From Yellowstone to Beyoncé: What is cowboy core and how can you experience it on holiday
From hit show Yellowstone, to Bella Hadid's surprise rodeo career, and Beyoncé's foray into country music, all things cowboy, horses and country music are having a moment.
And there's a term to describe it: Cowboy core.
That trend has also reached into our travel plans, with all things rustic, denim and equine are influencing our holidays, experts say.
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Yellowstone is partly to blame for all things cowboy, horses and country music having a moment. Stan / Paramount
If you're keen to explore more, the best part is, you don't need to go to the USA to get a part of it.
New Zealand is pitching its self as the perfect place to sample cowboy life - or even just get a taste of the country.
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Rachael Asher from the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association is a real life cowgirl who explains what is making city slickers want to don a Stetson.
"The popularity of Yellowstone and Western-inspired country music is redefining what it means to embrace the cowboy aesthetic," she tells 9Travel.
"It's no longer just about the rugged lifestyle – it's also about the glamour, fashion, and escapism that come with the Western life.
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Beyoncé is getting into country music. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/File
Model Bella Hadid, who also rides rodeo, in Yellowstone. Stan
"Through music videos, fashion, and pop culture trends, Western-inspired aesthetics have found their way into mainstream fashion and lifestyle, making the cowboy/cowgirl look cooler and more stylish than ever."
Here are some ways to try cowboy core in New Zealand, whether you want to saddle up and ride, or stay firmly on the ground.
Paddoks to Peaks, Canterbury
Paddock to Peaks offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity in New Zealand's Lees Valley if you want to splash out, John Dutton-style.
It features a private helicopter ride from Christchurch, bespoke horse treks through a High-Country cattle station, and an alfresco lunch with fresh, local cuisine.
Paddock to Peaks offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity in New Zealand's Lees Valley. Paddocks to Peaks
The Cardrona Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek, Wānaka
The Cardrona offers horse trekking experiences in Cardrona Valley, Wānaka.
With a team of handpicked horses suited to various experience levels, guests can enjoy scenic rides through rugged high-country landscapes, learn about the area's gold-mining history, and visit the iconic Cardrona Hotel.
Shanty Town, Te Tai Poutini West Coast
Shantytown Heritage Park offers an exciting gold panning experience that takes travellers back to the West Coast gold rush era of the 1860s.
Guided by experienced gold miners, guests will learn the techniques to pan for gold and possibly find their own nugget.
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Shantytown Heritage Park offers an exciting gold panning experience. Supplied
Agrodome Farm Experience, Rotorua
The Farm Experience Combo at Agrodome in Rotorua offers a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
This package includes the legendary Farm Show, where travellers can see sheep shearing, and impressive farm dog demonstrations.
Blue Duck Station Horse Trekking, Retaruke
For a more down-to-earth option Blue Duck Station's Multi-Day Horse Treks offer an immersive adventure through dramatic landscapes, rainforests, and waterfalls, with a high concentration of native wildlife like the whio and kiwi.
These treks include two-to-three nights of accommodation, hearty breakfasts, gourmet country lunches, and home-style dinners.
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Blue Duck Station treks include two-to-three nights of accommodation. Blue Duck Station_ Plateau Productions
Taranaki Country Lodge, Taranaki
Taranaki Country Lodge offers a luxurious cowboy-core experience, blending rustic charm with modern comfort.
Nestled on a working farm with spectacular views of Mount Taranaki, guests can enjoy activities like farm tours, dog mustering sheep, and watching sheep being shorn.
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Whetu Unyoked, Waikato
Whetu by Unyoked offers a rustic, off-grid retreat in the stunning Raglan, Waikato region, just two hours south of Auckland.
This eco-friendly cabin, perched on a hill with sweeping sea views, embraces elements of cowboy-core with its simple, rugged charm.
