
Mountain Horses Outfitters (former Pukatea Horse Trekking)
π Hanmer Springs, Canterbury
Mountain Horses Outfitters runs guided rides across 78,000 hectares of high-country wilderness in St James Conservation Area, near Hanmer Springs. Day rides from 1.5 to 6.5 hours and multi-day expeditions including overnight rides to natural hot pools.
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 weβve 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 weβve had the pleasure of meeting. Our only regret is that we didnβt 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!
π Family Action Verdict
Best for older kids and teens comfortable on horseback β this is wilderness back-country riding, not a paddock pony experience. Reviewers (many of them experienced riders comparing operators globally) consistently call out Milo as the guide and the freedom to navigate rather than follow single-file. The drive in is part of the experience.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β76 Google reviews
Jessie Brewer
2 months ago
βOur 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 weβve 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 weβve had the pleasure of meeting. Our only regret is that we didnβt 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!β
Ben Field
3 months ago
βA special trek led by a special guide! I urge anyone who is thinking of taking a horse trek in or around the South Island to seriously consider making the stunning drive up into the Molesworth to Mountain Horses Outfitters. They are unlike many of the traditional trek companies (who place formality ahead of fun!) and we had the best ride full of coaching, spectacular scenery and laughs! A massive thanks to you Milo for the most amazing ride, you really made our time with you so special, exciting and challenging! Ben, Jenny and Penny (who hasnβt stopped talking about the opportunities you gave her :))β
Sara Lefman
4 months ago
βHad an amazing ride in St Johnβs Conservation area. Was a windy day with scattered rain but our group was treated to a huge rainbow framing the valley that we saw from the top of the mountains. Milo was an excellent reassuring guide and made sure we were all comfortable on our horses. He gave personalized instruction and checked in often. The ride was tailored to our greenest but still offered some challenge navigating the switchbacks. You could also tell Milo really loves the horses and wants whatβs best for them too. Highly recommend !!β
James Hodgson
2 months ago
βMy wife and daughter had the most amazing ride through the epic scenery of the St James Conservation area. The ride took in valleys, bush, rivers and open tops, with breathtaking scenery everywhere they went. One of the absolute highlights of our trip around the South Island and the best trail riding my wife has done (she's ridden horses a lot!). Thanks Milo for such a memorable trip.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Mountain Horses Outfitters operates from St James Homestead in St James Conservation Area, near Hanmer Springs. Day rides run as 1.5-hour scenic loops, 4-hour half-day treks, or 6.5-hour full-day adventures. Multi-day options include the Stars and Springs overnight trip with natural hot pools, the four-day Fowlers Pass Circuit with hut accommodation, hunt-assistance expeditions, and bespoke custom treks. Western and Australian stock saddles. Beginners and experienced riders are both catered for, with rides tailored on the day.


