6 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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