Why Not Take Horse Trekking Trips To New Zealand
Amidst the vast influx of techno-driven vacations and modern outdoor adventure sports defined by the family of bungee jumping and the likes, horse treks remain as the favorite adventure trip for those who know the thrill of exploring nature on horseback. Whether it is Mongolia, Mexico or India, horse treks are even today one of the most preferred forms of vacation, especially for those looking for a hint of adventure too.
New Zealand, the picturesque island country, with its exotic flora and fauna is a much sought after destination for the purpose and offers some of the best horse trek routes and expeditions across the world. With its advanced economical status and excellent infrastructural network, New Zealand welcomes its tourists on such adventurous expeditions and offers a host of amenities and facilities to make the entire horse trekking vacation in New Zealand extremely comfortable.
Exploring The Horse Treks
When planning to go for New Zealand horse treks, all you have to know is what degree of adventure are you looking for in the best destinations for horse trekking and to what extent are you willing to explore.
For instance, the North of Auckland in New Zealand is perhaps the only place in the world where one can ride a horse right from one ocean across the country to the sea on the west coast. Go for the likes of Pakiri Horses for such treks that provide a seven-day coast-to-coast horse trekking adventure that is simply a celestial experience. The trek starts from the Pacific Ocean, along the beach and through bush and paddocks and views of harbor to the west coast. This particular trek will take you through the native bush, silver fern and niaku palms, all though pine forests and farm paddocks, along the river banks and to tidal estuaries.
There are plenty of options even if you’ve just started taking your lessons in horse riding recently, but will still like to savor the charm of exotic horse treks in New Zealand. Go for the likes of the Hare Hill Horse trek, at a stunning 60 acre farm located in the Deborah Bay on the north side of the Otago Harbour, close up to the historic Port Chalmers, barely at a 20 minutes drive from Dunedin. The likes of the Harakeke Equestrian Farm Tours also offer horseback trail riding, right through the heart of Taupo farm country in rural New Zealand.
If you want a large variety and options to choose from as you decide the destination for your horse trekking trips in New Zealand, contact the likes of the Hurunui Horse treks, which offer trail rides and pack trips through the gorgeous South Island high country, giving you a rich insight into the real ethnic culture of New Zealand. Similarly, the Heritage Trails Cruises n Norstreks (NZ) also offer adventurous horse trekking trips, taking you into the interiors of the country and providing an orientation into the unique cultural, historic and natural heritage.
When on a horse trekking expedition to New Zealand, it is important to choose the horse carefully, in special consideration of the trek in question. For instance, if you intend to take a trek into the rugged South Island terrain, go for stock horses bred for such high country horse treks, such as those offered through the Alpine Horse Safaris, offering amazing views of towering snowcapped mountains above bush covered slopes, vast river flats, crystal clear lakes and sparkling rivers gushing through enormous gorges.
If you are one of those who are on a lookout for sheer horse riding adventure through treks and also want to enjoy the real spirit of the place, go for the likes of the famous Otago Goldfields Cavalade. Here, each March, hundreds of horses and riders, wagoners and walkers follow the old gold trails throughout Otago and Northern Southland. On the other hand, another famous trek unit, Mt. Layford Horse treks lay a strong emphasis on natural horse riding through high country and beech forest with fantastic views of the foot-hills of the Southern Alps.
Other famous to look out for when in search for one of the many exotic horse treks in New Zealand include Kate Tapley Horse Treks, Timeless Horse treks, Karamu Trail Track, Cape Farewell Horse treks, Nic Kagan Guiding and Southern Lakes Pack Horse Trekking.
Ice Climbing Is An Unreal Ice Trekking Trip
Ice climbing can make for an adventure trek that you will never forget. Many people who are into rock climbing make the transition into ice climbing because the two are very similar. However, there are major differences in them and even a good climber will need to familiarize themselves with ice climbing techniques before going on a trek.
Rock Climbing vs Ice Climbing
Rock climbing and ice climbing both require balance and moving up a vertical area. They are both done in the same environment and produce a similar adventure for the climber. Both also require basic mountaineering skills.
Of course the obvious difference is in the fact that rock climbing generally takes place in warmer periods and ice climbing takes place in frozen terrain. Anyone who has done both also know the change in terrain makes for differences in technique.
Ice climbing create their own balance based upon how they situate themselves on the ice. Ice climbing is also more challenging. Ice is ever changing so you do not ever know exactly what you are getting in a trek. Even if you have climbed an area before you may not know exactly what it will be like this time around. This adds a bit of spice to ice climbing that rock climbing does not have.
Skills for Ice Climbing
The skills needed for ice climbing include the basic skills of mountaineering. Most ice climber’s actual start with doing rock climbing to learn the basics. It is important to get proper instruction because this will let you learn safely and correctly how to climb. A wrong move in climbing, especially ice climbing, can be very dangerous.
There are many ways to learn ice climbing skills. You can take a class, guided tour or get one on one instruction. No matter what method you choose your instruction should revolve around basic climbing skills and learning how to use ice climbing equipment. Ice climbing equipment is sharp and pointy for getting a good grip on the ice and it is dangerous to not use it correctly.
Who Can Ice Climb
Anyone can enjoy ice climbing. It is something that you can do if you are willing to learn and practice your skills. You do not have to be a certain size or weight. It is all about your abilities and that makes it a great option for anyone for an adventure trek.
Ice climbing does require good upper body strength. You may have to put in some time to build up your upper body strength before going on a trek. Ice climbing also requires that you can stand winter weather. You have to be willing to trek in the cold temperatures and sometimes harsh conditions of the icy environment.
Where to Go Ice Climbing
Some people will know right away where they want to go ice climbing. The destinations for ice climbing are limited because it has to be a cold, icy environment. There are top spots for ice climbing all over the world.
In the United States the north western part of the US, like Oregon and Montana are great places for finding ice trekking spots. Mount Hood is Oregon is especially popular with ice climbers. Of course outside the continental United States there is Alaska which offers many challenging areas in which to go ice climbing.
Challenges of Ice Climbing
Ice climbing in its own right it a challenge. It is an adventure into the unknown. Many people choose to go ice climbing because there are no guarantees and you never really know what you are getting into until you into the climb. This sort of thrill is something you can not get with any other climbing trek. It is the unknown adventure that draws people to ice climbing.
There are other challenges, too. One of the biggest challenges with ice climbing is that it is expensive. The equipment alone will cost quite a bit of money. You have to buy all the special winter clothing, tools and safety devices. Even if you already rock climb you will need the special equipment made for ice climbing. It can be as much as $1000 just to get started in ice climbing and that is for just equipment.