Riding through our beautiful trails is amazing at any time of the year. The colours change with the seasons and during the Autumn and Spring native birds often fly alongside our horses. We ride through the river whenever it is possible on all treks from 1 hour or longer. The cool, clear blue water makes for a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy your ride. We cater to riders of all levels – whether it is your first time on a horse or your 100th, we have trails and horses suitable for all levels.
Bookings are essential and we require 24hrs notice of cancellation.
Transport:
You can take the Blue Line bus north towards Rangiora/Kaipoi, and hop off at the last stop before the Motorway (aka The Belfast Hotel or The Peg which is the pub just before the corner of Dickeys Road). We are a 15 minute walk from this bus stop. There is a link to the bus time table in our FAQs page.
Fantail: River Ride – 1 hour $80 per person
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Ideal for beginners to experienced riders, those in a group or on a team building excursion, trekking can be relaxing and sociable or a bit more thrilling for those more capable. This ride is one of our most popular as it includes river crossing (as the river permits) woodland areas and open green spaces. Our horses love beginners as well as capable riders and the river is great for group and individual photos. You will get amazing views of the Waimakariri River and the Snow-capped Southern Alps in the winter, plus ride through beautiful natural bush and wide-open spaces. Dubbed the “Fantail River Ride” because these very friendly little native birds will often follow us and swoop around the horses and riders. Keep an eye out for their distinctive black and white fanned tails. This ride is suitable for children 10 years and over, younger children will be walked with or led.
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Falcon: Extended River Ride – 2 hours $130 per person
Book NowGreat for all levels of riders. Anyone from beginners to intermediate or experienced will enjoy this ride. We are able to explore more of our beautiful trails and the river bed, as well as taking in the gorgeous views on offer through all seasons. Our experienced guides will lead you through ever changing landscapes including the riverbed and crossings to enjoy the cool, aquamarine waters of the Waimakariri. Your level of capability sets the pace and if there are beginners in the group, we endeavor to split the group during the ride, as best we can, so we can cater for all levels safely. For safety reasons we do ask that “unaccompanied” children must be 10 years or over.
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
!!NEW!! Blue Heron: Evening River Ride – 1 hour $90 per person
Book NowEvenings are undoubtedly one of the best times to ride. There is a tranquility about being out on the river at these times, consequently a perfect way to relax after a long day or even week.
Whilst many people will be arriving home you and your trusty mount will meander through the aquamarine waters of the Waimakariri River (stopping to let the horse drink and have a bit of a splash) and then into wild woodland trails allowing you to soak up the dappled sunlight and peacefulness of the area. You may even spot the elegant Blue Heron on your travels. A superb way to relax and unwind after the stresses of the day.
Join our fabulous experienced guides on a ride you will want to do again once you’ve experienced the state of well-being this ride offers.
!!Limited Season from February to mid-March. Operating on Thursdays and Fridays. Requires 24 hours notice. Departs 6.30pm!!
Helmets and a safety demonstration provided
Only $90 per person, Min 4 and Max 8 bookings essential
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Kingfisher Ride – 3 hours including snack break $199 per person
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Discover the majority of our trails and explore the river with your guide whilst taking in the amazing views North Canterbury has to offer. This ride caters to those of any level of riding, however beginners will find it physically challenging. We ask you to keep in mind that it is a very long time to spend in the saddle for those who are not accustomed to it so let your guide know if you would like a break. Multiple river crossing experiences may be available (river permitting). You choose the pace based on experience and capability. During this ride you will get to know your guide and your horse very well, as well as enjoying the peace that comes from being surrounded by nature.
Unaccompanied children must be 15 years + unless previously agreed by the management.
Not suitable for younger children or first timers
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Chaffinch Groom & Ride – $79 per person
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Do you want to try something different and have a great One on One Horse Experience? Try the groom & ride option. With the groom and ride option you will learn how to approach, groom and tack up a pony or horse and take it for a ride along the stunning Waimakariri river!
This option is great for team building, birthday’s, children and everyone that wants to learn more about horses than just ride.
Offered to adult groups, groups of young children or families, but also a great way to get a taste of riding for the first time! Children on ponies under the age of 10yrs are led by our friendly helpful staff who point out sights and birds of interest along the way. With groups of tourists or language school students who may be first time riders and/or still find English challenging our fabulous staff will walk along beside the horses to give guidance and assistance as well taking photos along the way.
Maximum group numbers: 10 (2 groups of 10 is optional)
Tuesday to Friday at 3:30pm (days & time are negotiable)
If you have any questions or equiries regarding different times and days, please give us a call on 027-2427785
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Robin Ride – Half Hour $60 per person
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Offered to groups of young children, or families, large international groups and Language Schools and those who may have time constraints, but also a great way to get a taste of riding for the first time! Children on ponies under the age of 10yrs are led by our friendly helpful staff who point out sights and birds of interest along the way. With large groups of tourists or language school students who may be first time riders and/or still find English challenging our fabulous staff will walk along beside the horses to give guidance and assistance as well taking photos along the way.
Requires a minimum of 4 people.
