Name: Fowlers Pass Circuit
Location: St James high country crossing

Mountain Horses Outfitters

12 reviews

Duration: 4 days

Group size: 2 - 5

Fowlers Pass Circuit

St James high country crossing

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Mountain Horses Outfitters

12 reviews

NZ$NaN

Duration: 4 days

Group size: 2 - 5

Experienced guide
professional horse guide leading your trek
Sure-footed trekking hor
carefully matched to your ability
Tack & Safety gear
saddles, packs, and helmets provided
Packhorses
to carry group gear, camp equipment, and food
Accomodation
canvas tipi tents with woodturner stoves, or historic huts when available
Meals & drinking water
hearty camp breakfasts & dinners, plus tea & coffee
Cooking equipment
Satellite safety device
for communication in emergencies
Small groups
2-5 guests for a personal, low impact experience yes

Day 1
Day 1
Over the Pass
Begin with a transfer from St James Homestead to the trailhead at Fowlers Hut, where your adventure starts.
Ride steadily up through alpine tussock country and cross the dramatic Fowlers Pass, with sweeping views of the St James ranges.
Descend into wide valleys where wild deer and chamois are sometimes spotted.
Reach Stanley Vale Hut 🛖, a historic shepherd’s hut built in the 1860s. Here, the surrounding meadows open toward Lake Guyon, a serene alpine lake just a short ride away.
If conditions allow, we often take the horses down to the lake to drink or even bathe them in the clear alpine waters — an unforgettable experience for riders.
Overnight at Stanley Vale Hut or camp nearby under the stars.
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Day 2
Day 2
Alpine Valleys & Remote Trails
Saddle up for a ride through the Poplars Range. This section offers varied terrain — creeks to cross, grassy basins, and alpine bush pockets.
The landscape here feels vast and untouched, with few signs of modern life.
Arrive at Pool Hut in the afternoon, a rustic DOC hut tucked into a remote corner of the valley. Camp or stay in the hut depending on space.
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Day 3
Day 3
To the Hot Pools
Continue riding across braided streams and open tussock country.
The route gradually leads toward Cowstream Valley, home to the natural hot pools.
Camp beside the hot pools ♨️ — a rare luxury in the wilderness. Enjoy a soak while the horses graze nearby, followed by a hearty camp dinner.
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Day 4
Day 4
Return to St James Homestead
After breakfast, mount up for the final ride out of Cowstream.
The return route winds back through valleys and rivers, eventually bringing you to St James Homestead, the historic gateway to the area.
Arrive mid-afternoon, tired but exhilarated — having completed a true high country crossing.
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Day 1

Over the Pass

Mountain Horses Outfitters

12 reviews

We are a boutique horse trekking company based in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, offering rides from 1.5-hour scenic treks to multi-day wilderness expeditions. With access to over 78,000 hectares of the St James Conservation Area, we cater to all riding levels — from beginners to experienced riders. Guests can soak in natural hot pools, camp beside their horses, and experience the high country the way early explorers once did — off-grid, authentic, and unforgettable.

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

By helen b for Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Morning on Jan 13, 2026

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!

By Diana Y for Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Morning on Jan 06, 2026

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.