St James Horse Sale
4-day tour
Every two years, horse lovers from around New Zealand gather at the biennial wild horse sale at St James Station, North Canterbury. This is your chance to be part of this iconic event
Held deep in the rural high country of the South Island, just getting to the sale is an adventure!
Join us on a 4-day expedition through the vast, remote valleys of the Rainbow and Molesworth Stations, where you'll immerse yourself in the lands and stories surrounding this iconic sale.
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Meet the high country farmers and thier magnificent horses and mingle with the people who have come to buy these powerful, good natured horses wild horses.
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Sit back and relax while you take it all in, all the accommodation, transport and meals are organised for you.
​Tour Highlights
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Journey 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 and 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 country 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 about 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 some of the characters who made these remote hills their home.
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Quick facts
Tour Dates:
​TBC - Jan 2027
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Starts and ends at: Blenheim
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Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Group Size: Min 5 / Max 8
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Destinations: Blenheim, Molesworth, St James, Hanmer
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Transport: Comfortable 4WD vehicle
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Accommodation: 1 night on a high country station in modern accommodation,
2 nights in motel, twin share
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​​Price:
To be confirmed
WE DONATE
PER TOUR TO
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
$800
​Physical Grade: ​​
See physical grade descriptions here
Still have questions?
Tour Inclusions
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Complimentary airport pick-up on arrival day
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1 night in high country station accomodation.
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2 nights in a comfortable studio unit at a four star motel in Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, twin share.
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3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
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Experienced guides to do the backroad driving, in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles
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Passes to access the Rainbow and Molesworth Stations.
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Tour Exclusions
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Snacks and alcoholic beverages
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Entry to Hanmer Springs Hotpools
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Travel insurance
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The tour begins and ends in Blenhiem. You're responsible for all arrangements before and after the tour. But if you'd like help, our experienced in-house travel agent can organise any flights, transport and travel insurance you may require. Just let us know when booking, or contact us to discuss your needs.
​Other important details​
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Itinerary is subject to weather. We'll adapt the itinerary to make the best of what nature serves up to us, but for your safety and comfort, some activities may be changed, shortened or cancelled
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Travel insurance is your responsibility. Delays due to weather may require additional accommodation and meals at your own cost. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover such circumstances
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Minimum numbers apply. The tour will be confirmed when the minimum numbers are reached and no later than 60 days before the tour departure date​
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Deposit. To secure your spot $1,000.00 deposit is required upon booking
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Terms & conditions apply. Prices are in NZD and include GST. All tours are subject to our standard terms and conditions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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