Trek Testimonials
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: April, 2011
From: Pat and John, Colorado
Heather and Pete,
Thank you for a fantastic week of riding! The trip far exceeded our expectations. We were able to see your incredible country atop the backs of strong, dependable, well behaved, beautiful horses. Everyday after a great breakfast we were sent off in Pete’s capable hands to ride the beautiful mountains and river valleys while working up an appetite for Heathers generously packed lunches. After which, our most difficult task of the afternoon was to ride some more and work up an appetite for an awesome dinner back at the house. We were definitely “living the dream”. Thank you for sharing your home and lives with us. We say with certainty that our lives will cross again- after all, we owe Pete several stubbies!
Love and hugs,
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: March, 2011
From: Amber and Emma johnpat
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AMAZING TREK!!
My mum and I are so grateful for the incredible trek we had! It made our year away that much more special and amazing.
Pete was a great guide, he knew the place like the back of his hand and had many stories to tell. Heather made us feel so welcome and taught us a lot. Thank you to Pat, Jack and Nancy for having us to stay the night- you made fabulous meals! And a huge thank you to the gorgeous horses which we rode, Eire and Jigsaw. The horses were forward going and very well mannered and perfect in every way. Eire was the most beautiful Connemara I have every seen!
We are home now and loving riding our horse, Robbie but we will never ever forget our once in a lifetime New Zealand trek! We would recommend it to all competent riders! Thank you so much Heather and Pete!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: March, 2011
From: Vanessa & Russel, Sydney, Australia
"Well trained horses guided through spectacular scenery by a true NZ stockman, warm hospitality, comfy beds and delicious food, thanks Pete and Heather, what a fantastic experience."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: February, 2011
From: Ramona
Hello Heather & Pete,
After a wonderful and enjoyable stay in New Zealand, I finally came back home last Tuesday – with a backpack full of memories, unforgettable impressions and quite a lot of photos (I’ve taken more than 2,000 pictures)!
Thinking about all the great moments I was able to experience is quite overwhelming! Sometimes, it even seems to me that everything had been nothing but a dream…a beautiful, sweet dream!
But the photos are proving: I haven’t dreamt of my voyage! I really WAS there, in New Zealand, in North Canterbury – riding through the mountains and alongside the beautiful rivers Waitohi and Hurunui!
Yesterday, I invited my family to visit me and I made Pavlova (I bought a tea towel with the recipe on it ;-) and I showed them the “finest selection” of my photos. They were so impressed and couldn’t hear enough of the stories I was telling.
I am so happy about everything I’ve seen and did in New Zealand, especially the 5-day-trek with you. It was simply great!
Now I am back to daily life and work, but although everything seems to be like before, I somehow have changed inside: I still carry the silence and beauty of the mountains in my heart. Every “big big” problem becomes small like a mouse when I am remembering lunch time at Pete’s “secret place”, on top of the world. Thank you for the awesome time!
Enclosed you find some of the photos I’ve taken during the trek. In order not to blow your mail box up I’ve resized them to a smaller size. If you wish to have some of the pictures in a higher resolution, just feel free to ask me. I’d be proud to share them with you.
Best wishes from cold, wintry Germany (today’s temperature was -6° C – I am really freezing!)
Ramona
PS: I miss the “Barbie horse” ;-)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: December, 2010
From: Jenny & Dave Yule
Hi Heather & Pete;
THANK YOU so much for the wonderful few days last weekend, seeing your part of the country, the horses and the food!!
We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed every INCH of the experience.
Best wishes,
Jenny and Dave :)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: October, 2010
From: Franklin Levinson
WHY I LOVE HURUNUI TRAILS & ADVENTURES
I wish to relate to any interested parties my experiences in New Zealand, South Island with Hurunui Trails. I have done treks 4 or 5 treks with this company. When I find a company that does extended treks into the outback of a particular country, I tend to try them out. I travel extensively as a horse trainer and clinician and taking these sorts of treks is one of the great perks of my job. From the very first journey with Hurunui Trails I was hooked. The scenery is right out of the movie Lord of the Ring (this area of the South Island is where most of the movie was shot. Spectacular is a word that doesn´t really do the area justice. One might say: "unbelievably/incredibly beautiful."
