Horse Trek and Overnight Stay (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 The Old Man Range, just as the bullock wagons of last century did. As you crest the main ridge, 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 west, you will follow the main ridge with amazing views of the Ben Ohau Range, The Gammacks, the Two Thumbs and of course Aoraki the Cloud Piercer Mount Cook. Here you will pause for photos of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and the mountains before dropping down the ridge towards camp. At your night camp have a go at Clay Bird Shooting or Trout Fishing in a clear mountain stream. A home cooked meal and refreshments will see you ready for a comfortable night’s sleep. After breakfast, you will cross the Fork Stream and traverse across to Lake Alexandrina. 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. Lake Tekapo appears as you crest the rolling hills to the east of Alexandrina. 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 lakeshore towards the village. Your final stretch is a gentle ride up through pine and larch forest back to the trekking centre where you will be able to relax before moving on.