7 Horses Tours in New Zealand Worth Booking

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433Our pick

Ride into the Cardrona mountains with a small group of up to seven, crossing rivers and passing cattle, deer, sheep, and gold-rush sites. The pace includes walking, trotting, and cantering, so you need solid riding skills. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to ability. Your reward is a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“I was surprised that we were going to ride in the drizzle and was a little nervous but Emily was great. She offered me some waterproof clothes, helmet and off we went. She was a great equestrian and excellent communicator. Took a real interest in us and I was very grateful because I hadn't been on a horse in years!”

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2.Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $309

Meet your horse in Cardrona, learn basic stopping and steering, then ride across streams, farm country, mountain lanes, and gold-rush routes. Guides such as Phoebe and Val add local stories and horse tales. The two-hour trip suits beginners and experienced riders, with groups capped at seven.

“The host and guide were very nice. The trip couldn’t been great without the unique experience we’d enjoyed.”

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3.Scenic Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $74Best value

You’ll ride a friendly horse through rolling farmland below Mt Ngongotaha, with wide views over Lake Rotorua. Your English-speaking guide matches you with a horse, gives a safety briefing, and keeps the trek relaxed. The small group has no more than five riders, making this a calm choice for confident beginners and casual riders.

“Wonderful way to see views of the lake. I really enjoyed my time. The horses were great!”

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4.River Valley Stables – Burn The Breeze, Half Day Horse Ride For Riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $170

Spend about three hours at River Valley Stables near Taihape, pairing with a horse through natural horsemanship before riding across rolling hills beside the Rangitikei River. This small-group outing is for confident riders who can manage all paces. Gear, helmets, boots, chaps, and oilskin coats are provided.

“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”

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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’ll meet a calm, well-loved horse, receive a one-on-one lesson, then follow scenic mountain trails with guides such as Hannah, Phoebe, or Kelly. Choose a relaxed route or ask about the more active High Country Pub Trail, where trotting and cantering are expected.

“It was an amazing horseback riding experience! Kelly was very attentive, teaching us and guiding us along the way. The horses were well-trained, and it wasn’t just a casual walk — we actually got to gallop, cross streams, and go up and down slopes. It was something I had never experienced before. Thank you for giving us such wonderful memories. Highly recommend this place if you visit Cardrona!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $465

Travel from central Auckland in a private air-conditioned vehicle for a one-hour guided horseback ride, wine tasting, lunch, and an introduction to New Zealand art. Your rider level helps match you with a suitable horse. Pickup, drop-off, snacks, water, WiFi, and entry fees are included.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $588

Leave Auckland with a local English-speaking escort, with Karthik named in one guest account, and spend the day around Matakana. Ride for an hour through native forest near Warkworth, visit Sculptureum’s galleries and gardens, taste boutique chocolate, enjoy gelato, and return by private minibus. Lunch and wine tasting are included in the package details.

“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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