The Explorer

Leaving from Waitohi Downs Stable at approximately 10.00 – 10.30 a.m. we ride around the track to the influx of the Mandamus River into the Hurunui River. We cross the Hurunui
River and ride up Mandamus River onto the road, travel along passing Glens of Tekoa Homestead and buildings onto Island Hills Station, owned by Ed and Jan Shand. Island Hills Station covers an area on 6,850 hectares (17,000 acres)  We ride over the saddle to the Glencoe River, passing hill country of native scrub and scattered silver tussock on our way to reaching the Mandamus River once more, We travel up the east bank, crossing for our last time and follow the track through dense manuka scrub into Organ Stream where our first night is spent in the Valley Camp Hut.

Leaving the Valley Hut at approximately 8.30 a.m. and head up the pack track through beech bush onto a saddle and down to Darkies Gully, follow the pack track through a beech forest to Gorge Creek Saddle. Descend down a steep face into Gorge Creek, follow down the creek for approximately ½ mile and take the track on the west side of Gorge Creek.
Ride onto the top of the Little Organs Range. From here a magnificent view can be seen of Glynn Wye Station, the Lewis Pass Road, also views up the Doubtful and Hope Rivers with the Southern Alps in the background. Glynn Wye is owned by Cliff and Lorraine Cox. It covers an area of 24,300 hectares (60,000 acres) running 16,000 sheep, 1,400 cattle and 1,400 deer.

After lunch we ride back down to the Valley Camp and spend the night.

Leaving Valley Hut behind we retrace our steps back to the stables crossing the Hurunui River before arriving back at the stables.

Saying goodbye, transfer to the airport.