12 New Zealand Horseback Riding Tours Worth Flying For

1.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433Our pick

Ride high above Cardrona with a small group of up to seven, crossing rivers and working-farm country before stopping at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a drink. Guides such as Summer, Kelly, Emily, and Marley match horses to ability and adjust the pace. You need solid riding experience and comfort trotting and cantering.

“Guide was excellent and made sure we had the appropriate horse for our level of experience! The route we rode on was lovely and had good views of the Cadrona Valley!”

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2.Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · from $91

Chris leads this two-hour ride from Rubicon Valley Horse Treks near Springfield, taking you through a sheep farm to Otarama lookout above the Waimakariri Canyon. Beginners receive patient help, while experienced riders may trot or canter when conditions allow. Groups are limited to six, and helmets and wet-weather gear are supplied.

“Kris was a great guide and we enjoyed our rides with the 6 horses. Suitable for beginners who have not ride a horse before.”

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3.Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · from $68Best value

Ride a calm, well-matched horse through farmland and native bush on the lower slopes of Mt. Ngongotaha. Your guide leads the group to a lookout above Lake Rotorua, with helmets, safety gear, and basic instruction included. The one-hour trek suits riders aged 12 and older, but the 90-kilogram weight limit is firm.

“The horses had such lovely natures and for people like my daughter and I, who are inexperienced with horses, we felt safe and knew the horses would take care of us. Fabulous views and peaceful pathways. The staff were patient, friendly and kind. Highly recommend!”

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4.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134

Cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then ride gently through Walter Peak farmland with an English-speaking guide. Small groups of up to six make this a friendly choice for first-time riders. Tea, coffee, scones, and muffins are included.

“Awesome family fun activity. Everyone love the ride and our guides are so lovely. Thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.”

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5.Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $309

Meet your horse at The Cardrona, learn basic steering and stopping, then ride through farms, streams, and mountain lanes near Wānaka. Guides such as Phoebe and Val share local gold-rush stories and rural tales. The two-hour ride suits beginners and experienced riders, with a maximum of seven people.

“this was amazing, amazing staff, great view of the snow on the mountain, great valley, strongly recommend people”

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6.Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $142

You’ll cross Lake Wakatipu by TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy scones, cakes, sandwiches, and tea at Walter Peak, then ride for about 40 minutes with a guide such as Paddy, Matt, Tegan, or Benny. The small group is limited to six, and the easy walk-only trek suits beginners.

“Brilliant from start to finish. The steam boat was a nice way to make the journey down the lake. Arriving at the farm we picked the horse trek. It was very manageable for anyone who was never on a horse and the perfect setting to try it in Highly recommend”

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7.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $142

Ride for two hours through Central Otago orchards and rolling hills with guides Karo and Jasmine. Golden Hills Horse Treks matches well-trained horses to your ability, keeps groups to five, and leads you toward broad views of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, and the Mt Pisa Range. Beginners and children can ride at an easy pace.

“The views and trek were amazing. The two lovely guides made it that much better too. 10/10 recommend.”

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8.Rotorua: Scenic Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $74

Meet your horse and English-speaking guide at Adventure Playground, then ride through rolling farmland below Mt Ngongotaha. The small group, capped at five, keeps the outing personal. Expect scenic views over Lake Rotorua, a safety briefing, and a slow, controlled pace suited to riders who already feel comfortable on horseback.

“Wonderful way to see views of the lake. I really enjoyed my time. The horses were great!”

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9.River Valley Stables – Burn The Breeze, Half Day Horse Ride For Riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $170

Spend about three hours at River Valley Stables near Taihape, first building trust with your horse, then riding through open fields, forested valleys, and along the Rangitikei River. This small-group outing suits experienced riders who are confident at walk, trot, and canter. Boots, helmets, chaps, and oilskin coats are provided.

“our guide was amazing. we came from America and this riding experience was absolutely magical. A wonderful New Zealand experience, riding through the country side and valleys. This was a great experience and not just a head to butt Read more”

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10.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 2 hours - 210 minutes · from $298

Ride through Cardrona Valley with a calm, well-loved horse matched to your size and riding ability. You’ll receive one-on-one instruction before setting out with an English-speaking guide such as Hannah, Phoebe, or Kelly. Choose a gentle trail or a faster High Country Pub Trail with trotting and possible cantering.

“Amazing tour! Definitely worth booking even if you’re a beginner like me. I went for my birthday and it was such a beautiful experience. Highly recommend! Hannah our instructor was the best, so calm and encouraging 😊”

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11.Private Tour – Horse Riding, Wine Tasting and Art Trail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $465

You’ll leave central Auckland at 8:30 am in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver-guide, then ride for one hour through the bush near Warkworth, taste wine at a traditional winery, enjoy lunch, and visit an art stop. Tell the operator every rider’s age, dietary needs, and riding level so suitable horses can be arranged.

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12.Matakana Art & Horse Riding Experience Private Tour From Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $588

Leave Auckland at 8:30 am for a private Matakana day with return transport, one hour of guided horse riding near Warkworth, Sculptureum gardens and galleries, a set-menu lunch at Rothko, wine tasting, boutique chocolate, and gelato. Guide Karthik has hosted family groups, and riders should provide height and weight when booking.

“We spent a wonderful day with Karthik as our tour guide. The day proceeded efficiently as we were able to experience different aspects of Matakana. I was worried about my toddler riding a horse for the first time but the owners made sure Read more”

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