Horse
Trekking

Our lovely team of trekking horses are waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey into the mountains.

HORSE TREKS

Our lovely team of handpicked trekking horses, with their kind and gentle temperament, will take you on an unforgettable journey in the mountains.

With a range of ages, heights and ‘horsanalities’ across the herd, we are able to cater to different weights and experience levels.

Your guide will provide a one-on-one riding lesson prior to each trek departing to ensure all riders are confident with steering and stopping. However, we do encourage the more humane “loose rein” style of riding, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery!

Call/email Kel today to discuss horse riding on your next Queenstown/ Wanaka horse riding visit!

MORE ABOUT HORSE RIDING IN OUR BEAUTIFUL VALLEY

We use Syd Hill Half Breed saddles. These are a cross between western and Australian stock style and are more comfortable for both the rider and horse.
Saddles are fitted with “monkey straps” for those who would like extra stability. Children’s saddles are also available. Children over the age of five are welcome and we can lead from the guide horse upon request.
Maximum weight for horse riding is 105kg.

Minimum group size is two riders. Single riders will be waitlisted to be confirmed upon others booking the same scheduled tour. Alternatively contact Kel to quote for a private one-on-one ride customised for you!
Please bring sturdy footwear, warm and weatherproof clothing and a big smile!
Option to purchase a photo package after the ride – take home memories!

Fanatstic horse trek

Review of: Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek

This horse trek exceeded our expectations, and is the best we have ever done. It was a fantastic experience and a memorable highlight from our 3 week holiday in cantral otago/fiordland. We were 2 adults and a 12 yr old. All beginners. The horses and our guide Kelly were fantastic. We loved the terrain, views, and opportunity to trot and canter. Highly recommended.

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Date of experience: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family

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The Gold Discovery Trail — MOST POPULAR

9:30am (12:30pm on request)

Allow 2 hours

From $399 NZD

5+ years

Book Now

Let your horse take you across the Cardrona River while keeping a keen eye out for gold along the way! Learn about the gold rush that Cardrona experienced in the 1860s which gave way to farming which you will experience first hand as you ride through mobs of Merino sheep. Climb to a beautiful vantage point allowing breathtaking views of Mount Cardrona and the Crown Range.

The meeting time for The Gold Discovery Trail is 9:30am. If this time does not suit please call or email info@thecardrona.co.nz as we may be able to accommodate a Gold Discovery Trail in the afternoon on request (12:30pm check in). The Cardrona headquarters is a 20 minute drive for Wanaka or 1 hour drive from Queenstown over the Crown Range Road.

No riding experience is required as we provide suitable instruction for each individuals horse riding ability before the ride commences. Children can be led from the lead horse if required. This ride takes a journey along the Cardrona River under the willow trees, crosses through the river and ascends up in to the mountains of the working sheep & cattle station allowing spectacular views down the the Cardrona Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges along the way.

If you’re up for it we WILL get you trotting your horse on this ride! (Instructions will be given prior to departure and throughout the ride)

Reward your horse with a well earned bucket of feed on return to the stables!

See what visitors to the Queenstown & Wanaka area are saying about “The Gold Discovery Trail” horse trek;

Magical family experience in the beautiful Cardrona

Review of: Small-Group Gold Discovery Horse Riding in Cardrona Valley

“What an amazing experience, cannot recommend it highly enough! Magical scenery, beautiful horses and Kel is a great guide. We are all inexperienced riders and our youngest is only 6, so we were a little apprehensive about a 2 hour trek. However, the horses are very well trained and there is the option of leading the young rider’s horse, which we chose. Kel made sure we were all safe and relaxed, which made for a beautiful experience. The kids also loved Barney the dog and Ettie the cat. Thank you for such a special time.”

THE HIGH COUNTRY PUB TRAIL — INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

12:30pm

Allow 3.5 hours

From $499 NZD

Intermediate Level +

Book Now

Mount up and begin the big hill climb which soon gives way to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains of the Crown and Pisa ranges. The working Merino sheep farm land turns to rugged rock and tussock country as you climb higher to get that even better photo opportunity. Really feels like you are on top of the world in the middle of nowhere!

Descend to the Cardrona Hotel where you dismount & tie your horse to our hitching rail and enjoy a well earned beverage on us in the gorgeous garden bar. If you fancy a bit of a run this ride gives you the chance to cut loose! The High Country Pub Ride offers many opportunities for a nice canter- the whole package!

Please note we do not “JUST WALK” on this ride, you must be comfortable with trotting & highly likely cantering, riders must have a high level of fitness, balance & coordination as this is a fairly intense half day ride. This ride is NOT recommended for small children or nervous beginners/ unfit/ overweight individuals, please see “The Gold Discovery Trail” below suitable for young families or those new to horse riding & the scenery is just as beautiful!

