New Zealand · HORSES

9 Horse Riding in New Zealand That Justify a Whole Day

9 tours  ·  from $69 a head

Summer fills these weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 9 to lock in before you fly, what each includes and where they differ.

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+) - Meeting the horses at Cardrona
Drinking Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Horses, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

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

Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua - The climb to Lake Rotorua views
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Horses, Rotorua Tours, Tour Reviews

Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

2.Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

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

Ride through Rotorua’s Mt. Ngongotaha foothills on a beginner-friendly horse trek with lake views, safety gear, and a small group.

“Enjoyable trek up to a great view. Guide was a good teacher for us, considering it had been a couple decades since our last time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular! - The first lesson: simple skills for nervous beginners
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Queenstown, Horses, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

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

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

Ride through Cardrona’s gold-rush country, cross streams, climb mountain trails, and enjoy a small-group horseback adventure near Wānaka.

“Was a great walk on the horses around the paddock and up over the mountains into the fields. The instructor made us all feel very safe on the horses at all times. Steps and techniques are kept simple for beginners which is what I chose. I hRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown - Walter Peak High Country Farm and Country Tea
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Farm & Sheep Station Tours, Farm Tours in Queenstown, Half-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Queenstown, Horses, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago - The two-hour route through Central Otago orchards
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Queenstown, Horses, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

5.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

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

Ride through Central Otago orchards and hills on a small-group horse trek with lake views, gentle horses, and expert local guides.

“The horses were incredibly well-trained and exceptionally friendly. Our experience was made even more special by our wonderful guide, Jasmine (if I recall her name correctly). She was incredibly patient with us, ensuring we had the most enjoyable and memorable experience. We had an amazing time and can’t wait to return. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

River Valley Stables - Burn The Breeze, Half Day Horse Ride For Riders - Across the Rangitikei hill country
Half-Day, Horses, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Ride with natural horsemanship through New Zealand’s Rangitikei hills, with cantering, small groups, gear provided, and river views.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience - The one-on-one lesson before the trail
Hiking & Trekking, Horses, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

8.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

Review the Cardrona Valley horse trekking experience, with gentle horses, expert lessons, mountain views, trail options, price, and rider tips.

“The tour was so beautiful! Even though it rained ever so slightly it was by far the best experience I had during my holiday! Phoebe was an excellent teacher and gave us lots of facts about the area! She was so kind and encouraging too”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.