playground. One way, or another we will quench your thirst for adventure.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountainhorsesoutfitters.nz/menus/">Check out our other offers here.</a>

St James Homestead 

To and from St James Homestead (meeting point)

Transport 

Please bring your rain gear. If you don't have riding or hiking boots, in wet weather gumboots will do a better job than fabric sneakers.

Clothing & Footwear 

Snacks or meals 

Travel insurance 

Experienced local guide 

Well-trained trekking ho

All tack and riding equi

Basic riding instruction before departure 

Safety briefing & lesson

Tailored to your riding level and sense of adventure 

Scenic backcountry route

Even though this is a&nbsp;half -day trip, we can easily make it&nbsp;beginner friendly. We keep our groups small, allowing us to personalise the experience and adapt the pace to everyone’s comfort. If you’re&nbsp;fit and keen&nbsp;enough to spend 4-5 hours in the saddle, you’re most welcome to join us.We’re privileged to ride within the&nbsp;St James Conservation Area&nbsp;— a vast wilderness of valleys, rivers, and alpine tracks. Your guide will select the route that best suits your&nbsp;riding ability, adventure spirit, and the day’s conditions.If you’re a&nbsp;seasoned rider, please let us know when booking — we’ll do our best to match you with the right horse and terrain for a more challenging journey. We are privileged to ride in St James station which is essentially a 78,000 ha of wide open spaces, mountains, creeks and valleys. No fences. Pure wild freedom. St James won't disappoint and neither shall we.No matter your experience level, we promise to give you a&nbsp;true taste of the St James wilderness&nbsp;— an adventure you’ll remember long after the dust settles.Have a look in our social media - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/pukateahorsetrails">Facebook</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mountainhorsesoutfitters/">Instagram</a> if you are curious to see what our advanced rides have to offer. You will not be disappointed.Kids over 10 years old are most welcome.Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Riding skills

Please note that we ride in&nbsp;true New Zealand high country, where terrain and weather can add a little more challenge and risk than lowland rides. For safety, the&nbsp;minimum age is 10 years, and riders must have a&nbsp;basic level of fitness&nbsp;to stay comfortable in the saddle. A&nbsp;maximum rider weight of 110 kg&nbsp;also applies to ensure the wellbeing of our horses.

Age, Fitness and Weight Limits

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible.&nbsp;Cancellations made more than 7 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund.&nbsp;For cancellations made between&nbsp;3–7 days prior, we will refund 50% of the trip cost. Unfortunately, cancellations made&nbsp;less than 3 days before departure cannot be refunded, as horses, guides, and logistics will already be reserved for you.If you are unable to make your booked date, we are happy to&nbsp;reschedule your ride (subject to availability)&nbsp;at no extra cost. In the unlikely event that we must cancel a ride due to severe weather or safety concerns, you will be offered either a&nbsp;full refund or the option to reschedule.

Cancellation policy

Our half-day rides run in&nbsp;all four seasons, and part of the adventure is embracing whatever the day brings. The St James high country is famous for its&nbsp;ever-changing weather&nbsp;— you might ride through sunshine, crisp alpine wind, or even a light scatter of snow, all in one day. These shifting conditions are part of what makes the experience so real and unforgettable.We expect our half-day riders to come&nbsp;well prepared for the elements&nbsp;— with layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a spirit for adventure. A bit of wind, chill, or drizzle is all part of the wilderness charm.Of course, your safety and comfort come first. On the&nbsp;morning of your ride, we’ll confirm weather conditions, and if the day looks&nbsp;too severe or unsafe, we’ll offer a&nbsp;full refund or the option to reschedule.

Weather conditions

For a half day in the saddle, being prepared for&nbsp;high-country weather&nbsp;is essential — conditions in the St James can change quickly, even within a few hours. We recommend<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">&nbsp;Layered clothing, so you can easily adjust as the temperature shifts throughout the day.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">A&nbsp;waterproof and windproof jacket&nbsp;is a must.&nbsp;</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Closed-toe shoes with a small heel&nbsp;(such as riding or sturdy hiking boots) will keep you comfortable and safe.</li></ul>In wet or muddy weather,&nbsp;gumboots&nbsp;are much more practical than fabric sneakers, which soak through easily and can cause discomfort or even hypothermia.For&nbsp;health and safety reasons, riders wearing&nbsp;open shoes like sandals or jandals&nbsp;cannot be permitted to ride.With the right layers and footwear, you’ll stay warm, dry, and ready to enjoy a full day exploring the wild beauty of the St James.

Prepare right gear

<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">For your comfort and safety on the ride, please come prepared with the&nbsp;right clothing: wear layers so you can adjust to changing alpine weather, and make sure you have&nbsp;closed-toe shoes&nbsp;(gumboots work best in wet conditions).</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Scarf/buff/balaclava - to protect your face from cold or hot wind, sun, dust</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Hat/cap</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Water bottle&nbsp;to stay hydrated.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Food - you don't have to bring your lunch with you, but you are more than welcome if you would like to</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">&nbsp;Sunscreen - the sun in the high country can be strong</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">&nbsp;Insect repellent&nbsp;— sandflies are part of the wilderness experience.</li></ul>

What to take with you

9 am start unless specified otherwise at time of booking.Price is per person. Min group size is 2, max is 5.You might be riding with other guests. If you wish a private tour please speak to us about cost options.📌 If you are trying to book less than 4 days in advance, or if your preferred date is unavailable in the system - please reach out to us, we might still be able to make it work for you!

Epic half day adventure in St James

Epic half day adventure in St James

About this trip

Riding skills

Age, Fitness and Weight Limits

Cancellation policy

Weather conditions

Prepare right gear

What to take with you

What’s included

What’s not included

Available Packages

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Reviews

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