6 Queenstown Horse Treks Worth the Fare

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

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

Ride into Cardrona’s hills with a guide, passing a working cattle farm and gold-rush-era points of interest before crossing the river to the Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink. The small-group trek lasts about 3.5 hours and can include trotting and cantering, so tell the operator your riding ability when booking. Guides include Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Ally.

“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.Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

Take a 45-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. At Walter Peak High Country Farm, ride for 40 to 45 minutes with an English-speaking guide, then enjoy tea, scones, and muffins at Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. Groups are limited to six riders per guide.

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

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

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

Ride for about two hours through Cardrona Valley, crossing streams, passing farms, and climbing mountain lanes for views toward Lake Wānaka. Your guide pairs you with a suitable horse and covers basic steering and stopping before you set off. First-timers are welcome; tell The Cardrona your riding level when booking. Groups are limited to seven.

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

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

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

Sail from Queenstown to Walter Peak aboard the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy tea at the Colonel’s Homestead, then join a guide for a slow horse trek with lake and mountain views. The trek is beginner-friendly, limited to six people, and lasts about 40 minutes. Minimum age is 7; riders must be at least 120cm tall and weigh no more than 95kg.

“The boat ride across was lovely and when we arrived we where greeted by Benny who was brilliant and looked after us all day on the horse trek.”

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5.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

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

Golden Hills Horse Treks takes you from its Cromwell meeting point through fruit orchards and up the Central Otago hills for views of Lake Dunstan and the Mount Pisa Range. The two-hour ride suits a range of abilities, with horses matched to riders and guides such as Karo, Carolyn and Jasmine helping beginners feel at ease.

“This was amazing! The communication with Karolin was excellent from start to finish and she is the most lovely person to talk to whilst on a ride. Her horses are beautiful and well cared for, and her riding equipment is in excellent condition. The location is easy to find and jRead more”

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6.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

Ride with The Cardrona on a small-group mountain trek, with a one-to-one lesson before you set out and a guide to help you find your confidence. Horses are matched to riders by ability and size. Depending on the trail, you may enjoy a relaxed ride or more active sections with trotting and cantering. Guides including Hannah, Phoebe, and Kelly have led rides here.

“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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