See what visitors to the Queenstown & Wanaka area are saying about “The High Country Pub Trail” horse trek;

Cardrona Horse Trek… WOW!!

Feb 2021 • Couples

Wow!! I’m hard to please but Kelly you have outdone yourself, my handsome horse Lou ticked all the boxes, he was massive and so calm but fast which is exactly what I requested, the Cardrona Ale at the iconic pub was a definite highlight too.

If you are thinking of going horseriding while visiting Queenstown look no further! Thanks for a phenomenal experience team 😊

Oh and on a side note, we had a hot soak at Onsen afterwards and that was a great way to relax after a 3.5hr ride. Enjoy!!

TOP BEAT (experienced riders only)

On request

Allow 2.5 hours

$599 NZD

Email Kelly

New Zealand’s highest guided horse trek! Plenty of cantering on nice forward moving fun horses and a stop-over for photos at our hitching rail high up the mountain, an even more exclusive alpine equine experience! Allow a good 2.5 hours for this high speed ride.

Email Kelly to request this awesome ride info@thecardrona.co.nz

Please note we need a minimum of two riders booked for this ride to go ahead, a private one-on-one Top Beat can be requested for solo riders (terms & conditions apply)

See what experienced riders visiting the Queenstown & Wanaka area are saying about “The Top Beat” horse trek;

Top Experience on a Top Beat Ride

“Absolutely wonderful morning riding with Kelly on a private “Top Beat” ride. Lou is a beautiful, forward moving horse who was a joy to ride. Stunning landscape, interesting terrain and a fast pace makes for an exhilarating ride. Kelly is a fabulous, welcoming leader with lots of local knowledge that she shares along the way. Can’t recommend this experience highly enough if you are a comfortable rider. Would rate it 6/5 if I could!”

Twilight Ride (after 4:30pm)

On request

Allow 2.5 hours

$499 NZD

Email Kelly

In the spring/summer months the sun doesn’t go down until after 8pm so why not a romantic sun set ride? Its a beautiful time of the day as the sun sinks down behind the mighty Mount Cardrona, still pleasantly warm without the sunburn factor!

Email Kelly to request this awesome ride info@thecardrona.co.nz

Hen’s Parties

Treat the bride to be with a fantastic ride with her girlfriends stopping mid-ride for bubbles at the Cardrona Hotel!

GIFT VOUCHERS A ‘The Cardrona’ experience is a unique gift your loved ones will always remember! Call 03 443 1228 and we’ll post out a gift certificate to redeem for one of our unforgettable tours.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR CARDRONA HORSE RIDING & 4×4 ATVS ADVENTURE

At Cardrona Horse Treks and 4×4 ATVs, we ride in all weather conditions! The key to a great experience is dressing appropriately. The mountain climate can shift quickly, so it’s always wise to be prepared. Bringing extra layers and not needing them is far better than wishing you had more when the temperature drops.

Kel also reminds riders, “The higher up we go, the more beautiful it gets—but the colder it becomes!” If you need an extra layer, we have coats, jackets, and gloves available to borrow. Helmets, which we provide, are mandatory for the duration of your ride.

Dressing for the Seasons

Summer Sun and Wind Protection

The summer sun in Cardrona can be intense, so applying sunscreen to any exposed skin is essential. Sunglasses can be worn after your helmet is fitted, but make sure they’re secure—dangling them from your shirt is a surefire way to lose them!

Winter Warmth and Protection

Winter in Cardrona is breathtaking but can be bitterly cold. Dressing in layers is key—start with a thermal base layer, add a warm mid-layer like fleece or wool, and top it off with a waterproof outer shell. Accessories like gloves, a beanie, and a neck warmer will help keep you cozy.

Clothing and Footwear Guidelines

Our hardy Cardrona gals often ride in shorts, but that’s entirely up to you! More importantly, your upper body should be well-covered, especially on quad bikes, where the wind hits hardest. As Kel says, “It’s better to take extra layers and not need them rather than regretting the decision later on.”

For footwear, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes like trainers or sneakers. If needed, we have a small selection of rubber gumboots available.

Keeping Your Belongings Safe

Secure loose items such as phones, car keys, and valuables in zippered pockets or the front storage box of the quad bikes. If something falls during the ride, we won’t be able to stop to retrieve it. To avoid losing anything important, consider leaving valuables and car keys in our locked reception area.

Get Ready to Have Fun!

This is an adventure, so don’t wear your best clothes—getting a little dirty means you’ve made the most of it! We take photos along the way, which you can purchase for $25 cash afterward, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride without worrying about capturing the moment yourself.

Contact The Cardrona Horse Riding & 4×4 ATVs

info@thecardrona.co.nz

+64 3 443 1228