Welcome to Sherwood Lodge - the ideal setting for rest and relaxation.
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Horse Treks
Partner up with your horse to experience some of the most spectacular high country riding in New Zealand!
Sherwood Lodge and Mt Lyford Horse Treks have combined to provide the ultimate in horse trekking. From one day to six days of trekking, you'll enjoy seeing some of the best high country in New Zealand, on the best horses, with fantastic guides, superb food, accommodation and service! Enjoy your trek through mountain beech forest, along braided river beds, over 150 year old pack trails, across high country sheep and cattle stations. No matter what your experience level, an appropriate horse/pony and route direction will be available to ensure you have a wonderful trekking experience.
Each day's trek starts with a "getting to know your mount" session - making sure that everyone is communicating well with their horses and that the horses have confidence in their riders.
The trek then moves off, taking in some of the spectacular beauty of the area. Stop for a packed lunch for an hour, then trek on to your accommodation for the night. Most days, you will be in the saddle for 5-6hours.
Click here to find out more about natural horsemanship and Mt Lyford Horse Treks
Depending on your chosen trek, you'll find yourself staying at the luxurious Sherwood Lodge or in a musterers hut high up in the mountains.
One Day Treks
One day treks generally leave from the trekking base at Mt Lyford, although we can arrange for horses to be based at the lodge for you during your stay. Your trek starts at around 10am with a horse-rider "communication" session for 20 minutes - 1 hour, depending on your confidence level.
Guests can participate in group rides or take a personal guided trek for the day.
Our most popular trek is from Mt Lyford to Sherwood, a lovely 5 - 6 hour ride that takes in high country, sub-alpine and alpine environments, suitable for intermediate riders. Leaving Mt Lyford, you cross sub-alpine tussock land, ride across rolling pasture land, ride through native mountain beech forest, and cross rivers and streams before arriving at Sherwood Lodge in time to clean up before pre-dinner drinks.
Two Day Treks
For guests wanting to ride 2 consecutive days, staying in the lodge, we suggest a ride from Mt Lyford to Sherwood on day 1, with a return trip via an alternative route the next.
Three Day Trek - Mt Lyford to Hanmer Springs
This ride takes you from Mt Lyford Horse Treks' base (at the foot of Mt Lyford) through mountain passes to Hanmer Springs thermal area, over a three day period, riding for 5-6hours per day, and covers approximately 50kms. The route is straightforward, and the scenery unprecedented!
Day One
Mt Lyford to Sherwood, 5 - 6 hours
This trail takes us over three properties, Snowdon, Terako Downs and Tinline . We ride along the foothills of the Amuri Range with the impressive high peaks of this range on our right. The going is straight forward at an altitude of 1500 to 2,500 feet. We lunch on the top by tarns(small high lakes)looking across to the large limestone cliffs of the batteries on the other side of the Mason River, and South across the Waiau river Valley to Weka Pass. We pass through large areas of native Beech Forest and ride over open tussock farmland. We cross the Lottery River to Sherwood.
Day Two
Sherwood to Moriaty's farm cottage, 5 to 8 hours
This is the highest we go on the whole route. We take the trail behind Sherwood Lodge and follow it along the tops through Wynford Hills and Hossack Downs passing under Mt Paul to the Hossack Downs Road. There is an option to be picked up here and driven to the cottage where we stay the night , or you can staunch it out and wander along the road for the 10 km to the Cottage. Highlights of this ride are the views both West into the Little Lottery River and East into the Waiau river Valley. We pass through many areas of native forest and high country farmland.
Day Three
Moriarty's cottage to Chatterton Farm just outside Hanmer Springs township, 4 to 5 hours
We ride an hour along River Road to the Homestead at Barceldean, and enter this property that takes us through one of two passes into the Hanmer River. One pass is higher then the other, both with fantastic scenery and some impressive sights along the way like the huge waterfall that crosses the track round a bend near the top. We cross the Hanmer River and follow the farm track into Chatterton.
There is the option to stay in a hut at Chatterton and do the trip in reverse taking different trails for most of the way making this a glorious 6 day ride!!
NB : This trek can be done with a group of other riders as a 'rustic adventure' or as a 'luxury, single party' option, with all the trimmings.
Four and Five Day Treks
Are available on request and by negotiation.
Contact us for more information.
Things you need to know
- Treks are adaptable to weather extremes and the level of rider ability.
- Treks cover a variable terrain including river crossings, high country pasture land and tussock cover, native and exotic bush, mountain passes, all with extraordinary sub-alpine views.
- Treks can be tailored specifically for you or you can participate in treks with other riders.
- There is a range of accommodation available, depending on the type of outdoor experience you wish to have - from the extreme of full butler service at Sherwood Lodge through to 'do it yourself' in riverside huts.
- Guests will be provided with all requirements for each day's trekking, including waterproof coats, food and drink. If over-nightingaway from Sherwood Lodge, guest's overnight clothing and toiletry requirements will be transported separately from the trek, available for guests when they reach their accommodation.
- Except in very unusual circumstances, there are no pack horses used on these treks.
- All safety and medical equipment will be provided.
To Book or for any questions about Horse Trekking, please email us .
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For information about horse trekking options in magnificent surroundings at or near other lodges, click here.
