St James Wild Horse Sale

Join horse lovers from around New Zealand at the iconic wild horse sale at St James Station, North Canterbury. This event only occurs once every two years. Join a 4x4 expedition through the vast, remote valleys of the Rainbow and Molesworth Stations. Meet the owners of two magnificent high country sheep and cattle stations deep in Marlborough's Awatere Valley, enjoy their hospitality and stay a night at Muller Station.

Your journey starts in Blenheim, the wine capital of Marlborough. Two experienced guides will be your drivers, in two SUV vehicles. They will take you on a journey through the rugged Rainbow Station, later tracing the snow fed Clarence River of the Molesworth Station to Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury. This is where you will stay the night before and after the sale. The Rainbow Station has some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand, so bring your camera and be ready for some big country. There will be frequent stops along the way for your guides to share some of the stories of the local heroes and heroines and point out places of interest.

On the day of the wild horse sale, relax at the casual pre sale picnic, this is a calendar social event for horse lovers from around the New Zealand. After lunch take part in the excitement of the horse sale. Hear the story of  the origins of these powerful, good natured horses and how the biennial sale came about. Meet people who have purchased the horses and have had outstanding success with this beautiful and vigorous breed.

Insurance

Personal insurance is recommended for all participants and their equipment and personal belongings as no insurance is included in the trip fees. 

Covid 19 Health and Safety Update 

Your well being is our highest aim, we are frequently assessing our Covid 19 procedures and policies and working with the Tourism Industry Association and our peers to ensure we are making decision on the latest, factual information. 

Social distancing and masks 

Because our transport is private, social distancing is not required in the vehicle and masks can be worn or not as you feel comfortable. 

You will need to bring your own supply of mask for your tour for when we visit our tour partners, who require that they be worn, for example restaurants. Our full list of Covid polices can be found here. https://www.driftwoodecotours.co.nz/before-your-tour