9 Horse Trekking in New Zealand, Weighed Against Each Other

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Chris leads this two-hour ride from a sheep farm near Springfield, guiding up to six riders through the high country to Otarama lookout. You’ll see the Waimakariri Canyon, Torlesse Basin, Southern Alps, farmland, terraces, and a stream crossing. Beginners get calm instruction, while experienced riders may trot or canter when conditions allow.

“We're beginners & only did couple of horse treks in the past. This 2 hr ride across the beautiful Springfield through the sheep farm, up & down the small hills and across the water stream was amazing. Controlling horse yourself (& they've theRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

Cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then join an English-speaking guide for a gentle 40 to 45 minute horse trek at Walter Peak. Small groups of up to six riders, tea, coffee, scones, and muffins are included. Minimum age is 7, height 120 cm, and weight 95 kg.

“Ferrie ride was great. We did the Walter Peak Horse Ride. Looked after us as we had not been on a horse many years. The afternoon high tea was delicious.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.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 tea and homemade baking at Walter Peak High Country Farm, then ride for about 40 minutes with a small group and an expert guide. The pace is gentle, the views are excellent, and no riding experience is needed. Guides may include Matt, Paddy, Benny, or Tegan.

“It was beautiful but the guides were just walking on foot in front of us the whole way so it was slow and not particularly exciting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

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

Ride for about two hours through Central Otago orchards and rolling hills, with wide views of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, and the Mt Pisa Range. Guides including Karo, Carol, and Jasmine match well-trained horses to your ability, help first-time riders, and can lead young children when needed. Groups are limited to five.

“Our daughter loves horses so we wanted to find a horse trek while in NZ. Golden Hills was the perfect place to ride and Karo was an amazing guide. We loved the ride through orchards and the mountain views. Plus it was affordable and had multiple options for times to ride.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

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 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $465

Spend about six hours exploring Auckland’s countryside and culture with a professional driver-guide. You’ll enjoy a one-hour guided horse ride, wine tasting, an art trail, lunch, snacks, and private pickup from central Auckland. Tell the operator your riding level, age, and dietary needs when booking.

Check availability →Read our full review

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $588

Travel from Auckland to Matakana in a private, air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking escort. Ride for one hour near Warkworth, explore Sculptureum’s gardens and galleries, enjoy lunch and wine tasting, then sample chocolate and gelato. Ask about rider 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”

Check availability →Read our full review