Mountain Horses Outfitters (former Pukatea Horse Trekking)

“The Good: - Milo was a laid back and friendly guide and great to talk to - Scenery was just amazing - felt like riding through middle-earth! - Well behaved horses in great condition - Camping was comfortable - heating in teepee and duck down beds were great - We weren't hungry. Ever. Food was good - Milo was wonderful at accommodating our individual riding abilities - Never rushed, no set itinerary - Very relaxed and no pressure - Milo very knowledgeable about area and great bushman skills - Milo very respectful of reservation and regulations - Daria's communication via WhatsApp and catering was great - We will be coming back! Only regret is we didn't go for a long enough ride ! - Was a private tour which was amazing - Pools were great and being able to go by ourselves unguided was amazing - Genuine mountain camping experience, not glamping, no facilities - but this made the trip all the better just being in the raw wild - Milo also wonderfully patient and took time to educate us in ropes, knots and pack horsing as well as bushcraft - We have been on multi-day horse rides before, and this was above and beyond anything else we have ever experienced The not so good: - arrival location of where to meet Milo was not overly clear as we were there early and the meeting point was not well sign posted. If we arrived after Milo, we likely would have seen the horses and his truck.”

“Our Half Day ride with Milo at Mountain Horses Outfitters was the last activity of our 17-day vacation to South Island, but it ended up being one of the best parts. As experienced riders and horse owners, we quickly recognized some of the important differences between Mountain Horses Outfitters and other groups we’ve ridden with in the past. First, they had young, fit, well-fleshed horses. Second, the quality of tack was top-notch with comfortable saddles, supple leather, and nice leads. Third, the level of training and experience in the horses made the ride thoroughly enjoyable, since we were free to navigate around on the trail, instead of having to stay single file, merely following the leader, the way many other group rides are managed. Last, but not least, Milo and Daria are two of the most incredible, personable, and professional business owners we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Our only regret is that we didn’t have more time to spend with them. Our next trip will include at least the full-day ride or a multi-day trip. For families, beginners, and even seasoned horse owners, I cannot recommend Mountain Horses Outfitters highly enough!”

“Our afternoon ride through the high country of St James was a highlight of our trip to Aotearoa. Milo, and his sidekick Maya, were wonderful tour guides, that led us on an easy but exciting ride across hilltops, through rivers, and up a steep pine forest track. Our trusty steeds, Kevin and King Kong were the perfect gentlemen and so well-trained, carrying us safely throughout the trip, and coming in for a good scratch after we dismounted. It was clear that they are well loved and meticulously cared for by Milo and the team at Mountain Horse Outfitters. 10/10 adventure, we will be back for more in the future (hopefully an overnight trek to the hotpools).”