Lodge To Lodge Multi-Day Horse Riding Holiday

Taihape, New Zealand – Great location - show map

Season: 1st January to 30th March

Riding Ability: Intermediate-Advanced

A 2-day adventure with a gutsy ride by day, followed by a touch of luxury by night. This ride takes you down into the spectacular Rangitikei River gorge, crossing the river several times before reaching your destination.

Duration:2 Days / 2 Nights

$2190

2 Pax Twin Share or Double

$1295

per person for single*

Departure Dates:

Wed 9th Feb- Fri 11th Feb 2022 - 1 Room left

Wed 15th – Fri 17th March 2022

Or enquire for custom dates (minimum 2 people)

Book Now

View Trip Itinerary

Enquire Now

A Ride In Paradise

Before booking a ride we recommend you check your riding ability using our guide below:

Beginner – reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.

Intermediate – confident and in control on a moving horse at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly.

Strong intermediate – an intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly (outside an arena) and is comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day.

Advanced – a frequent rider who is very fit, has an independent seat and soft hands, and is confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain.

Conditions:

Minimum Age 13 Years.
Maximum weight 95 KGs
*Minimum 2 people for a trip to run

The Drive into North Island High Country

Every corner a new vista, the great volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe out to the north, the Ruahine Ranges to the East.

You will become a part of these hills and deep river canyons while exploring and trekking over this, at times, dramatic landscape.

The True Base for Adventures

Dinner the first night inside River Valley Lodge, a true base for adventures and holidays on horseback. Your guide will meet you to go through some details and answer any questions you may have. There is the hustle and bustle of other people preparing for the next day, some white water rafting, some horse back riding. There is a sense of excitement in the air.

Leaving the main Lodge and heading back to your room, it is as if you have entered another world. The darkness is quiet, it is hushed, except for the ever present sound of the river.

A sound that is urging you to explore. Tomorrow you will answer that call.

Meeting the Horses

A hearty breakfast, then up to the Stables to meet the horses. Strong sure footed hill country trekking horses.

You will already have indicated the type of saddle you preferred, and as much as possible, this preference has been met. Soon you are mounted, and heading out of the yards for the big adventure.

And what an adventure. You will ride around the flanks of 3000′ high Pukeokahu, before following a trail down into the Rangitikei River Canyon.

A canyon of immense papa cliffs, river terraces, and crystal clear water. That water will need to be crossed a number of times as you travel downstream towards your destination, Tarata Fishaway Lodge.

Feet Up Time

Late afternoon, horses have been fed and let go, you can put your feet up, a well earned glass of wine, and soak in the hot tub.

After relaxing, it will be time to head over to the Tarata Homestead for dinner. Conversation round the table of horses, rivers, fish and landscapes.

Bed with dreams of Horses, Rivers and Landscapes

Bed that night feels so good. On the breeze you can hear the river talking to you still, telling you about tomorrow. Come and explore more it says.

The next day, as you head back towards River Valley Lodge, there will be more river crossings, and then up and over the summit of Pukeokahu. Everywhere you look is full of one picture postcard scene after another. A late lunch is spent taking it all in.

Home and the Magic of Memories

All too soon, the gate into the Stables yard closes after the last horse. Head home with some magic memories, and dream of your next adventure.

How To Book

Follow the links on this page to Book Online.
Alternatively Search for other suitable horse riding adventures here

View Trip Itinerary

Book Now

Gallery

Accommodation

The first night is spent at River Valley Lodge. Check in any time from 3pm and relax in a deluxe ensuite guest room. Enjoy a 3 course dinner made with free range, organic meat and fresh vegetables from our on-site gardens.

The second night is spent at Tarata Fishaway lodge. To recover from your day in the saddle, take a soak in the hot tub, overlooking the river. Then head over to the homestead for a home cooked dinner.

Rooms can be made up as doubles or twin.

Make sure you bring your swimwear to enjoy complimentary use of the spa facilities.

What we provide

Riding Boots, helmet, short chaps, and long oilskin riding coats for changeable weather
Meals provided – 2 x Cooked Breakfasts, 2 x 3 Course Dinners, 2 x Trekkers Lunches.
Meals (from dinner on day 1 through to lunch on day 8)
Rides – 2 x full days riding
Accommodation – Deluxe ensuite guest rooms for 2 nights