Jim Sheild
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hawarden ▷
5.0/5
12 Day Tekapo Safari (Tekapo to Hawarden) Every thing that I thought it would be, and more!!
Lawrie, Jenny and Corinna are very friendly and down to earth and run a very professional business with emphasis on everyone enjoying the experience but rider safety always coming first.
Big fast walking horses, comfortable saddles, excellent food and plenty of it. The accomadation was always comfortable and no different than going on a normal hiking trip. Most people had not met before the ride but all got on well and had a lot of laughs.
The scenery was fantastic, a lot of high country that you would never be able to see normally as we travelled through a lot of private land. Lawrie has vast knowledge of the areas travelled through which made the ride that more interesting.
A great way to stress out from work as there is no cell phone coverage and it is easy to forget what is going on in the outside world. Saying that, a satellite phone and locator beacon are carried for emergencies.
You need to be reasonably fit as the horses are walked down hills and a good stick is recommended. Age is really not an issue (our group ranged from 54 to 63) as long as you are fit.
As you are in a tight group for 12 days, lasting friendships develop and now keep in contact with Lawrie, Jenny and Corinna.
If you are thinking about doing this ride, you will never regret it. Book it now!!