Do I need any prior horse riding experience?

No, this ride is beginner-friendly. Guides support riders at every step and horses are calm and well-trained.

Can I bring guests or children?

This experience is adults-only (18+) and limited to one rider per horse. No guests or children are permitted.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Light rain usually won’t stop the ride, but in unsafe weather conditions, trips are rescheduled or refunded.

What should I bring on the ride?

Closed-toe shoes, water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Is wine included in the picnic?

Yes, riders choose from organic Chardonnay or Pinot Noir as part of the curated wine and cheese picnic.

Are photos available from the experience?

Yes, you’ll receive 20 to 100 photos via WhatsApp or AirDrop to remember your trek.

Equestrian Wine & Cheese Escape by Boutique Horsetreks

Located in the scenic town of Arrowtown in New Zealand's Otago region, Boutique Horsetreks offers a distinctive outdoor experience that blends horseback riding with culinary delight. The Equestrian Wine & Cheese Escape invites adventurers 18 and older to step into a day that begins with forming an authentic connection with their horse. Participants start by catching and grooming their horse before mastering gentle pressure and release techniques in the round pen, fostering trust and communication without the use of bits.

Once ready, riders set off on a serene journey along trails that wind through Otago’s unique landscape, leading to the tranquil meeting point where the Tukituki River flows into the Pacific Ocean. This area features a rare coastal river mouth ecosystem where native wetland flora thrives and the sounds of the ocean mingle with birdcalls.

At the riverside oasis, guests linger over a thoughtfully curated picnic featuring organic Hopes Grove wines—offered as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir—and a selection of artisanal cheeses including Camembert, Blue Cheese, and Smoked Cheddar, transported by the trusty pack-horse Paddy. This blend of active immersion and tasteful indulgence sets Boutique Horsetreks apart as a special provider within the Hawke’s Bay outdoor recreation scene.

The ride itself is designed for riders of all skill levels and emphasizes bit-free riding for comfort and connection. With a small group size capped at three for intimate attention, this four-hour journey is both a peaceful retreat into nature and a chance to savor the region’s rich agricultural heritage. The combination of rolling riverbanks, coastal vistas, and sustainable farming practices makes this escape a remarkable outdoor highlight in the Otago area.

Boutique Horsetreks stands out because it offers more than a ride: it’s an opportunity to build a bond with a horse, understand the environment from horseback, and experience Hawke’s Bay’s renowned wine culture in an authentic, off-the-beaten-path setting. For anyone wanting a balanced adventure of calm trail riding and gourmet pause, this trek is a unique gateway to the local landscape’s lesser-seen charms.

About Boutique Horsetreks

Boutique Horsetreks, based in Arrowtown, Otago, operates guided horseback experiences that showcase central Otago and coastal terrain. The company specialises in a range of rides from hands-on "From Paddock to Ride" sessions to full-day experienced-rider adventures. Trips include the Clearview Winery Trek, which traverses the Tukituki River, vineyards and countryside before a gourmet lunch and award-winning wines at Clearview Winery; the River Meets Ocean Adventure featuring riverside trails and near‑private beach riding; and the Magical Beach Experience that begins with catching, grooming and saddling horses for a walking trek through beaches and wetlands.

Additional offerings include the Equestrian Wine & Cheese Escape, combining horse bonding with a picnic of organic wine and artisanal cheeses at a riverside oasis, and Horse Magic Moments, a child-focused orchard session with gentle horses, guided grooming and a short ride. A repeat listing, CLEARVIEW ESTATE WINERY RIDE, is offered as a full-day option for experienced riders with trotting and cantering through vineyards and river crossings.

Boutique Horsetreks provides structured, guided activities that emphasise horse-handling, natural horsemanship techniques, and on-trail safety. Rides are presented for different skill levels, from family-friendly and child bonding sessions to advanced full‑day treks for experienced riders. Located in Arrowtown, Otago, the operation highlights local landscapes — vineyards, rivers, beaches and orchards — and combines equestrian experiences with food and wine elements where specified. Bookings are available from Arrowtown for day trips and family sessions with emphasis on safety, hands-on horse care instruction, and scenic riding through Otago's countryside and coastline for small groups.

Equestrian Wine & Cheese Escape by Boutique Horsetreks

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