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Jet Trek – Adults $160pp Children $140pp
Our Jet Trek is a unique combo including a 1 hour horse trek and a 20minute jet boat ride or air boat with Alpine Jet Thrills. You choose the pace of both the horse trek (based on the overall riding ability of the group) and the jet boat (which can be from Mild to Wild!). Allow 2 and a half hours for this combo adventure.
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
Pony rides:
Paddock Ride (10 mins) – $20pp. Fabulous for the little ones either as a treat or a large group for a Birthday party. A great way to build up confidence. Children are led by staff in one of our many paddocks and depending on their level of confidence may experience a trot!
Please call or email us on info@wrrc-ltd.com to book.
Please note; your arrival is required 30 minutes before departure. This includes helmet fitting and all necessary safety instructions.
What to Bring For your comfort please wear comfortable long trousers preferably not too tight (shorts and three quarter pants are NOT recommended), sturdy covered in shoes (sports shoes are acceptable if that is all you have) and other clothing appropriate for the weather on the day. A camera (preferably one you can attach to yourself) to capture the sights. Sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from the sun and wind, sunblock to protect your skin and a big happy smile!
Can’t wait to see you here!
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Location
Operating Hours
6.5 days a week every day of the year except Christmas Day
School Holiday Riding Program
Our program is designed to assist children from 8 to 16 years to either learn to ride and care for our equine friends or to continue to improve their current riding skills in a friendly, fun and safe environment. The program has been running every school holidays since July 2008 and has been a great success. Children of all ages and backgrounds have found the program fun, exciting and informative, as they get to learn and practice pony care, riding, games on ponies as well theory appropriate to their level of experience. It runs from 9am to 3.00pm each two weeks of every School Holidays with the exception of the Summer break where it runs for three weeks.
The Annual Mini Show is a great opportunity for Children without ponies to get a taste of what it is like to compete in Equine competitions. Children fortunate enough to have their own mounts are also welcome to come and enjoy a fun low key day which includes games, jumping and show rings. The Mini Show is now a separate event to the Holiday Program being held on the First Sunday after the summer program.
Mini Show 2024: January 28th. Start time 9am sharp. Entry forms available from January 2024 online. The Mini Show is a low key fun day with prize ribbons from 1st to 6th and is open to all comers with their own mounts. WRRC mounts will be available to our Riding School students only.
All riding instructors are adults, with a range of equine and experience including, training, competing and teaching children to ride.
There is also an option of before and after Program care for the convenience of the parents to transport the children whilst still getting to work and home at the right time.
Dates for 2023 are:
April 10th to 14nd and April 17th to 21th
July 3rd to 7th and July 10th to 14nd
September 25th to 29th and October 2nd to 6th
Activities include but are not limited to:
- Gymkhana events (games on horseback e.g: egg and spoon race, barrel races etc)
- Overnight camp out! **
- Pony care (learn to look after your pony and the gear)
- Jumping (from beginner to experienced levels)
- Dressage
- Trail rides
- Prizes (for the daily competitions and most improved rider at the end of each week)
- Supervised swimming in the Waimakariri river with the ponies! **
- Certificates for each child with a photo of you and your pony! ***
- The Annual Mini show and Ribbon day; make sure you and your pony are dressed to impress!
** - January/Summer holiday program only.
*** - Those attending a full week.
Prices:
- $85 per day, per child
OR
- $80 per day, per child, for 5 consecutive days (Full Week $400).
Bookings are essential and available online, pre-payment is required to reserve your child's place in the Program. For more information please contact info@wrrc-ltd.com
What to Bring:
A complete change of clothing (including underwear and socks), a healthy lunch and drink, riding boots or shoes with a small heel (must be closed in shoes), sunscreen and sunglasses for spring and summer and gumboots, warm clothing –jacket, raincoat and gloves for spring, winter and autumn. Swimming gear, including river shoes, togs, sunblock and a towel for the January program.
We Provide:
Morning and afternoon teas.
Riding Helmets
Ponies, tack, grooming equipment and all other necessary equipment
Before and after Program care
And heaps of pony FUN & Education!
Camps
** There is usually one camp over night per week of the Summer Holiday Program (January). You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and pillow as well as personal hygiene stuff (toothbrush etc.) and tent may be required.
Costs are $40.- per person
Only offered in the January program as it is too difficult to predict the weather at other times of year.
Swimming is always supervised by adults and where possible we ask that the children bring river shoes (shoes that they can happily get wet to protect their feet from the stones). Sunblock is also essential.
Our Annual Mini Show will take place on Sunday January 29th. The children get the opportunity to compete in show rings, jumping games and a fancy dress competition. However they can still participate by paying the fees as listed in the Show Schedule which will be available 2 weeks prior to the show and posted on the Website. It is always a fantastic fun day so don't miss out! The Children get to choose what they want to enter with our guidance and of course which pony or ponies they can ride. Because there are a limited amount of ponies some will have different riders in various classes. It is our goal to be as fair as possible to all the children and the ponies. Friends and family are most welcome to come and support - be ware that it is often a warm day so sun hats and sunscreen as well as seating will need to be bought with you. Unfortunately large umbrellas can often upset the horses and ponies unless they are a good distance away.
Our Mini Show is also open to children lucky enough to have their own ponies. A float parking area will be made available with an entrance off Dickeys Road. This is a fun day so bring your smile and have a great time!
To enrol klick here
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