The River Valley Ride
Taihape, New Zealand – Great location - show map
Riding Ability: Intermediate-advanced riders only. Please keep in mind that this ride involves 8 days in the saddle, so suitable saddle fitness is a MUST.
Group Size: Min 6, Max 8 People
A 7-night, 8-day ride. A firecracker of an itinerary with the feeling of freedom and adventure at its very core – return to mother nature and lift the veil on an enchanting part of New Zealand while being swathed in local culture.
Duration:7 Nights / 8 Days
$4075
Per Person Twin Share
$4575
per person for single supplement
The Ride
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.
*Sorry but our treks are not suitable for beginner riders. To enjoy a trek with us you must be intermediate or more experienced*
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
- Intermediate-Advanced riders only
There is SO much goodness to our ride in the North Island of New Zealand known as The River Valley Ride. As a circular point-to-point ride, you’ll start and end at your guide, Nicola Megaw’s family home: River Valley Lodge – a fifth generation family-owned lodge that sits poised on the wild Rangitikei River. With the on-the-move nature of this ride you’ll traverse jaw-dropping, ever-changing scenery. Just imagine: dreamy canters across bowling green pastures dotted with flocks of happy sheep, getting lost in pristine native bush where the silver ferns tickle your horses belly, loping across wispy pampas and bareback swimming.
The absolute gift of an eight day ride is the flow that comes with consistent time in the saddle. You’ll fall into a gentle rhythm with your horse, your fellow globetrotters and your guides, giving yourself the time to disconnect so that you can re-connect.
Not only that, you’ll get a lovely sense of Kiwi farming way-of-life with long-time local and host Nicola, personally guiding you through generational farming properties that aren’t accessible to the general public. Another night you’ll spend a night at a local Marae which is the focal point of Māori communities.
For those Globetrotters who yearn for the rhythm and sense of accomplishment that comes with eight glorious days in the saddle, and hold a deep desire to return to mother nature and to lift the veil on this enchanting part of New Zealand while being swathed in local culture, then – The River Valley Ride is for YOU.
This ride is a world exclusive – only bookable through Globetrotting Horse Riding Holidays.
Gallery
What we provide
- 7 Nights twin share accommodation (single supplement also available)
- 8 Days of riding
- Meals (from dinner on day 1 through to lunch on day 8)
- Transfers to and from Taupo on days 1 and 8
- All equipment – Riding Boots, helmet, short chaps, and long oilskin riding coats for changeable weather
- A full list of what you need to bring will be sent upon booking
What to bring:
- International and regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Accommodation in Taupo the day before and after the ride
- Alcohol (BYO is welcome but not at River Valley Lodge)
- Lunch on day 1
- Water Bottle
Accommodation
The accommodation varies throughout the ride. While staying at River Valley Lodge (the first two nights and the last night), you’ll enjoy comfortable twin share rooms with ensuites.
You’ll spend two nights ‘glamping’ (bell dome tents, camp stretcher and all bedding provided) with access to basic shower and toilet facilities.
You’ll also spend one night at a traditional Maori Marae (communal space, no single room available) and one night at Tarata Lodge with comfortable twin share rooms.
Your Guides
You’ll be hosted by some good ol’ kiwi guides. Long time locals, Nicola Megaw and her daughter Janey. Days in the saddle will be narrated with Nicola and Janey’s in-depth knowledge of the land that you’ll be traversing while drawing on the diversity and vibrance of their cultures.
Nicola lives and breathes horses and is proud to have a string of naturally educated horses who are blissfully happy bit-less and barefoot.
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666
