ST JAMES HORSE SALE TOUR
- Biennial
4 Day 2 Vehicle 4x4 Tour in SUVs
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
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A safari through Rainbow Station which is only accessible by 4wd.
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Scenic tour of Molesworth; New Zealand's largest farm station.
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Return to Blenheim down the beautiful Awatere Valley, one of the last areas in Marlborough where farms are still family runs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Your guides will tell you yarns and interesting facts about the some of the characters who made these remote hills, their home.
Tour Departure Dates:
2025 - 2026 dates to be confirmed soon!
Departure: Blenheim at 8.00 - 8.30 am.
Return: Blenheim at around 5.00 pm (please allow an extra hour for unscheduled delays)
Tour Price:
NZ$TBC per person
Group Size:
Minimum 6 maximum 8
Tour Duration:
3 nights, 4 days
Accommodation:
2 nights in a comfortable studio unit in Hanmer Springs.
1 night at an Awatere Valley high country station, in the newly built farm house (Twin share, last night only).
Questions?
Meet new friends, try new things.
Request a Copy of the Tour Itinerary
Would you love to know more about this tour? Email us at info@driftwoodecotours.co.nz and we'll send you a detailed tour itinerary direct to your inbox.
"Great kiwi hospitality, excellent local knowledge, & willingness to go the extra mile to make unique tours lots of fun!"
Suzy Philips
Tour Inclusions:
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Two nights in a comfortable studio unit at a four star motel in Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, close to the thermal hot pools. (Hot pool passes are at your own expense).
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All meals, including picnic lunches, morning teas and breakfasts. Two course dinner at two of Hanmer Spring's best restaurants. Dinner and lunch cooked by your high country hosts. (Alcoholic beverages are at your own expense).
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You can relax and let your experienced guides do the backroad driving, in air conditioned 4wd Toyota Fortuner and Land Cruiser.
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Passes to access the Rainbow and Molesworth Station.
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Travel with peace of mind, we do our very best to reduce our impact on climate change by donating to the establishment of native forest at Puhi Peaks conservation reserve in Kaikoura, the only nesting site of the Huttons shearwater.
