12 reviews
Duration: 2 days
Group size: 1 - 4
Stars and Springs Overnight (natural hot springs)
Cowstream springs, St James conservation area
12 reviews
NZ$NaN
Duration: 2 days
Group size: 1 - 4
About this trip
Accommodation
About freedom camping
Participation requirements
Food
Will there be other people?
What to bring with you
Safety
Cancellation
Weather conditions
What’s included
- Experienced guidetrained in outdoor and first aid
- Sure-footed horsecarefully matched to your ability
- EquipmentAll tack and riding equipment, helmets provided
- Tipi accomodation2 people per tent, with woodturner stoves on colder nights (let us know if you would like a single occupation)
- Camping geartents, cooking equipment, group supplies
- Hearty camp mealslunch on arrival, dinner and breakfast, tea/coffee, something sweet
- Drinking water
- Small group experienceexclusive to your group + guide
- Sat communication devicecarried by your guide for emergencies
What’s not included
- TransportTo and from St James Homestead
- Sleeping bagmust be suitable for alpine conditions
- Clothing & footwearlayers, waterproof jackets, spare cloths, riding boots / closed-toe shoes (hiking boots) - not sneakers in wet weather!
- Personal toiletries
- Towel
- Travel insurancehighly recommended for all riders
Available Packages
Sprigns and Stars for two
Available until 7 days before departure
NZ$1,100
Springs and Stars for 3 people.
Available until 7 days before departure
NZ$1,100
Springs and Stars for 4
Available until 7 days before departure
NZ$1,100
Your Organizer
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.
Reviews
hb
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.
By Zoey S for Epic half day adventure in St James on Jan 06, 2026
Great experience. The ride suited our experience and push a little to make it challenging at times. Very satisfied.
By Greg B for Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Afternoon on Jan 05, 2026
This was amazing! I would 100% recommend this
By Alissa J for Backcountry Scenic Ride 1.5 hours. Custom on Jan 04, 2026