The 4 Hiking Tours in Wanaka That Go Early

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 261 reviews · from $365Our pick

Ride 3.5 hours through Cardrona’s high country, across a working cattle farm and the Cardrona River, with chances to trot and canter. Your guide matches you with a suitable horse, shares gold-rush history, and leads you to the Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink. This is not a walking-only ride.

“We had a great day riding in the Cardrona Valley. Great staff, and beautiful horses. We are beginner riders and the staff was really helpful in picking out the right horses for us.”

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

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

Ride from Cardrona through farms, streams, mountain lanes, and old gold-rush country on a two-hour guided trek. You’ll meet the horses, learn basic steering and stopping, and ride at a pace suited to your ability. Guides such as Phoebe and Val add local stories, horse tales, and photo stops. No riding experience is required.

“I don’t really write reviews but I’m making an exception for The Cardrona team as they were exceptional! The scenery was epic, and Phoebe kept us entertained with all funny anecdotes of the horse drama and the history of Cardrona. AngRead more”

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3.Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $353

You’ll fly about 25 minutes from Makarora over alpine valleys, land beside the remote Siberia River, then hike independently through native bush to the Wilkin River. A jet boat brings you back. Allow 4 to 5 hours, bring lunch, and be ready for a cold river crossing.

“GREAT experience! Traveled with my son on this adventure that includes planes, hiking and a jet boat. Plane holds only 4 people and takes off/lands on a grass field which is a NZ way to start. 20-30 minute flight around the valleys and then laRead more”

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4.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

Meet at the famous Bra Fence for a small-group horse trek through Cardrona Valley. You’ll get a one-on-one lesson before riding gentle, well-cared-for horses with guides such as Hannah, Phoebe, and Kelly. Expect scenic trails, photo stops, and possibly streams, slopes, trotting, or cantering, depending on your route and ability.

“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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