• Camping with horses - guided overnight horseback experience in wilderness of St James conservation land. Freedom camping.

• All inclusive offer - gear and food are included.

• Private tour - you will be riding within your group, no strangers.

• Small groups - perfect for couples getaway or a family adventure.

• Min group size is 2 people. If you are a solo traveler and would like a private tour - talk to us

With Mountain Horses Outfitters, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.

Ride deep into the St James backcountry on an overnight trek that blends wilderness adventure with pure alpine relaxation. Beginning at St James Homestead, you’ll spend 3–4 hours in the saddle, crossing rivers, winding through valleys, and climbing into open alpine country before reaching the natural Cowstream Hot Pools.

Settle into camp beside your horses, then slip into the steaming pools ♨️ under a sky alive with stars. Share a hearty camp meal and enjoy the alpine night, far from the noise of the modern world. After breakfast, and maybe one last soak, ride back across wide valleys and creeks, returning with memories of a true wilderness escape.

This is an adventure for those ready to embrace the high country — rugged, raw, and unforgettable.

🏕️ If you would like to extend the trip to 2 nights camping at the hot springs - to be able to explore the beautiful surroundings on a horse back on the second day - please let us know and we will advise on availability!

❗If you would like to book the trip for more than 4 people - talk to us and we will see if this will be possible.

❗If you are trying to book less than 7 days in advance - reach out directly to us and we will let you know if we can make it happen.

More FAQs here.

On this trek, you’ll sleep just like the early explorers once did — in sturdy tipi tents set right in the backcountry, with your horses grazing nearby. Each tipi can comfortably fit two to four people, with enough space for your gear and a good night’s rest after a long day in the saddle. On colder alpine nights, a small wood burner inside keeps things warm and adds that cozy glow that makes camp life so special.

For our overnight trips, everything is fully catered — hearty dinners and breakfasts cooked over the fire, hot drinks, and all the camp gear you’ll need. Tents, cooking equipment, and group supplies are all provided, so you can travel light and simply enjoy the wilderness.

You’ll just need to bring your own sleeping bag rated for alpine conditions, as temperatures can drop sharply even in summer. There are no huts, no power, and no phone reception — just the crackle of the stove, the sound of horses grazing outside, and a sky full of stars.

Please note that our treks are true freedom camping adventures in the St James backcountry. It’s simple and authentic — there are no built facilities, no power, and no phone reception, just pure high-country wilderness. All water, cooking gear, and camp equipment are carried in with our packhorses, and your guide has a satellite communication device for safety. It’s a genuine off-grid experience, but that’s what makes it so special — time slows down, the air feels clearer, and you really get to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the place..

This ride is open to a wide range of riders, from complete beginners to experienced horsemen and women. To join, guests must be at least 10 years old, and for the wellbeing of our horses, the maximum rider weight is 110 kg. While no prior riding experience is necessary, you should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending 4–5 hours in the saddle. With small groups and careful matching of horses to riders, we’ll make sure your trek is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Good food tastes even better in the wilderness! This is an all-inclusive experience, with hearty camp meals cooked for you — and with your help if you’d like to join in. On the Cowstream overnight ride you’ll enjoy a lunch on arrival, a warm dinner under the stars, and a filling breakfast the next morning to fuel the ride home. We will do our best to cater to your dietary requirements and preferences, but please note that the nature of the trip places its limitations. Also note, that we won't be able to provide various options for different participants. So if you would like a vegetarian (vegan, gluten free, dairy free, halal, etc) option - it will be applied to the whole group. We provide all drinking water as well. If you’d like to bring a few extras — maybe your favourite snacks or drinks — that’s no problem. Just let us know in advance and we’ll advise you on how much extra weight our packhorses can carry.

This trek is an exclusive experience — it will be just your group and the guide. Because the St James is a public conservation area, you may occasionally see other trampers, hunters, or campers passing through. To give you extra privacy, we usually set our camp about five minutes’ walk from the hot pools, so you can enjoy the wilderness without feeling crowded.

⚠️ The St James Conservation Area is alpine country — summer days can reach 30°C, while nights can drop close to 0°C. In winter, expect days around –5°C to 5°C and nights well below freezing. Spring and autumn bring a mix of sun, wind, rain, and even snow.

Clothing

• Layered clothing is required year-round

  • Summer: At least 3 layers + waterproof outer shell. Days may be hot, but nights are cold.

  • Winter: Base layers, warm mid-layers, third insulating layer, and a warm waterproof winter jacket (membrane/oilskin). Add gloves, beanie, scarf/buff.

• Always pack a spare set of dry layers to change into if you get wet.

🧥 Waterproof Gear

• Waterproof jacket (mandatory: membrane, oilskin, etc.)

• Waterproof footwear (essential)

• Waterproof trousers (optional but recommended)

👢 Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes only — leather riding boots or sturdy hiking boots ideal

• Gumboots may be suitable in wet conditions

• Fabric sneakers are not permitted (too risky in cold/wet conditions)

🛏️ Sleeping & Camp

• Sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions (must bring your own)

• Travel towel — lightweight and quick-drying

• Swimsuit - for those hot pools

🧴 Personal Items

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap

• Toilet paper & wet wipes

• Facial care items if required (all in travel-size bottles)

• Personal medications (must bring if needed)

• Scarf (cotton or silk) for sun/wind protection

• Hat/cap for sunny weather (you will be wearing a helmet during the ride)

• Headlamp or torch for camp evenings

🌞 Extras

• Sunscreen & insect repellent - essential

• Refillable water bottle

• Snacks or drinks (optional — we’ll advise on weight packhorses can carry)

Your safety is our top priority. All of our guides are trained in first aid and carry both a comprehensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device for emergencies. However, please be aware that these treks take place in remote backcountry areas, where access to professional medical help is not immediate. For this reason, guests must bring along any personal or prescription medications they may require during the trip. With careful preparation, we’ll ensure your wilderness experience is both safe and unforgettable.

We know that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair and flexible as possible. Cancellations made more than 14 days before your trek will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 14–7 days prior, 50% of the trip cost will be refunded. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 7 days before departure cannot be refunded, as horses, guides, and logistics will already be prepared for your ride. If you are unable to attend, we are happy to reschedule your booking (subject to availability) at no extra cost. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel due to weather or safety concerns, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

We ride in all four seasons, and changing weather is part of the adventure. Crisp alpine mornings, a bit of rain, or even a dusting of snow in winter can make the St James feel wild and unforgettable.

For this ride, guests need to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. These journeys involve real freedom camping and off-grid living, where you’ll be exposed to the elements — strong sun, sudden rain, alpine winds, or snow depending on the season. You can expect to spend about 4 hours a day in the saddle, so being reasonably fit and well-equipped makes the experience more enjoyable.

That said, we do everything we can to make your camp as comfortable as possible. Our tipi tents are designed for New Zealand conditions and tested by the elements. Each is fitted with a wood burner stove to keep you warm and dry, even on stormy nights. Sometimes all you need is to snuggle into your sleeping bag, a book in hand, a cup of tea or glass of wine beside you, and the sound of rain on the tent — a simple wilderness moment that can bring deep comfort and inner peace.

Of course, we closely monitor forecasts, and if conditions are judged to be unsafe or especially harsh, we’ll advise you, adjust plans, or cancel the trip if necessary.