As a professional trainer and teaching of horsemanship for over 40 years, I can attest to the quality and care of the horses provided by this company. The horses really were exceptional. Strong, sturdy, healthy, good looking, well-trained and maintained and a pleasure to ride, was the case with every horse on every trek I did. The treks I participated in tended to be the longest ones the company offered. So it was not unusual to be out for 8-days at a time. I had a comfortable bed every night and a hot shower daily. The food was terrific, fresh and well prepared. The staff was professional, cordial, hard working, and delightful people to be around.
The last three times I went with Hurunui Trails I brought groups with me. They were friends and friends of friends who loved horses, were experienced and proficient riders and horse owners themselves. I provided a two day seminar before our treks began. The intention of the seminar was to invite and facilitate a closer, more bonded experience between the guest and their new horse. Additionally, to impart as much wisdom of horses and appropriate handling techniques as I could within the time allowed. Occasionally, along the way of the trek, I would provide additional information and insight into equine behavior and training techniques. Hurunui Trails was always accommodating and supportive of all guests gaining more experience and better horsemanship through these programs.
In closing, I must say that I give Hurunui Trails & Adventures the highest rating possible for such an organization. If my many years as a professional horseman at an international level, as taught me anything, it has taught me to quickly recognize horses in any sort of distress, facilitates that may look OK on the surface but disguise deficiencies in equine maintenance and handling. In my many journeys with Hurunui Trails & Adventures I have only experienced the highest quality from this organization. If you take a trek with Hurunui Trails & Adventures you will experience a highlight of your life involving horses. Fantastic!
Franklin Levinson
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: March, 2009
From: Lyndell
Dear Heather & Pete;
It's about time that I told you that one of the most memorable times in my life was 1-1/2 years ago when I travelled from Vancouver, BC Canada back to my home country of New Zealand after 30 years of missing it so, to ride the high country with you both on my 8 day/7 night adventure on the Hurunui Trails. I find it very difficult to put into words what one can only feel when you are high on the hills, looking down on the rivers with the sun shining, a light breeze blowing and the white clouds shifting across the blue skies AND THEN you're in the shade, amongst the trees, crossing streams, winding your way through the untouched AND THEN ............... All the while with the most gentlest, calmest and reliable of horses who could run you through open fields, climb and descend mountains with all the sure footedness you could ever ask for and then graze at your side while eating your lunch near the lakes and rivers. The days were heaven and the nights spent with our different hosts were warm, cosy, relaxed and pleasant with great hot cooked meals and wine or a cold beer. I don't believe I ever slept so well with the days and nights so full of everything wonderful.
Best of all I found two new lifelong friends in both of you. Thank you will never be enough for the experience I shared with you, I will cherish it forever. Until next year that is, when I get to do it all again. I am one lucky Kiwi Chick!
With lots of love to you both!
Lyndell
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: April, 2010
From: Susie Carswell
Dear Heather, Pete and Alex
Just want to say thank you so much for a fantastic trek last month. You all made the 4 days very memorable and really appreciate all your efforts, particularly when it was only myself on the trek. Mouse was a great little horse to ride and it was so nice to escape to the country and ride in such gorgeous scenery with brilliant weather and entertaining company!
The rest of my trip in New Zealand was lots of fun but unfortunately I am now back in Scotland and having to work far too hard again!
So nice to meet you all and if you're ever in Edinburgh give me a shout and I will show you around!
Thank you so much Heather and Pete and Alex.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 1 January, 2010
From: Louise Farac, Australia
Wow!
What an amazing experience - I'm still buzzing about it. I had the very best time on my four day trek for so many reasons.
First and foremost it has to be the people - what amazing and lovely people the Hurunui horse people are as well as the fantastic and welcoming extended team that put us up each evening and packed our lunches for the next day. It was like being part of a family.
Then there are the horses. Such wonderfully trained animals! I have so much love for the horse I rode and for her patience with me as I learned to be a better rider. Heather and Pete are just the most magnificent horse people. They so obviously love and respect their animals and the horses clearly know this.
And not to forget the stunning countryside we rode through. This is NZ at its finest and I am absolutely coming back!
