Cardrona Valley Horse Trek: Scenic Morning Ride

Embark on a small-group horse riding adventure in Cardrona Valley. Explore the stunning scenery, learn about the gold rush, and enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your riding ability.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Wanaka - Ride a horse along Cardrona River and up in to the mountains whilst enjoying amazing views and commentary about the 1860s gold rush Cardrona experienced.

PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HORSE RIDING ABILITY UPON BOOKING SO THE APPROPRIATE HORSES ARE SELECTED FOR YOUR RIDE

What's Included
  • Guided Tour
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Join us for an exquisite early morning horse ride in Cardrona Valley, Wanaka. We accommodate all levels of horse riding proficiency with limited group sizes. Your journey will take you underneath the willow trees, crossing the river, and upwards into the hills, offering breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, our…

Location
2125 Cardrona Valley Road
Cardrona Valley Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(155 Ratings)
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K4320hkoliviaw
Jan 31, 2026
Horse trek for experienced and beginner riders - Me and my friend done a self drive tour around New Zealand - we decided to add the cardrona horse trek onto our itinerary last minute (16/12/2025)- the company were very quick with being able to accompany us which was perfect as we didn’t spend much time passing through. We was met with Sophie who was our guide - she was just lovely and a great support for my friend -it was her first ride on a horse ever. We loved every moment of it seeing such amazing views and it was lovely being able to see such healthy and cared for horses who just live their jobs. Sophie made it a great trek for us and would highly recommend anyone beginner or experience to go here. Overall super x
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ajayceri
Jan 30, 2026
Lovely gentle ride through beautiful scenery on well-behaved horses. - Thoroughly enjoyable 2 hour ride through Cordrona Valley with some shallow river crossings, trotting and walking. Sophie the guide told of the history and plants of the area. She was attentive to all the riders in the small group. The horses look in great condition- which for me is so important when booking a riding activity on holiday. Riding hats were new and in good condition. I was lucky as there were only three in total in our group. It maybe a different experience with a large group, but the horses are very well-behaved. The horses were tacked up ready to go so no waiting around, and giving them their post-ride fees is a nice touch. Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ceriajay
Jan 30, 2026
Gentle ride through beautiful scenery on well-behaved horses. - Very much enjoyed the 2 hour trek. Beautiful scenery. Sophie the guide was attentive and told about the history of Cordrona as we rode. Walking and some trotting but no pressure to ride fast; fun crossing creeks and through flocks of sheep. The horses are in great condition which is so important to me when doing a riding activity on holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreawu8254js
Jan 21, 2026
. - Amazing experience for myself and my daughter. Scenery was amazing. Very relaxing. Kelly gave an awesome guide, we will definitely be back again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faith_m
Jan 11, 2026
Was a great walk on the... - Was a great walk on the horses around the paddock and up over the mountains into the fields. The instructor made us all feel very safe on the horses at all times. Steps and techniques are kept simple for beginners which is what I chose. I had a really fun time with my partner, horses were beautiful and gentle, you can tell there well looked after and trained. Instructors were friendly and knowledgeable and took fabulous photos of us on the horses.
Review provided by Viator
Roam29898709886
Jan 4, 2026
Beautiful horses treated well with respect! - The horse riding tour is amazing!!! Kelly, the owner, treats her horses with respect, taking superb care of them. Her horses are very beautiful and live a great life. Our tour guide, Agatha was also very friendly and professional. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathyviajes
Dec 27, 2025
Amazing day - Such a fun day. Sasha was a great leader, paying attention to all of the riders and telling us about the area. Definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_dominga
Dec 15, 2025
Absolutely beautiful - It was such a beautiful experience! We are both absolute beginners, but Hanna was such a great teacher and we felt very safe and comfortable. The view on the tour is just stunning and the photos that Hanna takes look so professional. We really enjoyed this beautiful experience which is definitely one of our top three experiences in New Zealand. Thank you, Hanna!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edwardgx5955zc
Dec 10, 2025
A must-do family adventure: Golden Trail Ride with Hannah! - An epic family adventure on the Golden Trail Discovery ride! As parents of boys aged 6 and 9, we couldn’t have asked for better. Hannah and Kay our guides was phenomenal; patient, fun and expert at easing first-timers into the saddle with safety tips, horse matching and engaging tales of local history. The 2 hours trail wove through stunning NZ valleys-wild lupine, stream crossing and epic mountain view. Hannah’s enthusiasm turned nerves into giggles; by the end, our boys were trotting confidently. Perfect for familles, easy pace, Kiwi warmth and pure joy. Hannah and Kay, you are legends! We will be back, 10/10 highlight of our NZ trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bruce_c
Dec 29, 2025
Very bad experience - Activity provider refused to provide any service after a 30 mins late, at meanwhile they also refused to provide any refund or reschedule which seems illegal
Review provided by Viator
From $293
up to 7 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).