Where we ride · St James Conservation Area
Horse Riding in Hanmer Springs
The high country starts on your doorstep — guided rides 20 minutes from the village.
Hanmer Springs is the gateway to some of the finest high-country riding in New Zealand. Twenty minutes north of the village, the St James Conservation Area opens up into 78,000 hectares of tussock basins, braided rivers and snow-dusted passes — and the easiest way to see it is from the back of a good horse.
Most of our riders are staying in Hanmer for the hot pools, the forest walks or a long weekend away, and a ride slots neatly into the trip. A 90-minute backcountry loop in the morning, the thermal pools in the afternoon. No experience needed — our horses are calm, sure-footed and used to first-timers.
Want more than a taster? The same trailhead is the start of our multi-day expeditions, where packhorses carry the camp and you ride deep into country most visitors to Hanmer Springs never see.
Getting here
20 min from the village
Every ride leaves from the St James Homestead, about 20 minutes north of Hanmer Springs in the St James Conservation Area. We send full directions and a meeting time the moment you book — no four-wheel-drive needed, the road in is sealed most of the way.
Two ways
to ride
Whether you have a spare morning or a spare week, there is a ride from Hanmer Springs that fits.
Horse Riding in Hanmer Springs — good to know
About 20 minutes by car to the St James Homestead trailhead. We send directions when you book; the road in is sealed most of the way.
Easily. A half-day or 90-minute ride in the morning leaves the whole afternoon for the Hanmer Springs thermal pools.
No. Our day rides from Hanmer are built for first-timers — we match the horse to you and read the pace off how you are feeling.
