Question 1

What time should I arrive for my trek?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive 30mins before your trek time, ie. 9:30am trek time = 9:00am arrival time. If a large group is booked, please arrive 45mins before your trek time. This allows for gear fitting and a brief demonstration.  If you are travelling by bus and require a transfer from your accommodation, please be ready and waiting at reception 40 minutes prior to your booked trek time. (this will allow for ten minutes shuttle service)

Question 2

How do I make payment?

Accepted Answer

We will send you a secure credit card link with your booking.  We only hold your credit card details to secure your booking, we do not charge your card for your trek beforehand.  We accept cash and card on day of arrival as at times we need to cancel due to weather conditions and unsafe track conditions.

Please see Cancellation policy in the next question.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All bookings are subject to weather and track conditions.  If for any reason you find it necessary to cancel your trek, if you could please notify us as soon as possible.  We will offer a full refund or reschedule at no extra cost if you have given at least 24 hours notice to cancel/reschedule for groups 6 or less.  For group bookings larger than 7 guests, we do require at least 48hours notice, you will be charged in full for the total number of people at the time of booking.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Please wear long pants and closed in shoes e.g. sport-shoes/hiking boots . This is most important. Bring a warm jacket if weather is looking cooler.

Question 5

What footwear is appropriate to ride in for our safety?

Accepted Answer

Hiking boots, running shoes or closed toe shoes.  We will be unable to safely take you out on a trek if you are wearing, CROCS, any type of UGG or sandals (including active sandals for hiking) this also includes Vibram or individual toe minimalist shoes.All children will need appropriate footwear to ride in on arrival.We have some boots, but not all sizes, and not many children sizes.  If you are to arrive with incorrect footwear, you may miss your trek if you have to rush away to get appropriate footwear, as we are unable to hold treks back, as both guide and horses need to be back promptly for their next trek.  Please come prepared.

Question 6

Do you provide helmets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have helmets in all sizes and these are compulsory to wear.

Question 7

Where do I go to find you?

Accepted Answer

You will find us at 108 Godley Peaks Road, Lake Tekapo.

Question 8

Should I bring my camera?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! The scenery is amazing and well worth taking photos as we ride.

Question 9

I have never ridden a horse before, does this matter?"

Accepted Answer

Our horses are very quiet so you will be perfectly safe. We provide a demonstration before you get on your horse. We take care to match the horse with your ability.

Question 10

Do you do shorter rides for small children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer our 1/2 hour ride through a forest for small children (age limit of 5yrs) , however if your child is 4 years of age and under then they are too young to come on a trek for safety reasons. We can however give them a pony ride around the immediate area, subject to availability and a cost of $35NZD for 10mins.  We do not have ponies as such but they will be on a large horse.

Question 11

I am an experienced rider, can we canter and gallop?"

Accepted Answer

The nature of the alpine terrain that we are trekking across (hilly, rocky, rough and winding) does not allow us to go at a fast pace, we are best suited to riding at the walk (for your sake and the sake of your horse!). If you are going after a fast, flat horse trek then this probably isn't for you, however if you are after a fantastic and relaxing way to get amongst some of New Zealand's most spectacular high country, this is the place!

Question 12

Do you have a weight limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our weight limit is 115 kgs, please advise us if you are over 90kg as well as 6foot tall.  
You will be asked your weight vs height at time of booking.  Please be honest as it is vital that we consider the comfort and welfare of our special equine friends.  Each horse has its own maximum weight limit and it is important that we match you appropriately.

For the welfare of the horse, any guests over 90kg we may ask you to weigh yourself (discreetly) when you arrive to ensure we have an accurate weight which can then help us ensure we have an appropriate sized horse for you.  We understand weight is a sensitive subject, but we are the voice for our horses.

It is also important that you have a reasonable level of strength/fitness to be able to get on and off your horse unassisted (with the aid of a mounting step) and balance yourself whilst onboard your horse for a long period of time.

For health and safety reasons we reserve the right to cancel your trek with no refund if you arrive on the day, and are found to be over our weight limit or unfit to participate in this activity.  You will forfeit your place on the trek and full payment will be retained by the company (Mackenzie Alpine Horses).

Question 13

Am I able to ride with my young child on the same horse?

Accepted Answer

No, for health and safety reasons we insist parents and children have seperate horses. We have horses suitable for children, and the safest option is for them to be lead by the guide.

Question 14

Do you provide a shuttle/pick up service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can pick you up from Tekapo township if you have caught the bus and do not have a vehicle, or if your family would like to head away elsewhere while you come riding with us.
It is complimentary.  We can also drop you off.

Let us know your pick up address/accommodation and we can organise this for you on booking.

Question 15

What happens in the event of rain or high winds?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the amount of rain, we may have to cancel our treks due to the slipperiness on our steep tracks are too dangerous to ride on.  Safety is paramount for both horse and rider.  We will contact you as soon as we know track conditions through either email or the phone number you have given us on your booking form.

In the event of high winds, we may also have to cancel our treks for safety concerns. At times this may only be half an hour before your trek.  We do endeavor to get you out on your preferred trek, but may only be able to take you out on a shorter trek through the trees or reschedule your trek to the next available time with a guide.  You will not incur charges if we are to cancel your trek for safety concerns.

Question 16

Can we take a drone on the trek with us?

Accepted Answer

We are unable to safely allow drones to be used while trekking with the horses for safety reasons.  You can certainly use a phone or large camera while you are out trekking.  You will always need to control your horse at the same time, our guides will show you how to ride and take photos safely while trekking.

Question 17

Can I ride if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

There is risk to pregnancies if a fall from a horse was to occur.  Whilst this is a very rare event, we are dealing with horses, so never impossible.   We are unable to take you if you are pregnant.

Question 18

Do all treks ride through the lake?

Accepted Answer

All treks, aside from the Pine Forest trek, ride down near the lake.  We understand it is a highlight to ride through the water on your trek.  At times we are unable to do this as there may be paddleboarders and kayakers, public on the lakefront/beach front, as well as the lake levels may be too high to ride.
Safety is our top priority first and foremost.  It is at the discretion of the guide and what she may come across down at the lake at the time of your arrival/ time of season.

GODLEY PEAKS ROAD, LAKE TEKAPO

0800 628 269

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