Top 7 Horse Riding in New Zealand

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

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

Ride from Cardrona into the high country with guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley. Expect mountain tracks, cattle country, river crossings, trotting, cantering, and a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel. Horses are matched to your riding ability, but this is not a walk-only ride.

“Amazing experience!! Great views all along the way! Kelly was informative on the tour while riding, but we also did a decent amount of trotting and cantering. Would definitely recommend this tour!”

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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 high-country sheep farm near Springfield. Follow the Waimakariri Canyon to Otarama lookout, stop for photos and refreshments, then return by a musterers’ trail. Small groups, calm horses, helmets, and wet-weather gear make it suitable for confident riders aged 12 and up.

“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.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 ride gently through Walter Peak farmland with an English-speaking guide. The 40 to 45-minute trek suits first-time riders, with tea, scones, and muffins at the Colonel’s Homestead afterward.

“Walter Peak was gorgeous, and the horseback riding trek was amazing.”

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4.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

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

Join Golden Hills Horse Treks near Cromwell for a relaxed two-hour ride through fruit orchards and Central Otago hills. Karo, Jasmine, or another local guide matches you with a well-trained horse and adjusts the pace for your experience, with views over Lake Dunstan and the Mt Pisa Range.

“The ride was amazing and the view was beautiful. All 4 horses are wonderful and we had a great time! Jasmine and Carol were excellent guides.”

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5.Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking Experience

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

Ride through Cardrona Valley with a small group of up to six. You get one-on-one instruction before setting out, then follow scenic mountain trails on calm horses. Guides including Hannah, Phoebe, and Kelly are praised for patient coaching. Choose a gentle family route or a faster trail with trotting and possible cantering.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $465

Spend about six hours with Auckland & Beyond Tours on a private countryside outing that combines a one-hour guided bush ride, wine tasting, lunch, and New Zealand art. Pickup and drop-off in central Auckland, transport, snacks, water, and entry fees are included. Tell the operator your riding level and dietary needs when booking.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $588

Leave Auckland at 8:30 am with a private guide such as Karthik for a full day in Matakana. Ride for an hour through native forest near Warkworth, visit Sculptureum, taste chocolate and gelato, and return by minibus.

“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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