Horse Riding · NEW ZEALAND
Good new zealand horseback riding tours fill up weeks ahead and the best-rated ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Ride Cardrona’s high-country trails, cross rivers, hear gold-rush stories, and stop for a drink at the historic 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!!!”
Ride beside New Zealand’s Waimakariri Canyon on a small-group horse trek with mountain views, friendly horses, and options for every riding level.
“Kris was a great guide and we enjoyed our rides with the 6 horses. Suitable for beginners who have not ride a horse before.”
Ride from Lake Hāwea to Wānaka on scenic river trails by bike or e-bike, with shuttle transport, quality bikes, and local support.
“the route was absolutely stunning and followed the shoreline. just the right length and duration. guide was helpful and professional and gave the perfect details on route to follow. all in all a wonderful day, and highly recommended”
Ride gentle horses through Rotorua’s Mt. Ngongotaha foothills for lake views, friendly guides, and a beginner-friendly one-hour trek.
“Great experience for people with no horse riding experience. I highly recommend to anyone! Horses are very gentle and calm, beautiful scenery and great guides. Even though, the weather wasn’t perfect, the whole experience blew our minds!”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak horse trek, Lake Whakatipu cruise, afternoon tea, costs, riding limits, and practical tips.
“Awesome family fun activity. Everyone love the ride and our guides are so lovely. Thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.”
Ride through Cardrona’s gold-rush country on a beginner-friendly horse trek with mountain views, friendly guides, and a small-group feel.
“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”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak horse trek and Earnslaw cruise, with practical advice on riding time, tea, scenery, cost, and who will enjoy it.
“Brilliant from start to finish. The steam boat was a nice way to make the journey down the lake. Arriving at the farm we picked the horse trek. It was very manageable for anyone who was never on a horse and the perfect setting to try it in Highly recommend”
Ride through Central Otago orchards and hills on a gentle two-hour horse trek with Lake Dunstan views, friendly guides, and small groups.
“This is the first time my children ride horses and they enjoy the experience very much. Karo is a great guide and her horses are both gentle and friendly.”
Ride through Rotorua farmland with lake views, friendly horses, and a relaxed one-hour trek for confident riders.
“Wonderful way to see views of the lake. I really enjoyed my time. The horses were great!”
Ride the Rangitikei hills with River Valley Stables on a small-group half-day trek for confident riders, with gear and cantering included.
“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”
Ride gentle horses through Cardrona Valley with private lessons, small groups, mountain views, and optional trotting or 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 😊”
Ride through Auckland bush, taste New Zealand wine, enjoy lunch and explore local art on a private six-hour countryside tour.
Horse ride, sculpture gardens, chocolate, gelato and lunch on a private Matakana day trip from Auckland with return transport.
“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”
Sand, desert, mountain, jungle or ranch.
