What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Exhilarating experience with a top tier guide on well-trained horses

  jeffj509,Apr 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My son and I rode with Sophie as our fantastic guide. This was among the very top experiences in our two week visit to both islands. We were not experienced riders; really just walking horses on a few other rides elsewhere. But Sophie figured out that we could handle riding the horses at a trot and canter, which ended up being super fun. She constantly checked with us as to how we were handling it and I felt like we learned a huge amount about riding horses from her patient, attentive and enthusiastic attitude. The area we rode through was beautiful and the stop at the Historic Cardrona Hotel was fun. Later, we drove back to that restaurant for some excellent burgers. We rode next to a herd of deer and it was amazing watching them run about from up close. Sophie gave us a running commentary on the history and character of the land. Unlike other horse guides do sometimes, she made a point to turn toward us and speak to where we could clearly hear her. I don't know how she managed it, but she took some great footage while we were in a canter.

• Safe and exciting with lots of local history thrown in

  OnAir52607811435,Apr 10, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Excellent guide in Agate who made sure our less experienced rider was comfortable at all times and we had a stunning day! Very informative about the area and history which was great!

  

• Great scenery, great team. Horses know the routes by heart.... Challenging tour

  Sunshine50620087305,Mar 25, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  The scenery you ride through is very beautiful. The tour guides very well positioned, helpful and friendly. However, this tour is really only for saddle resistant and very experienced riders!!! Personally (as a very experienced rider) I found the tracks on which they galloped dangerous. Narrow paths, along the mountainside... so not suitable for people afraid of heights.

• Fantastic afternoon

  646mervint,Mar 13, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My husband and I hadn’t ridden for over 12 years but decided to do the longer ride. The horses were amazing and they are so well trained. Out tour guide Hanna was fantastic always keeping on eye on everyone and a wealth of local information and history. The pub was an added bonus and a great break to stretch your legs . Highly recommended

  

  

• 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

  5.00

  I’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

  5.00

  Absolutely 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

  5.00

  I 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

  5.00

  We 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

  5.00

  Hanna 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

  5.00

  Beautiful afternoon activity. Enjoyed riding to Cardrona pub and having a beer. Many thanks to our guide Hannah and horses.

• Load more reviews