Horse Trek (Mt Cook & Mackenzie)

On the day of your trek, you will be met by your local guide at the trekking centre at the south end of Mount John. Your guide will instruct you on riding safety and select a mount to suit your ability. After fitting and adjustments to your stock saddle, you will head off across the tussock country of the Mackenzie basin and the glacier flats towards Lake Alexandrina, just as the bullock wagons of last century did. This lake is a world renowned trout-fishing spot that produces huge Brown and Rainbow Trout and Salmon that thrive in cool, glacier fed, underground, spring water. Native birds are in abundance here and sometimes even the famous Black Stilt can be seen wading in the Lake or in the alpine tarns that abound in the area. There are only about 30 pairs of them left in the world! You will head up the eastern side of the lake through tussock grasslands, grazed by purebred Merino Sheep. The sheep in this area produce Super-Fine Merino fibre which is used in the manufacture of fine Italian suits. As you crest the rolling hills to the east of Alexandrina, the amazing turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo appears. The lakes rare colour is caused by a suspension of glacial rock particles or 'flour' in the water which reflects light from the sky. Turning to the south, you meander through fields and tussock country before climbing the North end of Mount John. Here you will pause at a hitching rail for photos of the lake and mountains before riding along the lake shore towards the village. Your final stretch is a gentle ride through pine and larch forest back to the trekking centre where you will be able to relax before moving on.