Where to hack horses around South Island of New Zealand?

[Towa]

Hi, I am planning an adventure to raise funds for Wildlife Hospitals in New Zealand during my gap year.
My plan is to travel across the South Island in New Zealand with two horses.

I have already contacted with some national parks about permission however they weren’t keen on horses in their National Parks.
I was wondering if there is anyone who knows about hacking horses in South Island or if someone knows any other good places/country to do this kind of adventure.
(I also don’t really want to ride horses on the road as I heard that cars on the road are very fast and the road itself is quite narrow in South Island )

I appreciate your help

Thanks

 

[Umbongo]

Having lived in NZ for a few years, I never really saw many horse riders. Most horse owners tend to ride on their own land.
Riding on the roads isn't a big thing as they can be quite dangerous. I am sure there is a way to do it, but may require a lot of research.

You can search here for DOC reserves that may allow riding:

Horse riding

There are some beautiful conservation areas approved for horse riding.

www.doc.govt.nz

Also maybe contact some of the horse trekking tours to see what they can suggest re: routes to ride?
Maybe there are some NZ horsey Facebook groups you can ask for some advice?

You may already be aware...but if you do anything that involves going out in the forest, mountains etc; make sure you take a personal locator beacon incase you get in to trouble rather than rely on phone signal. Do not underestimate the terrain or weather, especially in mountainous regions.

 

[Arzada]

Check out Mary Pagnamenta http://www.thelongridersguild.com/Pagnamenta.htm

 

[dixie]

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Having lived at Christchurch for a year I hacked around the roads. Not something I would recommend as they were incredibly fast and busy.
Not everywhere is like that, obviously, but it would take some considerable planning to join up the areas safely I would’ve thought.
But good luck and will be interesting to hear of your journey.

 

[clairebearnz]

Hi, I am planning an adventure to raise funds for Wildlife Hospitals in New Zealand during my gap year.
My plan is to travel across the South Island in New Zealand with two horses.

I have already contacted with some national parks about permission however they weren’t keen on horses in their National Parks.
I was wondering if there is anyone who knows about hacking horses in South Island or if someone knows any other good places/country to do this kind of adventure.
(I also don’t really want to ride horses on the road as I heard that cars on the road are very fast and the road itself is quite narrow in South Island )

I appreciate your help

Thanks

I live in the South Island, and quite frankly, this sounds impractical at best. Have you been to New Zealand? Do you understand the conditions, especially the alpine areas? Do you have contacts and support to rest horses, get shoes put back on etc? Would you purchase a suitable horse or two and if so, what would you do with it after? How would you ensure they were fit and sound enough? There are plenty of places to go for multi-day treks (High Country Horse Treks is one) which sounds more suitable, or walking parts of Te Araroa https://www.teararoa.org.nz/

I do ride on the roads here but not on the state highways, which are the only ways in some places to get anywhere.

It is the most beautiful bit of the world, but especially in the mountains, it is utterly unforgiving.

 

[Towa]

I live in the South Island, and quite frankly, this sounds impractical at best. Have you been to New Zealand? Do you understand the conditions, especially the alpine areas? Do you have contacts and support to rest horses, get shoes put back on etc? Would you purchase a suitable horse or two and if so, what would you do with it after? How would you ensure they were fit and sound enough? There are plenty of places to go for multi-day treks (High Country Horse Treks is one) which sounds more suitable, or walking parts of Te Araroa https://www.teararoa.org.nz/

I do ride on the roads here but not on the state highways, which are the only ways in some places to get anywhere.

It is the most beautiful bit of the world, but especially in the mountains, it is utterly unforgiving.

Hi, Thank you so much for your reply and valuable opinion.
Yes, I am very aware that what I am saying is very impractical, even though I'm experienced in hiking/climbing/camping/riding. Yet, I have only been to the North Island of New Zealand and you are not the only one who is concerned about my plan. That link you posted is so useful and I totally agree with you. I will do more research and mend my plan a little bit.
Thanks xx

 

[sbloom]

As you'll be long riding I'd highly recommend this nutter https://www.facebook.com/beprofessionallookcool for great advice on how to do it ethically, with the horse at the centre of everything.

 

[silv]

Quite a few people have done this, mostly they rely on the goodwill on landowners to allow them to cross their properties. I would suggest putting a post on NZ horses FB page it is a busy page and you might find someone on there to help you get started. It is doable but takes a great deal of planning.