13 New Zealand Horse Riding Tours Worth the Saddle Time

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433Our pick

Ride from Cardrona into the high country with a small group of up to seven. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to your ability, share gold-rush stories, and lead you across rivers and working farmland. Expect trotting and cantering, plus a drink at the Cardrona Hotel.

“Absolutely wonderful time. Sasha and Phoebe were great guides. You’ll have a great time if they are leading your group. The horses were the best - so sweet! Def an amazing tour!!!”

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

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

Chris leads a two-hour ride from a high-country sheep farm near Springfield. You’ll follow the Waimakariri Canyon to Otarama lookout, stop for photos, then return along farm trails. Beginners are welcome, while experienced riders may get chances to trot or canter.

“It was only my second time on a horse and the tour guide was very patient. He was very helpful and knowledgable. The views are beautiful! Highly recommend if you want to see the incredible views in this part of Christchurch.”

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3.Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $80

Take a self-guided 30 km ride from Lake Hāwea to Wānaka, following the Hāwea and Clutha rivers. Your host, often James, Tristan, or Melissa, handles the shuttle, bike setup, and route briefing. Choose a regular bike or e-bike, with coffee and pastries at Albert Town along the way.

“Guys, just take this tour. It is epic. Beautiful, charming, scenery, great experience for families and couples. The highlight of this of course is the tour operator, of course. Such lovely, nice people I made a mistake in the trip - I lost the helmet midway - Left it somewhere. James immediately came down, gave me a replacement, and went back to retrieve it (Technically it was my job to retrieve it, but he was so kind and helpful - he went beyond his duty and helped me out). Melissa, his colleague was also kind, nice, helpful, and made this experience memorable for us 100% recommend.”

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4.Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

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

You’ll ride a calm, well-matched horse through working farmland and native bush on Mt. Ngongotaha, with a guide, helmet, and safety gear. The one-hour trek reaches a lookout over Lake Rotorua and suits riders aged 12 and up, including first-timers. Groups are limited to five.

“Awesome staff, beautiful horses and money well spent. Can’t wait to go back. I recommend this experience to anyone and everyone who is going to Rotorua.”

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5.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

You’ll cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu, meet your horse and English-speaking guide at Walter Peak, then ride 40 to 45 minutes through rolling farmland to a lake lookout. The gentle trek suits first-time riders, with tea, scones, and muffins served afterward.

“Spectacular place, guide was awesome. All around a good time”

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

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

At The Cardrona, you’ll meet your horse, learn basic steering and stopping, then ride through Cardrona Valley with guides such as Phoebe or Val. Expect gold-rush stories, farm views, mountain lanes, streams, and time for photos. No riding experience is required.

“The host and guide were very nice. The trip couldn’t been great without the unique experience we’d enjoyed.”

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

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

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy scones and tea, then ride for about 40 minutes with a small group of up to six. Guides such as Matt, Paddy, Tegan, and Benny may lead the trek.

“I was very disappointed with the Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise. I followed the staff member holding the horse trek sign along with a large group of people, but the sign was removed without any clear instruction. I later realised I was in thRead more”

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8.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

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

Ride for two hours through Central Otago orchards and rolling hills with a small group of no more than five. Karo, Jasmine, or another local guide matches you with a well-trained horse and sets the pace for your ability. Expect Lake Dunstan and Mt Pisa views, helmets, and a return to the Cromwell meeting point.

“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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9.Rotorua: Scenic Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $74

You’ll meet your guide at Adventure Playground, receive a safety briefing, and ride a horse matched to your comfort level. The route follows rolling farmland near Mt Ngongotaha, with wide views over Lake Rotorua. Expect a calm, guided pace rather than free riding or fast work.

“Wonderful way to see views of the lake. I really enjoyed my time. The horses were great!”

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

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

Spend about three hours with River Valley Stables learning natural horsemanship before riding through open fields, forested valleys, and Rangitikei hill country. This small-group outing suits confident riders who can handle all paces. Boots, helmets, chaps, and oilskin coats are provided.

“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”

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11.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

Ride through Cardrona Valley on a calm, well-matched horse with a small group of up to six. You get a private riding lesson before setting out, then enjoy mountain views, stream crossings, slopes, and possibly faster riding. Guides such as Hannah, Phoebe, and Kelly are praised for patient instruction.

“It was an amazing horseback riding experience! Kelly was very attentive, teaching us and guiding us along the way. The horses were well-trained, and it wasn’t just a casual walk — we actually got to gallop, cross streams, and go up and down slopes. It was something I had never experienced before. Thank you for giving us such wonderful memories. Highly recommend this place if you visit Cardrona!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $465

You’ll leave central Auckland at 8:30 am with a private driver-guide, ride for one hour through the bush near Warkworth, taste wine at a traditional winery, enjoy lunch, and visit an art stop. Horse choice is matched to your riding level.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $588

Leave Auckland at 8:30 am for a private Matakana day with an hour of guided horse riding near Warkworth, Sculptureum’s gardens and galleries, Chocolate Brown, gelato, lunch, wine tasting, and return transport. Karthik may escort your group, with easy walks and family-friendly pacing.

“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”

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