Thank you so much Heather and Pete and Alex.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 8 November, 2009
From: Russell Stewart, Auckland, NZ
As promised, I returned to complete the trek that had to be shortened due to very heavy rain in April. This time the weather was fine and sunny. I joined an American couple for three days around Lakes Sumner, Taylor, Shepherd, Mason and Loch Katrine. The scenery was magnificent and each day brought a new experience. We crossed the Hurunui river twice (fastest flowing river in NZ), climbed through native beech forests, descended and climbed extremely steep slopes (not for the fainthearted!) and passed around the beautiful lakes. My horse, Lady Jamaica or 'Jam' for short was very even natured and incredibly sure footed. If Heather and Jam were prepared to do something - so was I!
The evenings were spent at the Lake Taylor station homestead where a warm welcome and a glass of wine awaited us from Dave and Rosemary, the station owners. Rosemary's meals equalled any that might be served in a top city restaurant. A great end to a great day!
Heather is a wonderful horsewoman who has a great knowledge of the high country. Her partner, Pete, is highly regarded as a high country station manager. Together, they make a great team who ensure that each trek is a great success. I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys trekking on horseback".
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 9 September, 2009
From: Stephanie Smith
I left Luxembourg in April to travel to New Zealand and embark on a "High Country" experience. Having traveled to South Africa twice before, it was time for a complete new change of scenery. I certainly found it in New Zealand with Hurunui Trails and Adventures.
Good food, comfortable beds, meeting locals, summer, winter and autumn all in one week. You couldn´t have a better experience.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 6 June, 2009
From: Sadie & Paul, Ireland
You always know when you've had a good holiday when you are still talking about it three months later ...
Having been on riding trips all over the world (England, Ireland, Canada, USA, South Africa, Botswana & Australia,) my husband and I looked forward to the Hurunui trip with the usual anticipation ... Will the horses be good? What will the guides/other guests be like? Will we have enough to eat? Will there be lots to see? We needn't have worried; this was one of the best trips we had ever been on!
The horses were outstanding, brave, forward-going, well trained and fit (very fit)!!! I rode "Eire" a pretty grey Connemara later nicknamed "Barbie's horse" by my fellow travellers, but I didn't mind - at least I stood out in pictures!!! My husband rode the lovely Hui - a big handsome Cleveland Bay who motored up every mountain he came across.
Our trip was guided by Heather & Peter (Pete is the owner of Hurunui Trails & Adventures). We couldn't have imagined a better duo - their knowledge of the region and their horse & culinary skills were second to none. We learnt so much on this trip and had an enormous amount of fun doing so.
The scenery we experienced was incredible, ever-changing (sometimes several times a day); shifting between rugged mountains, dense forests, wide open flats, stunning lakes & fast flowing rivers. There were many high points - too many to mention in detail, but I think swimming with the horses in Lake Mason was everyone's favourite, closely followed by Boulder Gulley (there is a reason I don't have any pictures of Boulder Gulley)!!!
This trip will be in our memories forever; we met the most amazing people, rode fantastic horses through awe-inspiring scenery, ate great food, learned about life in the back country and developed friendships that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for a great adventure!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 12 May, 2008
From: Russell Stewart, NZ
Well - where to start!
Great guide, great horse, great farmstays and superb scenery! I have just finished the 5 day Station to Station ride - although it had to be shortened due to the weather turning really bad - but I will be back to do another ride! Heather is a very experienced horsewoman. She is great company and has the best schooled horses that I have ever had anything to do with. They are a pleasure to ride. She and her partner Pete, who has ridden since he was two and manages a local sheep station; make a great team who really make an effort to ensure that it is an enjoyable experience.
The evenings spent with local farmers were most enjoyable - nice people and great food. The South Island scenery is unbeatable - even on a dull day - it is stunning! All in all, this was one of life's great experiences - I will be back.
Thank you Heather and Pete!
Stay in touch.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: 4 April, 2008
From: Paul Poux, USA
Dear Heather
I apologize for being so late in thanking you all for such a wonderful trip I had in January. People are amazed by the photos, here they are! I hope you like them. Thanks to all for your warm welcome - it was a great experience. Perhaps we will be able to meet up again soon !
