Experience horse trekking near Christchurch as you ride through a working Canterbury high country farm with Rubicon Valley Horse Treks
Horse Trekking Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Details
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NZ Freephone:
0508 257 222
Phone:
+64 3 318 8886
Address:
534 Rubicon Road
Kowai Bush
Springfield 7681
Canterbury
New Zealand
Regional Information:
Rubicon Valley Horse Treks Introduction
Rubicon Valley Horse Treks invite you to experience the pleasures of horse trekking near Christchurch through a working Canterbury high country farm, just 45 minutes from Christchurch City.
Come horse riding near Christchurch and discover the beauty of the quiet foothills of the Southern Alps. Look down at the breathtaking Waimakariri River gorge as it leaves the hills and rushes into the Canterbury Plains. Gaze up at Mount Torlesse and the golden hills around Rubicon Valley.
This is a perfect place for an adventurous horse trek that even beginners will enjoy!
No experience is needed for our Christchurch horse riding trips. Trained guides teach you to ride before you begin, and the guide will go with you on a riding adventure through some of the most beautiful, tranquil country in the world.
Horse Trekking Near Christchurch and other Activities in Rubicon Valley
Activity choices:
Horse Trekking Near Christchurch
Your trek organisers and guides are Chris and Del Lowe. They have spent a lifetime with horses and in the Rubicon Valley!
A riding helmet will be provided, and you will also be given a rain coat if that is necessary. You need to bring long trousers, enclosed shoes and clothes to match the weather conditions.
Trained guides teach you to ride before you begin, and the guide will go with you on a riding adventure through some of the most beautiful country in the world.
All our horse riding treks near Christchurch are small, with no more than six horses, so you get personal care and attention all the time. Just four or five people is ideal. But three couples are also excellent.
There are six treks to choose from:
- Farm Ride – One hour trek – Relax and enjoy the experience of riding on the high country farm. Your chance to see New Zealand sheep in their natural surroundings. No river views.
- River Trail Ride – Two hour Trek – View spectacular mountain views as we trek through the valley to the lookout point over the Waimakariri Gorge. Stop for refreshments and fantastic photo opportunities before we climb down the terraces of the Waimakariri Gorge.
- Valley Trail Ride – Two hour Trek – We cross the Midland Railway and amble along a cold mountain stream. There is a stop for refreshments, then we ride across the valley floor and ride out to view the mighty Waimakariri River before heading back home. At the end of your ride you are welcome to help with brushing down and grooming your horse.
- River and Valley Trail Ride – Three hour Trek – Combination of the River Trail and Valley Trail. Morning / afternoon tea included.
- Sunset Trail Ride – Two hour Trek – An evening ride along the "River Trail Ride" or the "Valley Trail Ride". Includes a stop for refreshments. Available during summer only.
- Mountain Trail Ride – Experienced riders only – Four and a half hours in the saddle plus rest breaks every hour and breaks for morning and afternoon tea plus lunch. Total time approximately 6 hours from gate to gate. Note: due to terrain some leading of horses is required.
Need free transport from Christchurch and back again?
We have a complimentary transfer from the centre of Christchurch every day morning and afternoons. (Although this is not available for riders taking the one hour trek.)
Stage Coach Rides
Take a step back in time and experience travelling by stage coach, whilst enjoying views of the magnificent locations that our ancestors discovered and tamed.
During your journey over Rubicon High Country Sheep Farm you can marvel at the unique landscape, which includes native bush, native trees, valleys, the Waimakariri Canyon and River, Otarama Bank and the Otarama Tunnel. Remember to bring your camera as photo opportunities are at every turn from the moment you arrive!
You have two stage coach ride options to choose from:
- Otarama Lookout Stage Coach Tour – Enjoy a 30 minute stage coach ride, panoramic views of the mighty Waimakariri Canyon and the magnificent Southern Alps, and complimentary morning or afternoon Devonshire tea.
- Otarama Lookout Stage Coach / Jet Boat Combo – After your 30 minute stage coach ride to Otarama Lookout and back, take a scenic jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River. This combo also includes a complimentary morning or afternoon Devonshire tea.
Jet Boating in the Waimakariri canyons
Come and experience an unforgettable journey in a true New Zealand icon, the "Jet Boat".
Several tour options are available to suit your group's requirements. Ranging from the 30 minute Alpjet adventure to the 1 hour Alpjet discovery tour. Experience alpine jet boating on one of New Zealand's most spectacular rivers.
- 30 minute Alpjet Adventure – 30 minute ride – Travel through the canyons on an alpine adventure and be inspired by some of New Zealand's mountain scenery. Relax in our purpose-built boat and enjoy the unique ride that only a jet boat can offer.
- One hour Alpjet Discovery – One hour ride – Discover the Southern Alps' true beauty as you travel deep into this alpine wilderness. With an exciting mix of fun and spectacular scenery, cameras are a must for this experience.
For bookings and further information about our farm experiences and horse riding near Christchurch, please contact us, visit our horse trekking near Christchurch Web site, or make a booking.
Alpaca shop
- A range of giftware at discounted prices. An impressive array of New Zealand made products.
- A large selection of New Zealand lanolin cream. These are ideal gifts, and are at discounted prices.
- Duvets, rugs, cushions, hats and scarves and many other items.
- Our knitted garments are handcrafted using New Zealand alpaca or wool.
Treat yourself to one of our own brands of alpaca giftware – made right here on Rubicon Farm.
Rubicon Farm Tours
- Come and join us at the Rubicon farm show, which is on every afternoon at 2:30 pm.
- Watch the dog show as our working sheep dogs muster in the sheep for you.
- Hand feed our friendly sheep and other farm animals. There are great photo opportunities all day long.
After this great farm entertainment, join us for a traditional homemade morning tea or afternoon tea.
About the Area
The Rubicon Valley is a perfect place for your horse trek and New Zealand farm experience. It's a quiet area of hills, neat farms, native beech and pine forest, and lonely, open country on the edge of the Canterbury Plains where it meets the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Peaceful and beautiful, still and quite, and yet just 45 minutes from Christchurch. This is truly a delightful, undisturbed valley.
You'll look up to towering hills—golden in the summer and white with snow during the winter. In some magnificent places you can see down to the mighty Waimakariri River, where it bursts out of the mountains onto the Canterbury Plains for its run to the ocean.
For bookings and further information about our farm experiences and horse riding near Christchurch, please contact us, visit our horse trekking near Christchurch Web site, or make a booking.
The following features, memberships and organisations are associated with Rubicon Valley Horse Treks:
Westport (
