Best Places for Horse Riding in New Zealand
Queenstown & Glenorchy
Tucked into the Central Otago Region, Queenstown and Glenorchy are popular riding destinations. Ride through snowy alpine landscapes, vibrant valleys, and across glacial-fed rivers. After a day of riding, enjoy a waterfront meal in Queenstown overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Queenstown and Glenorchy are also gateways into fantastic surrounding backcountry riding areas, where green valleys, jagged peaks, and rural farms await.
Wanaka & Cardrona Valley
For fewer crowds and more iconic Kiwi alpine scenery, choose Wanaka and Cardrona Valley—some of the best high country horse riding in New Zealand. Wanaka boasts rugged, desert-like hillsides, golden grasslands, and the serene Lake Wanaka. Cardrona was the center of Otago’s gold rush in the late 1800s and offers riders an insight into New Zealand’s unique mining history. Explore wide, rolling valleys and Wanaka’s high-country trails, where you can ride up to hilltops and across dry alpine, tussock-covered terrain.
Rotorua & North Island Riding
Rotorua and the wider North Island are great for horse trekking in New Zealand because of their unique geothermal activity and dense forests teeming with the birdsong of the tūī. Perfect for shorter riding experiences, travelers can witness geysers, green hot springs, mud pools, and volcanic peaks. Rotorua is also the cultural hub of Aotearoa, and a great place to learn about the local Māori iwi (tribes) in between rides. Experience a Marae and feast on traditional kai (food) such as hāngī (an earth-oven cooking method).
Only a 3-4 hour-drive from Rotorua, the Bay of Islands in Northland offers a thrilling coastal alternative.
Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo & Ohau
Mackenzie Basin is one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable landscapes, and one of New Zealand’s most famous horse-riding regions. A string of mountains tower over deep valleys of golden-tussock covered grasslands and braided river systems that spill into turquoise glacial lakes. The Mackenzie Basin is home to Lake Ohau and Lake Tekapo, famous for its lupin flowers. From mid-November to early January, they bloom pink, purple, blue, and yellow
The Mackenzie Basin and Lake Tekapo offer multi-day riding tour opportunities and are equally spectacular after sunset. Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s a great place to dip in Tekapo Spring’s hot pools and marvel at the stars. A perfect way to unwind after a day in the saddle!
The Mackenzie Basin and its lakes are ideal for exploring high country stations and plenty of private land for a serene wilderness experience. Located within the Canterbury Region, it is close to other iconic riding destinations such as the coastal Kaikōura area.
Types of Horse Riding Experiences
Short scenic rides: Ranging from a couple of hours to full day excursions, short, guided rides are great for beginners. Choose regions such as Rotorua or shorter rides in Wanaka. Rotorua is great for beginners with its unique geothermal scenery and lush forests. It also has plenty of cultural and adventure activities to explore in between rides.
Mountain riding: Great for intermediate to advanced riders who can endure long hours and full days in the saddle, navigating alpine terrain. If you seek a challenge, snowy mountains, and even charming towns to settle into for the night, choose a guided tour in Queenstown or Glenorchy.
High country riding: Vast, open wilderness, remote trails, and steep climbs, it’s great for advanced riders keen on a challenge. If you seek a high-country adventure, consider Wanaka and the Cardrona Valley. Enjoy long rides around Lake Wanaka, or a 25 km loop around the hills, including the West Wanaka Station. Intermediate and experienced riders may even trot and canter.
Multi-day trekking: For experienced riders seeking an extended New Zealand wilderness experience, consider a multi-day guided tour. Mackenzie Basin is an excellent destination for multi-day tours thanks to its vast and diverse scenery. There is a lot to see, and horseback can make that happen! Explore glacial-fed lakes, golden grasslands, and Aotearoa’s highest mountain, the mighty Aoraki (Mount Cook). For multi-day rides, you must be physically fit and comfortable in the saddle.
Horse Trekking in Otherworldly New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand is an incredibly diverse land, offering travelers an exciting equestrian vacation. Discover mountains, lakes, golden valleys, forests with unique native flora and fauna, and sweeping coastlines. South Island horse riding offers alpine trails, glacial lakes, and valleys, making it a popular choice for many riders of all experience levels. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about the tikanga (traditions and values) of Māori along the way.
As an isolated nation, New Zealand has some unique birdlife. If you are lucky, you may spot tūī, fantail, kererū, takahē, and kea (the world’s only alpine parrot) along the trails. Your horse-riding tour guides are locals and can help you find them!
Want to explore New Zealand on horseback? Browse our guided horse riding tours and find the right adventure for your trip.
Recommended Horse Riding Tour Providers in New Zealand
If you’re inspired to explore New Zealand on horseback, here are some trusted local operators with excellent reviews:
Jenny & Lawrie O. – Mackenzie Basin & Tekapo Husband-and-wife team with over 30 years of experience. Specialise in authentic multi-day wilderness treks, including the famous 12-day Tekapo Expedition.
Angie L. – Mountain & Lake Ohau Adventures Offers a great selection of multi-day high-country and mountain expeditions (3 to 9 days), including rides around Lake Ohau and Glen Lyon.
Lauren B. – Blue Mountains High Country Local station-based guide offering all-inclusive 4- and 5-day horseback adventures in the beautiful Blue Mountains region of the South Island.
Janey H. – Rangitikei River, North Island Provides scenic half-day, full-day and 2-day riding experiences from their beautiful riverside location on the North Island. Great choice for shorter, relaxed rides combined with accommodation and other activities.
Browse their tours directly and book with confidence — all are verified providers with strong guest feedback.
