• Camping with horses - guided horseback experience in wilderness of St James conservation land. Freedom camping.

• All inclusive offer - gear and food half board (breakfasts and dinners) are included.

• Private tour - you will be riding within your group, no strangers.

• Small groups - perfect for couples getaway or a family adventure.

With Mountain Horses Outfitters, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.

Ride deep into the St James backcountry on a two-night trek that blends rugged wilderness adventure with pure alpine freedom. Starting from the St James Homestead, you’ll spend around 4–5 hours in the saddle on day one — crossing rivers, winding through valleys, and climbing into open alpine country before reaching your remote backcountry camp.

You’ll stay for two nights in sturdy tipi tents beside your horses. The full middle day is your time to roam — more riding, more exploring, and a chance to really sink into the rhythm of high-country life. Ride through wide valleys, over clear streams, or simply rest by the fire and take in the silence.

Evenings bring hearty camp meals, hot drinks, and stories under the stars. With no huts, no power, and no phone reception, it’s a genuine off-grid escape — raw, peaceful, and unforgettable.

More FAQs here.

On this trek, you’ll sleep just like the early explorers once did — in sturdy tipi tents set right in the backcountry, with your horses grazing nearby. Each tipi can comfortably fit two to four people, with enough space for your gear and a good night’s rest after a long day in the saddle. On colder alpine nights, a small wood burner inside keeps things warm and adds that cozy glow that makes camp life so special. Tents, cooking equipment, and group supplies are all provided, so you can travel light and simply enjoy the wilderness.

You’ll just need to bring your own sleeping bag rated for alpine conditions, as temperatures can drop sharply even in summer. There are no huts, no power, and no phone reception — just the crackle of the stove, the sound of horses grazing outside, and a sky full of stars.

Please note that our treks are true freedom camping adventures in the St James backcountry. It’s simple and authentic — there are no built facilities, no power, and no phone reception, just pure high-country wilderness. All water, cooking gear, and camp equipment are carried in with our packhorses, and your guide has a satellite communication device for safety. It’s a genuine off-grid experience, but that’s what makes it so special — time slows down, the air feels clearer, and you really get to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the place..

This ride is open to a wide range of riders, from complete beginners to experienced horsemen and women. To join, guests must be at least 10 years old, and for the wellbeing of our horses, the maximum rider weight is 110 kg. While no prior riding experience is necessary, you should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending 4–5 hours in the saddle. With small groups and careful matching of horses to riders, we’ll make sure your trek is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This trek is half-board catered, which means you’ll enjoy hearty camp breakfasts and dinners cooked for you — and you’re always welcome to join in if you’d like to help. Meals are simple, wholesome, and prepared over gas stoves. Unfortunately there will be no camp fires, as St James DOC management has strict no fires policy.

We ask guests to please bring their own lunches and snacks for the daytime rides. The reason is simple — lunch is usually eaten out on the trail, often during a scenic stop beside a river or ridge. It’s easiest (and most enjoyable) when everyone packs something they personally like that’s easy to carry and doesn’t need heating — sandwiches, wraps, nut bars, fruit, or similar.

We’ll do our best to cater to your dietary needs and preferences for breakfasts and dinners, but please note that the nature of the trip places some limitations. If a special diet is required (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, etc.), the same menu will apply to the whole group to keep things simple at camp.

We provide all drinking water and cooking gear. You’re very welcome to bring a few extras — your favourite snacks or drinks, for example — just let us know beforehand so we can advise on how much extra weight our packhorses can carry.

This trek is an exclusive experience — it will be just your group and the guide. Because the St James is a public conservation area, you may occasionally see other trampers, hunters, or campers passing through. To give you extra privacy, we usually set our camp about five minutes’ walk from the hot pools, so you can enjoy the wilderness without feeling crowded.

⚠️ The St James Conservation Area is alpine country — summer days can reach 30°C, while nights can drop close to 0°C. In winter, expect days around –5°C to 5°C and nights well below freezing. Spring and autumn bring a mix of sun, wind, rain, and even snow.

Clothing

• Layered clothing is required year-round

  • Summer: At least 3 layers + waterproof outer shell. Days may be hot, but nights are cold.

  • Winter: Base layers, warm mid-layers, third insulating layer, and a warm waterproof winter jacket (membrane/oilskin). Add gloves, beanie, scarf/buff.

• Always pack a spare set of dry layers to change into if you get wet.

🧥 Waterproof Gear

• Waterproof jacket (mandatory: membrane, oilskin, etc.)

• Waterproof footwear (essential)

• Waterproof trousers (optional but recommended)

👢 Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes only — leather riding boots or sturdy hiking boots ideal

• Gumboots may be suitable in wet conditions

• Fabric sneakers are not permitted (too risky in cold/wet conditions)

🛏️ Sleeping & Camp

• Sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions (must bring your own)

• Travel towel — lightweight and quick-drying

• Swimsuit - for those hot pools

🧴 Personal Items

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap

• Toilet paper & wet wipes

• Facial care items if required (all in travel-size bottles)

• Personal medications (must bring if needed)

• Scarf (cotton or silk) for sun/wind protection

• Hat/cap for sunny weather (you will be wearing a helmet during the ride)

• Headlamp or torch for camp evenings

🌞 Extras

• Sunscreen & insect repellent - essential

• Refillable water bottle

• Snacks or drinks (optional — we’ll advise on weight packhorses can carry)

Your safety is our top priority. All of our guides are trained in first aid and carry both a comprehensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device for emergencies. However, please be aware that these treks take place in remote backcountry areas, where access to professional medical help is not immediate. For this reason, guests must bring along any personal or prescription medications they may require during the trip. With careful preparation, we’ll ensure your wilderness experience is both safe and unforgettable.

We know that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair and flexible as possible. Cancellations made more than 14 days before your trek will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 14–7 days prior, 50% of the trip cost will be refunded. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 7 days before departure cannot be refunded, as horses, guides, and logistics will already be prepared for your ride. If you are unable to attend, we are happy to reschedule your booking (subject to availability) at no extra cost. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel due to weather or safety concerns, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

We ride in all four seasons, and changing weather is part of the adventure. Crisp alpine mornings, a bit of rain, or even a dusting of snow in winter can make the St James feel wild and unforgettable.

For this ride, guests need to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. These journeys involve real freedom camping and off-grid living, where you’ll be exposed to the elements — strong sun, sudden rain, alpine winds, or snow depending on the season. You can expect to spend about 4 hours a day in the saddle, so being reasonably fit and well-equipped makes the experience more enjoyable.

That said, we do everything we can to make your camp as comfortable as possible. Our tipi tents are designed for New Zealand conditions and tested by the elements. Each is fitted with a wood burner stove to keep you warm and dry, even on stormy nights. Sometimes all you need is to snuggle into your sleeping bag, a book in hand, a cup of tea or glass of wine beside you, and the sound of rain on the tent — a simple wilderness moment that can bring deep comfort and inner peace.

Of course, we closely monitor forecasts, and if conditions are judged to be unsafe or especially harsh, we’ll advise you, adjust plans, or cancel the trip if necessary.