Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers a thrilling 2-hour river trail horse trek through the breathtaking Waimakariri River Canyon in Springfield, New Zealand. With stunning views of the Southern Alps, this adventure caters to both novice and seasoned riders, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable pace of walking, trotting, or cantering. Led by experienced guides and featuring well-trained horses, participants can expect personalized attention in small groups, ensuring a memorable experience amidst the picturesque landscape. But what makes this trek truly special? The answer lies in the journey itself, where the beauty of nature and the power of the equine companion converge to create an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• Guided 2-hour horseback trek along the scenic Waimakariri River Canyon with stunning Southern Alps views, suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
• Small group sizes (max 6 per guide) for personalized attention, led by professional guides and well-trained horses.
• Includes essential safety equipment, wet weather gear, and complimentary lunch or tea, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Minimum age of 12 years, with children required to be accompanied by an adult; not suitable for pregnant travelers.
• Highly rated by past participants for stunning scenery, patient guides, and well-trained horses, with booking available through the company’s website or by phone.

Overview and Experience

Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers guided horseback rides through the high-country sheep farm in Springfield, near Christchurch.

The experience includes a 2-hour river trail trek along the Waimakariri River Canyon, featuring stunning views of the Southern Alps.

This adventure is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, who can choose to walk, trot, or canter during the ride.

Small group sizes, with a maximum of six travelers per guide, ensure personalized attention and a safe, enjoyable journey.

Whether you’re visiting in the morning or afternoon, the professional guides and well-trained horses will make this an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of New Zealand’s South Island.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The meeting point for the horseback riding experience is Rubicon Valley Horse Treks, located at 534 Rubicon Road in Springfield 7681, New Zealand. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to their booking time, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The schedule for the experience includes:

• Morning sessions available
• Afternoon sessions available
• Duration of the trek is 2 hours
• Activity concludes at the original meeting point

Guests can expect a seamless and well-organized experience, with the meeting point and schedule designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

Inclusions

The Rubicon Valley Horse Treks experience includes a professional guide and all necessary safety equipment.

Plus, wet weather gear is provided if required, and local taxes are covered in the booking price.

Guests can also expect a complimentary lunch and morning or afternoon tea during the trek.

The inclusions ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience, allowing visitors to focus on the stunning scenery and enjoy the horseback ride without worrying about additional costs or preparations.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Rubicon Valley Horse Treks have you covered with their comprehensive package, leaving you free to learn about the natural beauty of the Waimakariri River Canyon.

Requirements and Restrictions

In the ‘Rubicon Valley Horse Treks’ experience, children must be accompanied by an adult, with a minimum age of 12 years and a requirement for confident riders. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and adult pricing applies to all travelers.

Long trousers and sturdy footwear are necessary, as the activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the moderate physical fitness level needed.

The key requirements and restrictions for this activity include:

• Minimum age of 12 years with adult accompaniment

• Not wheelchair accessible, adult pricing applies

• Long trousers and sturdy footwear required

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Reviews and Feedback

With the requirements and restrictions in mind, travelers have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Rubicon Valley Horse Treks experience. The activity has earned 178 reviews with an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5, highlighting the stunning scenery, patient guides, and well-trained horses. Many recommend the experience for both beginners and experienced riders, appreciating the personalized attention and safety measures taken by guides, particularly Chris.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Stunning scenery	None reported
Patient guides
Well-trained horses

The reviews indicate that Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers an exceptional horseback riding adventure that caters to a wide range of skill levels while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Booking and Pricing

Travelers can book a Rubicon Valley Horse Treks experience directly through the company’s website or by calling their office.

Pricing for the 2-hour river trail trek starts at $120 per adult and $90 per child, with discounted rates available for larger groups.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Select the desired tour date and time

• Provide the number of travelers and any special requirements

• Complete the online payment or call to secure the reservation

• Receive a confirmation with details about the meeting point and what to bring

With flexible scheduling and competitive pricing, Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure for riders of all skill levels.

What to Bring

What should travelers bring to their Rubicon Valley Horse Treks experience?

Guests are required to wear long trousers and sturdy, closed-toe footwear for the horseback ride.

Plus, they should dress in layers and bring any personal items they may need, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Southern Alps region.

The company provides wet weather gear if necessary, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also recommended, as the trail trek takes place in an open, scenic environment.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife you may encounter along the way.

Safety Measures

Rubicon Valley Horse Treks prioritizes guest safety throughout the experience, with guides specially trained in handling horses and leading group rides.

All safety equipment, including helmets and safety vests, is provided to ensure riders remain secure on the trail.

The small group size of six travelers per guide allows for personalized attention and swift response in the event of an incident.

Guides are also equipped with first aid kits and have procedures in place to handle emergencies.

Plus, the horses are well-trained and accustomed to the terrain, reducing the risk of any unpredictable behavior.

• Specialized guides trained in horse handling and group management

• Provision of all necessary safety equipment (helmets, vests, etc.)

• Small group sizes for personalized attention and swift response

• Equipped with first aid kits and emergency procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Horse on the Trek?

Unfortunately, no. Guests are not permitted to bring their own horses on this organized horseback riding experience. The trek provides horses and trained guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for all participants.

Do Riders Need to Have Previous Experience?

Riders don’t need previous experience, as the treks are suitable for beginners and experienced riders. However, a moderate fitness level is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult and be confident riders.

What Is the Terrain Like During the Trek?

The terrain along the trail trek features a mix of flat riverside paths and gentle hillsides, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding Southern Alps. The trail traverses both open meadows and lightly wooded areas, providing a varied and enjoyable riding experience.

Are There Any Weight Restrictions for Riders?

There are no strict weight restrictions, but riders must be able to comfortably handle the horse. The guides assess each rider’s weight and ability to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can I Purchase Photos or Videos of the Trek?

Yes, riders can purchase photos and videos of the trek. The experience provider offers optional photo and video packages that capture memorable moments from the horseback riding adventure. Guests can inquire about these add-on options when booking their trek.

Recap

Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers an unforgettable 2-hour river trail horse trek along the stunning Waimakariri River Canyon in New Zealand.

With breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, personalized attention, and well-trained horses, this adventure caters to both beginners and experienced riders, ensuring a memorable experience amidst the picturesque landscape.

Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating outdoor activity or simply a chance to learn about nature, this horse trek is an opportunity not to be missed.