A horse riding trek in Queenstown is a memorable way to explore the gorgeous natural landscape of New Zealand. No other activity will have you as up close and personal to New Zealand’s pure beauty as horse riding does. Soak up the vistas on this soul rejuvenating pleasure! Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or have never so much as petted a horse in your life, there are horseback riding adventures suited to your level of experience based out of Queenstown.
High Country Horses & Lighthorse Adventures are located in Glenorchy, a 45 minute drive from Queenstown on arguably one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, even the world! Wind your way alongside Lake Wakatipu until you reach Glenorchy, situated at the northern end of the lake. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan then this is your pick for your Queenstown horse riding. Just as Aragorn and Legolas galloped through the mountains and plains of New Zealand in the Lord of the Rings, so can you! Gentle walks through Lord of the Rings filming locations are perfect for those who want to see the sights, while those who want to get their hearts pumping will enjoy galloping spiritedly through forests, splashing through the odd river along the way.
Visit Ben Lomond Horse Treks for a ride nestled within the mountains of Ben Lomond Station beside beautiful Moke Lake. Just a short 15km drive from Queenstown, Ben Lomond Horse Treks suits those on a little bit of a schedule but still wanting to experience the untouched scenery New Zealand has to offer on horseback. The shortest 1.5 hour Moke Lake trek sees you wandering through the picturesque valley of Ben Lomond Station. If you’re after something a little more adventurous, climb the mountains up to 200m above the valley floor and ride back through historical gold mining country.
If you’re looking for something more than just a Queenstown horse ride, check out Walter Peak Horse Treks. Catch the iconic Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak where you will embark on a 40 minute small group horse trek. You’ll be in awe at the many incredible viewpoints showcasing spectacular Lake Wakatipu and its dramatic scenery. This is a gentle Queenstown horse ride perfect for the beginner rider. Horse riding is a unique way to experience the countryside but also one of the best ways to really stop and take in your surroundings so if you haven’t considered doing a horse ride while you are visiting Queenstown then maybe reconsider your itinerary. You won’t regret it.
What is the best horse riding tour in Queenstown?
This question is hard to answer as all Queenstown horse riding tours are unique and able to cater to a range of riding levels - all in beautiful scenery. If you are short of time or don't have your own transport, then Walter Peak Horse Treks departs straight from the Queenstown CBD. This is a fun half day out that includes a trip to and from Walter Peak on the Lady of the Lake, the TSS Earnslaw, a beautiful steam powered ship commissioned the same year as the Titanic, as well as a 40 minute horse ride. As more than just a horse ride, this activity is great for people with little to no experience. If you like Lord of the Rings then our pick would be High Country Horses or Lighthorse Adventures, where you will see lots of famous LOTR movie locations and stunning scenery. This company can also cater to experienced riders. If you are not sure what tour to choose, then get in touch with us and we can work out the best fit for you and your group.
Are there any Queenstown horse riding tours for experienced riders?
Yes, there are horse riding tours that can cater to well experienced riders. We would recommend looking at the team from Lighthorse Adventures. Their 'Graze & Glory’ ride is one of the longest (3 hours) horse rides available in Queenstown and includes river crossings, lupin fields, and a picnic lunch. If you are a very accomplished rider let us know and we can look into a tailor made ride for you.
Can you do horse riding in Queenstown in the rain or bad weather?
Wet weather horse riding in Queenstown is not just possible, it’s a lot of fun and a great way to cool down on a summer's day. However there will be days where the operator will cancel trips, this is more due to customer comfort than safety. If you are not sure whether your tour will be operating you can live chat with us through our website or send us an email to [email protected]
