Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Saddle up on this very unique horse trekking experience, just 20 minutes from Wanaka. The half-day High Country Pub horse trek takes you up into the beautiful mountains of Cardrona Valley allowing breath taking views of the surrounding Pisa and Crown Ranges and Cardrona Ski Area. No riding experience is necessary as all tuition is provided, however if you want to cut loose there are many chances for trotting and cantering on this ride and a stopover at the historic Cardrona Hotel to stretch your legs and enjoy a drink on us!
Please note we do not "JUST WALK" on this ride
**PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HORSE RIDING ABILITY UPON BOOKING SO THE APPROPRIATE HORSES ARE SELECTED FOR YOUR RIDE**
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
**PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HORSE RIDING ABILITY UPON BOOKING SO THE APPROPRIATE HORSES ARE SELECTED FOR YOUR RIDE**
THIS RIDE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR BEGINNERS OR SMALL CHILDREN - see "The Gold Discovery Trail"
WE CANNOT WAIT IF YOU ARE LATE!! Please arrive on time for your scheduled tour, refunds will not be issued for late arrivals/ no shows.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You will ride high up into the mountains, then down & cross the river over to the Cardrona Hotel for a drink, then back home along the river, many chances for trotting & cantering on this ride so please be sure to specify your horse riding ability upon booking! (Please not we do not "JUST WALK" on this ride, you must be comfortable with this) **This ride is not recommended for complete beginners or small children, please see "The Gold Discovery Trail" suitable for young families
What‘s Included
Beverage
Professional guide
Use of helmet
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Confident/ Experienced riders
Reviews
269 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best horse riding experience I’ve had in years! This adventurous ride is perfect for so many awesome canters
meriella27,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’d initially booked on the gold rush ride as I’d not ridden in a few years and was feeling a bit nervous about getting back in the saddle. The stable had suggested changing to the intermediate ride to the pub instead and I’m so grateful they did. Our guides Hannah and Sophie got everyone introduced and comfortable with their horses and we got a demonstration as well as everyone doing a “test ride” of their horses. The cardrona tracks are so beautiful and in between blasting about we got told loads about the history of the region. The horses are all absolutely gorgeous and they seemed to be enjoying all the canter spots too - special thanks to Demby who was an absolute dream horse to ride! I felt safe and comfortable during our trek and the guides were excellent at checking everyone was happy before we set off at faster paces. Huge thank you to Hannah, Sophie and Demby for making this the best possible reintroduction to horse riding. I’d definitely recommend this stable as the care for the horses is paramount and the guides are so lovely. Also Ettie the cat is the cutest! I’d definitely love to go riding here again next time I’m in the area
Absolutely wonderful...
Charles R,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely 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!!!
Beautiful Experience!
Jena C,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a lovely time on Stu! He had a personality and kept everyone in line. The trek is through mild hills with lovely scenery- sheep, deer (a baby was born during our trek!), cows, and lupins galore. Truly a beautiful and memorable experience. The horses were ready for the trots/canters in designated safer areas to do so, which was fun. Also, the horses looked happy and well cared for. Our guide was also super nice and informative. I highly recommend this experience!
Best horse ride ever
k8mckenna,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked before our trip to NZ. We travelled from Wanaka on our way to Queenstown via The Cardrona and we had such a great day. We didn't book a private tour but luckily for us no one else had booked on so it was just us and Hannah as our guide. I rode Charlie and my husband rode Willow. The safety element and briefing was very good. This is the best horse ride we have ever been on. Everything about it was brilliant and we had such a great time. Hannah was very knowledgeable and was guided by us and our ability , we only really ride on holiday so arent pros, the ride has a great mix of walk trot and cantering. We felt like cowboys heading into the cardrona pub for a beer on the ride. I wouldn't hesitate to book again if we are ever back in the area. Hannah also took great pictures of us throughout the ride which we purchased afterwards. Thank you again we loved it.
Wonderful view, wonderful experience. Highly recommend
Aimee-689,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hanna made the experience so good, I was super nervous but it was a great experience overall and had such a good time. Thanks team
Healthy horses and nice ride to the pub
pietr0l0renz0,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful afternoon activity. Enjoyed riding to Cardrona pub and having a beer. Many thanks to our guide Hannah and horses.
Riding experience with stunning views.
lindepenn,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are in Wānaka or the neighbourhood of Cardrona and you like horses, this is your chance to see the beautiful environment “ between the ears”. The horses look very well taken care of. I had the privilege to ride Dembe a lovely 6 years old gelding, very welbehaved and playful fouraging if there was an opportunity. Hanna, the instructor, explained very clear at the start what to do. She also made lots of foto’s which you can purchase should you whish. After riding though the farm fields and Hills we stopped ar the Cardrona hotel to have a drink, while the horses were being guarded. It was a super experience!
10/10 would ride again
ericyA7085QG,,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a horseback tour about a day before. Ended up being just us, with our amazing guide, phoebe. The tour took roughly 3hr45min, included a beer at the Cardrona hotel and Phoebe was awesome about telling us the cities history. She was flexible with our intermediate experience, so we did quite a bit of cantering. 10/10, there’s a reason this experience has so many 5 star reviews. Bonus points the shop cat is very friendly and we saw a VERY fresh calf!
Exciting ride for competent riders
200neridan,,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So many trail rides disappoint when you’re an experienced rider - this is not one of them! Lovely trained horses, spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to canter the trails. Kel is a great, accommodating guide. Loved it.
Saddles & Schooners: Just Your Average Ride to the Pub!
Amandita1986,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I had a break from the slopes and did the Pub Trail ride. As my partner has little experience they catered to his experience. We managed to canter in parts and fortunately there was a good mix of pace. The horses were great! It was a beautiful day, beautiful experience that i recommend to everyone! Worth it and a great natural way to see Cardrona Hotel which is a great little pub!
From NZ$699.00
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Operated by The Cardrona