Horse Riding - Cape Farewell Horse Treks Golden Bay
from NZD$65.00
About
Description
Don and I reckon we live in the most beautiful place in New Zealand. We were lucky enough to have bought our farm some 17 years ago. We began life at Puponga with cattle farm, but moved onto the horse trekking a couple of years later. It is a very family-orientated business, and our main focus is on having a great time and giving people a chance to live their dreams, something we Kiwis don't realise…that we are so lucky to live here.
Don and I still get a real buzz out of watching a rider who has waited a lifetime to gallop down Wharariki Beach.
There are several great horse treks to choose from.
Pillar Point (1.5hrs in the saddle)
This trek offers stunning views of Farewell Spit and the surrounding area. You can even see all the way to Mount Taranaki on a clear day! This is a great trek for families with younger children (4+ years). An excellent confidence builder for both new and returning riders.
Puponga Beach (1.5hrs in the saddle)
This trek leaves our base taking you down the road, across the estuary, through the manuka, and down into the Puponga Channel that leads out onto the ever-changing tidal beach. You ride past the old wharf with relics of yesteryear. We return via a private farm track with more great views of Golden Bay. A great all-round trek, it has a bit of everything—with opportunities to ride faster. A great trek for all the family and those with limited time and, if you are lucky, seals often frequent this area.
Triangle Valley (2 hours in the saddle)
It takes you through the paddocks of Puponga Farm Park and climbs the grass-covered sand dunes which overlooks the famous Farewell Spit. This trek is best combined with the Old Man Range Trek (below), which has some steeper terrain and is suited more for teenagers and adults. The views are breathtaking.
Old Man Range (2.5 hours in the saddle)
This would have to be the ultimate in overland trekking with absolutely stunning views! An ever-changing terrain from roads to flat, grassy paddocks, hill climbs, and sandstone tracks. With opportunities for a faster pace, it has everything you could imagine. This trek is suitable for just about everyone and is highly recommended! It gives you views of all of Farewell Spit and, as you look out to sea, if you are really lucky, you might spot a whale.
This trek has been classed as the most scenic horse trek in New Zealand by Fodor's Guide.
Combined Trek (3 hours in the saddle)
This is an increasingly popular choice combining the Old Man Range and Triangle Valley treks. The scenery and views are spectacular.
Wharariki Beach (3 hours)
This is a great beach to ride, with its white sand and West Coast surf, it has it all. Ride through the caves and watch the seals and their babies play in the rock pools that are left after the tide has receded. For the more adventurous, a canter down the beach is thrilling, the sound of your horse's hooves as they hit the sand, and the sea breeze in your face is an awesome feeling! It offers great views from the beach from many different angles and of the Kahurangi National Park. This trek is more suited to adults and older children (10 years +) with previous riding experience. Departure times vary depending on the tides.
Trip Includes
- Horse trek
- Informative and friendly guides
- All gear supplied (helmets, jackets)
Duration
- Allow 2 - 4 hours depending on the ride you choose
Departures
- Morning & afternoon
- Cape Farewell Horse Treks is located in Puponga, 26kms north of Collingwood and 2.5hrs from Nelson
Other Information
- You will need to make your own way to the stables in Puponga
- The Wharariki Beach Ride departs when the tide is at it's lowest point. This varies during the year with the tides and moon. Contact us for departure times
- Operates all year round
- Wear sturdy footwear (toes enclosed)
- Bring your camera, sunglasses, lunch and water