top of page
Nicky Stevenson.jpg

ST JAMES HORSE SALE
Experience this biennial iconic wild horse sale
4-Day Tour in 4wd North Canterbury/Marlborough, South Island, NZ

Unite with horse lovers from around New Zealand at the iconic wild horse sale at St James Station, North Canterbury. This event only occurs once every two years.

Join us on a 4-day expedition through the vast, remote valleys of the Rainbow and Molesworth Stations. Meet the owners of two magnificent high country sheep and cattle stations deep in Marlborough's Awatere Valley.

Learn the story of the origins of these horses and how the biennial sale came about. Meet people who have bought these powerful, good natured horses. 

All accommodation, transport and meals are organised for you.

Tour Highlights

  • A safari through Rainbow Station which is only accessible by 4wd.

  • Scenic tour of Molesworth; New Zealand's largest farm station.

  • Return to Blenheim down the beautiful Awatere Valley, one of the last areas in Marlborough where farms are still family runs. 

  • Mix with high country's farmers and horse lovers from around New Zealand at the wild horse sale. Before the sale share a picnic lunch. Later you can visit the past with a wander through the historic St James farm buildings.

  • Meet high county farmers Nicky and Bill Stevenson of Upcot Station in the Awatere Valley. Nicky will show you her beautiful farm bred stock horses, some with St James' bloodlines.

  • Learn day to day life on a high country run when you dine with Mary and Steve Satterthwaite of Muller Station at their home in the Awatere Valley. You will stay the night in their newly built farm manager's house. 

  • Your guides will tell you yarns and interesting facts about the some of the characters who made these remote hills, their home.

 

Tour Inclusions

  • Complimentary airport pick-up on arrival day

  • 3-nights in a comfortable studio unit at a four star motel in Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, twin share.

  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

  • You can relax and let your experienced guides do the backroad driving, in air conditioned 4wd.​

  • Passes to access the Rainbow and Molesworth Stations.

Tour Exclusions

 

  • Transport and flights to Blenheim where the tours starts

  • Travel insurance

  • Snacks and alcoholic beverages

  • Entry to Hanmer Springs Hotpools
     

Other Details

 

  • All prices are in NZD and include GST

  • Minimum of 6 guests is required to guarantee this departure. Tour will be confirmed when minimum numbers are reached and no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date

  • Need help with transport, flights, or travel insurance? Our co-owner, a travel agent, can help organise everything before or after your trip

  • Delays due to weather may require additional accommodation, meals at your own cost. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover such circumstances

TOUR MAP COMING

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Tour Dates:

​TBC - Jan 2027

Starts: Blenheim

Ends: Blenheim

Days: 4
 

Group Size: Min 6 / Max 8

Guides: 2

Destinations: Blenheim, Molesworth, St James, Hanmer

Transport: 4wd

Accommodation: 1-night on a high country station in modern accommodation, 2-nights in motel, twin share

Price: $TBC per person (twin share)

To have your own room: $TBC additional

Comments:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Molesworth Tour Fitness Level Required 2+/5
Questions?

DONATING

$800

PER TOUR TO LOCAL COMMUNITY

DriftwoodEcoToursStJamesHorseSale-9.jpg

Meet new friends, try new things.

"Great kiwi hospitality, excellent local knowledge, & willingness to go the extra mile to make unique tours lots of fun!"
Suzy Philips
itinerary
DriftwoodEcoToursStJamesHorseSale-15.jpg
Driftwood Eco-Tours Commited to Sustainable Tourism
Driftwood Eco-Tours Outdoors Mark Certified
Driftwood Eco-Tours DOC Approved
TIA-Logos-v.jpg
Qualmark Gold Award Logo Stacked.jpg
TIA_NZ Tourism Awards_2022_Finalist_Email Sig.png
large_thumb_preview_.png
Toitu_enviromark_Programme-768x838.png
Tourism New Zealand Qualmark GOLD Accreditation 2021
  • TripAdvisor
  • instagram
  • facebook

©2022 Driftwood Eco Tours Est. 2004

Sustainable Small Group Guided Eco Tours of the South Island - Connecting You With Rural NZ

bottom of page