Monthly Features

Hurunui Horse Treks

Imagine a land of snow-tipped mountains, rolling green hills and river-slashed valleys; of ice cold sapphire lakes, and dense bush ringing with birds under a clear sky. Where the loudest sound you will hear over the tinkle of crystal water dancing over brown stones is that of your horse cropping the grass in the early morning dew.

This is a land that has never heard the roar of traffic, the din of people, or been soiled by the haze of pollution. It is the high country of North Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand.

Hurunui Trails and Adventures will take you there, to live in it, ride through it and experience it.

Based at "The Peaks", among foothill farms, these treks will take you through working sheep stations into isolated back country, where the biggest crowd you will see will be a herd of cattle. You will experience silence so dense you will feel you can touch it. The spectacular scenery and tranquility will leave you refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

The Lakes – NZ$3595 per person – 8 Day/9 Nights

(includes accommodation, food, wine & beer. Min 1 rider/max. 8)

High Country Adventure riding through the mountains, forest, streams, lakes and rivers of the Hurunui. A stop at Lake Sumner gives a chance for a rest while enjoying the scenery.

A unique opportunity to meet the people who own the sheep and cattle stations along the way and experience the culture of the New Zealand high country.

Your adventure begins with your transfer from Christchurch to a local farmstay where your guides will join you for an evening meal. From the base at The Peaks we saddle up and follow the Waitohi River to Mt Whitnow Station, ride over a low pass and journey through the valleys and gorges of the Seaward River and both the South and North branches of the Hurunui River to Lake Taylor Station.

We spend several days exploring the incredible beauty of some of New Zealand's most spectacular high country, with an abundance of lakes and mountain scenery that few get to experience. Our accommodation each night is in shearer's quarters, where a hot shower and comfortable bed are very welcome at the end of a day's ride. We also have the opportunity to interact with local farmers and sample their genuine Kiwi hospitality.

At the end of the ride we unsaddle, unpack, and tuck into a well-deserved afternoon tea before transferring back to a local farmstay for an end of trek dinner.

Using a Four-Wheel-Drive vehicle instead of packhorses to transport our gear and equipment allows for a ride with a more varied pace and in which you can experience the true freedom of the high country on horseback.

Our gear and refreshments await us after the horses are taken care of at the end of each day's ride. The emphasis throughout is on quality, with comfortable accommodation, varied and tasty food and a great riding experience.

Other rides:

Double Tops NZ$1895.00 per person. 4 days & 3 nights (includes accommodation, food, wine & beer. Min 1 rider / max. 8)
The Station to Station Ride - 5 days/4 nights NZ$2995.00 per person, 3 days/2 nights NZ$1995.00 per person.

A more exclusive ride in which you will be hosted by the station owners each night. Departures any Monday or other dates by arrangement (includes accommodation, food, wine & beer. Min 1 rider / max. 5)
The Overnighter NZ$995.00 per person. Dates by arrangement Min 2 riders (includes accommodation, food, wine & beer)

IMPORTANT: All riders must be able to mount, ride & dismount unaided, as well as rise to the trot (posting) and canter safely. Routes can vary due to seasons and climatic conditions.

To email us your enquiry, please click here.

Kirra Tours Warbirds over Wanaka

Watch in wonder as all vintages of aircraft take to the skies to soar over Wanaka in the Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow. 9 day, 12 day and 13 day packages are available – each entwine the marvels of the Warbirds Airshow with the wonders of New Zealand, and include twin share accommodation, 3 day Warbirds Airshow pass, sightseeing, luxury coach travel with a professional Coach Captain, airport transfers upon arrival and departure and much more.

Independent 5 day rental car package – Enjoy this spectacular alpine resort and Airshow staying at the luxurious Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort & Spa, Wanaka only minutes from downtown Wanaka, or Grand Mercure St Moritz Queenstown.

Please click here for further information about the package available.