Rubicon Valley Stage Coach Line
About our unique coach
Built by Ken Stocktill in the late 1900's.
Replica design based on the Concord Coach used throughout the South Island and the USA.
Seats six inside and three up front which includes the driver.
Pulled by a two horse team harnessed using a full chest harness connected to a center pole and swindle trees.
The coach has been fitted with front disc breaks for safety and has a rear wheel rubber block hand break. The interior is fitted out with six upholstered seats and carpet on the floor to allow absolute comfort for your journey.
The two-horse team
The bond between horse and man is an extraordinary experience.
Over the history of man we have used these magnificent creatures for our riding, transport and work.
They have been a major influence in our lives and were an important part back in history in the development of our land as we know it today.
At Rubicon Valley Stage Coach our horse teams are extensively trained and totally reliable for the purpose of pulling our Coaches.
We have various teams but our main team consists of our horses named Bo and Samson.
- Bo is a 16hh Bay Standard Bred Gelding 19 years old
- Samson is a 16hh Bay Standard Bred Gelding 13 years old
Bo and Samson are both ex harness race horses. They have both now retired from horse racing and are now valuable members of our team.
We find that the ex race horses are ideal for the purpose of our horse treks and stage coach runs as race horses are surrounded from an early age with people and noise and are fully use to all the harness. Standard Bred horses are naturally bred for pulling due to their power and speed.
Two thrilling stage coach tours to choose from
(1) Otarama Lookout Stage Coach Tour
From Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre you will take a 15 minute transfer traveling though the center of Rubicon's High Country Sheep Farm to the Rubicon Valley Staging Post.
You then begin your journey, traveling back in time, boarding the Rubicon Valley Stage Coach to the Otarama Lookout.
This is Canterbury's own 8th wonder of the world:
- Panoramic views of the mighty Waimakariri Canyon and the magnificent Southern Alps Mountains.
- After stopping to allow you to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this scenic wonder we will re board the Stage Coach to complete your return journey to the Rubicon Staging Post, traveling along the top of the river terraces, viewing the braided streams of the Waimakariri River and the distant Christchurch foothills across the Canterbury Plains.
- After departing the Stagecoach you will then be transferred back to the Center for your morning or afternoon Devonshire tea.
Tour includes
- Transfers to Staging Post from Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
- Half hour Stage Coach Ride including stop at the Otarama Lookout
- Transfers back to the Center
- Complimentary morning or afternoon tea
Price
- Adults $50.00 per person
- Children 5yrs to 12yrs $25.00 per child
- Children aged 4 and under no charge
Optional Activities
- Farmshow: $40 per person
- Horse Treks: from $50 per person
- Jet boat rides: from $85
- Picnic or BBQ lunches: from $25 per person
- Shuttles service from Christchurch and return
(2) Otarama Lookout Stage Coach / Jet Boat Combo
From Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre you will take a 15 minute transfer traveling though the center of Rubicon's High Country Sheep Farm to the Rubicon Valley Staging Post.
You then begin your journey, traveling back in time, boarding the Rubicon Valley Stage Coach to the Otarama Lookout.
This is Canterbury's own 8th wonder of the world:
- Panoramic views of the mighty Waimakariri Canyon and the magnificent Southern Alps Mountains.
- After stopping to allow you to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this scenic wonder we will re board the Stage Coach to complete your return journey to the Rubicon Staging Post, traveling along the top of the river terraces, viewing the braided streams of the Waimakariri River and the distant Christchurch foothills across the Canterbury Plains.
- After departing the Stagecoach you will then be transferred back to the Center where you will depart on your Jet Boat journey into the mighty Waimakariri Canyons and experience alpine jet boating at its best. With opportunities for photos on the way. A fun scenic tour. Then enjoy a yummy morning or afternoon Devonshire tea back at the Tourist Center.
Tour includes
- Half hour Stage Coach Ride including stop at the Otarama Lookout
- Transfers back to the Center
- Complimentary morning or afternoon tea
- Jet Boat Ride
Price
- Adults $120.00 per person
- Children 5yrs to 12yrs $90.00 per child
- Children aged 4 and under no charge
Optional Activities
- Farmshow: $40 per person
- Horse Treks: from $50 per person
- Jet boat rides: from $85
- Sheep Shearing Demonstrations $10 per person
Visa, Mastercard and Eftpos accepted.
