New Zealand South Island - High Country Pioneer Ride

Day 1

Appx. Three Hours in the Saddle

Your trip begins with collection from Queenstown Airport and transfer to Lake Hawea, enjoying a journey through Central Otago’s world-famous alpine scenery.

We will meet at Dingleburn’s cattle yards just outside the Hawea Township, sharing a picnic lunch whilst we have our pre-trail briefing, before mounting up and heading out. As road access to the station is steep and narrow, all stock must be transported in and out on foot or by horseback, and it is this route that we will take for our first afternoon’s ride.

Riding up above Lake Hawea is a truly spectacular experience; snow-capped peaks frame the shimmering turquoise water as we wind our way around the track cut into the hillside. Pass Rocky Point, and as we near the station, look out for tiny Silver Island. On a clear day, you will have a beautiful view of Aoraki Mount Cook throughout the ride.

An afternoon tea of home baked scones will be waiting for us upon arrival at the quarters, and your luggage will meet you there

Day 2

Appx. Three Hours in the Saddle

On our middle day, we will take a relaxed and scenic ride around the farm, exploring its rolling pastures, enjoying lovely views of the lake, and stopping off at a gorge for our lunch break.

In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time to head down to the river for a swim, explore the station on foot on one of the well-marked walking trails, or simply relax at the quarters with a book, a game of cards or a jigsaw.

In the evening, the hot tub is the perfect spot for some stargazing. The Mead family, the owners of Dingleburn, are very welcoming and love sharing their insights into high country farming with visitors.

This trail takes quite a different pace from many of our others, but we believe that this remote and spectacular station deserves to be explored slowly.

Day 3

Appx. Four Hours in the Saddle

On our final day on trail, we will ride out of Dingleburn Station and back to Hawea. In the morning, we will take a different route to the one we used on our ride in, heading out around the peninsula. The peninsula track is narrow but sturdy and makes for an absolutely gorgeous section of trail and a completely new way to experience the popular Lake Hawea.

We will stop for a picnic lunch alongside the lake – a great opportunity to get some scenic photos with your horse – before rejoining the main track to Dingleburn Station and retracing our steps back out to the cattle yards, enjoying our last few hours immersed in the mountain surrounds before heading back to civilisation.

Your return transfer will collect you from Dingleburn’s cattle yards and drop you back off at Queenstown.