Stay in touch.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: February 22, 2008
From: Dale Philpott
Dear Heather,
The Hurunui Horse Trek is not only about the horses, it is about having the stunning scenery to your self.The engaging and diverse personalities on the ride and the bonds you form, to bring momentous memories of a unique high country experience.After having spent some of my time as a teenager in the high country of Central Otago it brought back all I loved about that rugged country.
Kind Regards Dale Philpott.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: January 4, 2008
From: Emily Barling
Dear Heather and Crew,
Thanks so much for the trip. I had a wonderful time. The welcome festive dinner at Heather's was particularly lovely.
I had an awesome time!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date: November 28, 2007
From: Anne Thorne
I had a great time riding with you and really enjoyed myself. I loved the riding, my horse RED, the guides were fantastic, accommodation and food good.
I would love to come again with you and if I am lucky enough to return to NZ I will want to ride and this time for longer.
Hope you all have a great season, I would love to be there! Many thanks.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Article: NZ: The call of the wild
By: Nicky Pellegrino, NZ Herald - Travel
Date: July 16, 2007
Deep in the Southern Alps there are landscapes few are privileged to see. It's a wilderness really, farmed by tough men who still use horses to round up sheep in the backblocks and, at the end of the day, there is always a cold Speight’s waiting and something good roasting in the oven.
For five challenging and exhilarating days I rode through this wild and beautiful place, over the saddles of the mountains, beside the braided rivers and clear lakes, marvelling at the emptiness of it all and hoping, like the farmers, that Speight’s and a roast would be at the end of my journey.
My guide was Heather Lucas, of Hurunui Trails, based in North Canterbury beside the foothills of the Southern Alps. Heather and Pete have a herd of about 40 horses and run riding adventures from October to May.
These rides are not for total beginners. Although the horses are sure-footed and well schooled, the terrain is steep and there are river crossings and tracks that run beside steep gullies.
Neither, as I very quickly discovered, are these treks kind to those who may have been a bit slack about keeping up their personal fitness. You may get to ride up the mountains but, in true South Island style, you walk down them to give your horse a break.
It's a real work out for the legs, particularly after you've spent hours in the saddle.
The truly hardy carry their belongings in saddlebags and camp out at night. But after a long day on horseback I was glad I'd opted for the Station-to-Station trek and was staying with the station owners. Not only did I get to enjoy comfy beds and lashings of home baking but it also gave me a fascinating insight into a life that has not changed much for generations.
Dave and Rosemary Gunn of Lake Taylor Station live 40km from their own mailbox. We reached them by riding through the daunting Boulder Gully, which was like nowhere I have ever been before. It's an ancient beech forest with a stream running through it and a stony track that winds up and down steep banks strewn with boulders. It was a bit like a rollercoaster ride on horseback, equal parts thrilling and terrifying, and I was thankful my horse Hui was an old hand who'd been this way many times before. I hung on to his saddle and let him know he was in charge and he didn't let me down. I would have loved to have stayed in this enchanted place for a while but there were more mountains to climb before we reached the shearers' quarters on the 18,000-acre Lake Taylor Station and the longed for cold beer.
The next day we rode closer to the Main Divide, following the southern branch of the Hurunui River. We picnicked at Lake Mason, where on warm days trekkers can find the perfect spot for a swim.
Then it was on past Lake Sumner and a canter along the flat paddocks towards home. Eight hours in the saddle in all, a test of my endurance. But sore bottom and stiff legs aside, I wouldn't have missed a minute of it.
My own biggest challenge came on the fourth day of the trek when we walked along a ridgeline leading our horses behind us. The views on either side were astounding but so was the steep drop and I was very busy being terrified. It was a buzz though and by the time I'd scrambled down the side of the mountain in the most ungainly fashion imaginable I had that adrenalin-soaked feeling of being truly alive.
And on the final day when we rode out of the high country and down on to the Canterbury Plains I took a long look back over my shoulder. I was going to miss the simplicity of life where the traffic doesn't roar, there is nowhere to go shopping and the loudest sound you hear is your horse's hoof beats.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Article: Riding high in New Zealand
By: Abigail Butcher, Horse & Hound
Date: August 1, 2006
Horse and Hound's intrepid news editor finds out what it's like to ride deep into the high country of New Zealand's South Island.
Read the full article here
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
If you've been on one of our treks and would like to submit your own testimonial please click here to send it through.
