Multi-Day Treks – overnight, 4 day & 7 day treks

Our Multiday treks are a chance to really explore the beautiful Rangitikei High Country the way it should be enjoyed – on horseback!

Ø Multiday Explorer treks have set dates November - March each year – scroll down for 2009/2010 dates.

Ø All Multiday treks require a minimum booking of 4 riders.

Ø Not suitable for beginner or novice riders.

Ø No riders under 16 years on 7 day treks

Ø Some riding through steeper untracked country

Ø Overnight treks, other than those dates listed below, or one off trek’s for special groups are available on request. Min number 4 riders required. Dates are subject to accommodation availability & are not available during set multiday trek dates.

Ø Multiday treks are suitable intermediate & experienced riders only. 100kg weight limit – riders over that solely at discretion of management. Riders must be physically fit and able to cope with longer riding days.

Ø Riders on multiday treks are expected to help care for their horses needs during the trek.

Ø Some nights may be under canvas depending on the route taken

Ø Routes may vary subject to weather, or other unexpected events

Dates for 2009/2010 Multi-Day Explorer Treks 7 day/ 7 night Ruahine Range Explorer trek 2^nd – 9^th January 2010 Bookings closed Price $2400pp 7 day/ 7 night Papanui Sports trek 2^nd – 9^th February 2010 Available spaces: 3 Confirmed: 3 Price $2400pp 4 day/ 4 night Kawhatau Explorer trek 13^th – 17^th January 2010 Available spaces: 2 Confirmed: 4 1^st – 5^th March 2010 Available spaces: 8 Confirmed: 0 Price $1300pp Overnight Treks 14^th – 15^th January 2010 – 2 spaces available 2^nd – 3^rd March 2010 – 4 spaces available Price $700pp

Riding down the Kawhatau River Riding up to the Ruahine Range

Welcome rest stop in Kawhatau Valley

MULTIDAY EXPLORER TREKS

These treks allow you to experience the real backcountry rural NZ. You’ll get to ride over some of the most scenic landscapes in the Rangitikei, not usually open to the general public. The stunning terrain includes river crossings, huge sheep & cattle stations, native bush and steep hill country.

Pack horses taking in the view

Having fun in the Kawhatau River

MULTIDAY TREK INFORMATION

Alan is the head guide for the multiday treks, which go through private property that isn’t usually open to the general public. Alan’s experience mustering and fencing in this country provides extensive local knowledge and a great rapport with landowners. The horses used for these treks are a mix of homebred Meersbrooke’s, NZ stationbreds and other horses/ponies specially selected for their suitability. They’re all forward going, sure footed and well mannered. Saddles used are either English GP, or Australian stock saddles. Packhorses accompany these treks.

If you’re a keen rider, who’s always wanted the opportunity to ride across vast open spaces, enjoying amazing panoramic views, cross clear sparkling rivers and wind through tranquil native bush; then don’t miss the chance to join these treks!

7 day/ 7 night - Ruahine Range Explorer Trek

Day 1

Arrive at Ruahine Adventure Horsetreks late in the afternoon. The drive in up the Kawhatau Valley is spectacular, as you follow the crystal clear river towards the towering Ruahine Ranges. Your accommodation for the night is set in a peaceful bush glade. Enjoy the quiet, meet your fellow trekkers and relax; before dinner and a pre ride briefing.

Day 2

Your adventure begins! After gearing up the horses and packhorses you head out into the hill country, winding your way past bush filled gullies, until you reach your morning rest stop. The views from here are stunning. You can see the whole central plateau spread out before you, with Mt. Ruapehu dominating the surrounding landscape. Continuing on your ride, you’ll make your way down from the ridge tops, to your campsite in the woolshed at the head of the isolated Makopua Valley.

Day 3

Today is a big day’s riding. You leave the Makopua, and climb up through huge hill country, following along the base of the Ruahine Ranges. You’ll pass through some vast sheep and beef stations, before finally meeting the Mokai road and heading down to your night’s accommodation at the gorgeous Tarata Fishaway Lodge. Rest your tired body in the spa, before enjoying a delicious meal, in an amazing setting.

Day 4

Feeling refreshed, you’ll be keen to get back on your horse today, and head out to Colenso Station. You’ll ride through the property, past the original Department of Conservation base camp and then on up the track to the very top of the Ruahine Ranges. This is the only place that you can get horses onto the top of the ranges, and the views are truly amazing. Relax and enjoy this unspoilt environment. Your campsite for the night is under canvas, true pioneer stuff!

Day 5

Today you get a chance to ride through the golden tussock on the Range. The views are spectacular! This is a time out day. A chance to soak up the atmosphere, and just chill out! Your campsite is already set up, so just relax & enjoy.

Day 6

Today you’ll wander back down from the range, enjoying breathtaking views during the descent. Your camp for the night is at shearer’s quarters next to Mokai Gravity Canyon. Check out the bungy, giant swing and flying fox if you wish! Or watch for a while as other’s take the plunge!

Day 7

Today you’ll follow the old inland road, just like the early settlers in this area, through to the Mokai Valley. You’ll ride near to the Rangitikei River with its dramatic cliffs and gorges, before climbing up and over the ridges, then down through the renowned Waiotapu Angus stud. From there you wind your way down and across the Kawhatau River, before heading up to the very comfortable Green Trout fishing Lodge for the evening.

Day 8

The final day of your adventure starts by heading up the Kawhatau riverbed, before making your way back into the hill country. You have a big steady climb to reach the top of these hills, but the views are always worth it. You’ll ride through the open farmland, before heading into the Rangitane forest reserve- a lovely unspoiled block of native bush. Lunch is on the other side, and from there you’ll wander down past beautiful Arab horses, bred for endurance by Glenmore Stud. Finally, you’ll arrive back at the head of the Kawhatau Valley, and the Ruahine Adventure Horsetreks base. Time to unwind, relax, and have a drink; before biding your horse farewell and heading home with some very special memories.

Papanui Sports Trek – NEW TREK 2010 SEASON!

This trek will take you through the western Taihape hill country. This is really big country and you’ll soon realize why a good team of dogs are an essential on these stations. This is a fully packed trek, so weight limits will apply to gear allowed. The trek will take you through some of Taihape’s oldest sheep & cattle stations, with a highlight of the trek being day 4 spent at Papanui Sports. The sports are an annual social event in its 101^st year. It features shepherds events on horseback, huntaway dog trials, show jumping, old fashioned games, ram riding & much more - topped off with a very social evening! The setting is amazing, a horseshoe bend in the river, beneath papa cliffs miles from anywhere! This is a rare chance to be a part of a long established rural NZ tradition!

Kawhatau Explorer Trek – Overnight treks

These treks explore the incredibly scenic Kawhatau Valley. They leaves from, & return to our home base. In between you get to ride through native bush, big open spaces and practice your river crossings! The route for these treks is very flexible and adapted to best suit the riders booked. Gear is moved by vehicle on these treks, although pack horses are used to carry day time essentials. Great treks for those with less time to spare, or for those not wanting the physical demands of the longer treks.