CONNECTION. TRUST. ADVENTURE
Overnight Multi-Day
Horse Riding Adventures
CONNECTION. TRUST. ADVENTURE
Overnight Multi-Day
Horse Riding Adventures
Let the Dart Valley become your playground
and our horses become your partners!
MULTI-DAY Horseback ADVENTURES
Journey deep into Glenorchy’s pristine landscape on a multi-day Lighthorse expedition. Navigate glacier-fed streams and ancient forests, where the mountains silence speaks louder than words. Where authentic horsemanship meets raw wilderness — forging connections between rider, horse, and land that transform how you see the world.
Ride of the kings | 2 Days / 1 NIGHT
An epic adventure through our glorious rivers and valleys! Get immersed in the experience and become one with your horse over this 2 day adventure.
*Trek availability is subject to weather and seasons.
DAY 1:
Start your day right with a Natural Horsemanship session. Our experienced team will guide you to build a bond with your horse, before heading out to explore the Dart Valley.
The first day’s ride finishes at Kinloch.
DAY 2:
Breakfast at the head of the lake before setting out into the trails of the area. Please note that the trails used may vary with weather or environmental conditions.
The day’s riding finishes back at Lighthorse’s base between 3:30-4:30pm.
Enjoy a cuppa with your guides and a debrief of the adventure before heading back home.
This ride is fully catered and accomodation is included in the price.
Cooked dinner and breakfast. Picnic lunches provided.
Boutique accommodation at Kinloch Lodge with hot tub.
Accomodation is shared in groups of 4. Private accommodation may be organised but is subject to availability.
*Please note that accomodation is shared unless a private option is selected.
Horseman’s Getaway | 4 Days / 3 NIGHTS
This adventure is all about finding a connection with your horse through this three day ride while you explore the eighth wonder of the world.
*Trek availability is subject to weather and seasons.
Morning warm up with your horse to synchronise before riding off through the Dart Valley. With multiple river crossings, cantering through the old sandy river beds, refreshments at Kinloch Lodge at the head of the lake and then riding though beach forest.
Ride the Greenstone Station road which is rising and descending through the forest offering some great views of Lake Wakatipu and its’ surroundings
Take your horsemanship further by learning the basics of brideless riding with the help of your experienced guides.
Dip in the lake or even take your horse for a swim.
Explore the trails of Greenstone and Elfin Bay or Venture the cosy Rees Valley, through its’ willow tree groves or on the riverbed with some additional river crossings.
This ride is fully catered and accomodation is included in the price.
Cooked dinner and breakfast. Picnic lunches provided.
Boutique accommodation at Kinloch Lodge with hot tub.
*Please note that accomodation is shared unless a private option is selected.
Private Queen bedroom available at an extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are located in the Dart Valley, Glenorchy.
You will need to allow 1 hour to drive from Queenstown.
We’ve partnered with Evolve Rentals to offer an exclusive offer. Simply mention Lighthorse Adventures when booking with them directly via email and you’ll get a flat rate of $100 per day with any hatchback vehicle booking with them!
Yes! Say cheese! 📸 We’ve got photo packages at checkout because let’s be honest—your phone’s gonna be in your bag while you’re having too much fun. Our photographers know all the best spots to capture your victory poses, mid-gallop action shots, and those pure joy moments. Grab a package and turn your Lighthorse adventure into frame-worthy memories
We use high-quality western saddles from Natural Horseman Saddles, specifically designed for both rider comfort and horse performance. Our fleet includes a variety of models—Easy Rider, Deep Seats, Litita Wade, and Roper saddles—each carefully selected to suit different riders and horses.
These aren’t your typical saddles.
They’re custom-made with features that make a real difference on the trail:
– Horn for security – Something solid to hold onto when you need it, giving you confidence and stability.
– Padded seats – Designed for comfort on longer rides so you can focus on the experience, not saddle soreness.
– Flexible tree design – Moves naturally with your horse’s body, allowing them to perform at their best while keeping you balanced and secure
.
The difference is noticeable. These saddles are purpose-built for trekking—giving you the security and comfort you need to relax and enjoy the ride, while ensuring your horse can move freely and comfortably beneath you. When both horse and rider are comfortable, that’s when the real magic happens.
You’ll feel better, ride better, and connect better in quality equipment designed with both you and your horse in mind.
Yes, our rider weight limit is 105kg, allowances for riders outside of this weight limit may be granted for experienced riders or for shorter rides, depending on the riders’ weight. Any allowances made by Lighthorse must be granted in writing and will be checked on the day.
We have different sized horses for different sized people. But at the end of the day, horse riding is still an athletic activity and you need to be able to get on and get off safely without hurting yourself or the horse. Please be honest about your weight and ability as there will be no refunds if you’re turned away from your ride because inaccurate information was provided. If in doubt (call us) to discuss your needs prior to booking.
We endeavour to make Lighthorse experiences accessible to everyone. Please contact our team prior to booking so we can discuss your specific needs and determine how we can best accommodate you. We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for bookings requiring special assistance or disability accommodations. Every rider and every need is different, so reach out and let’s have a conversation about what’s possible for your visit.
Cancellations must be made with a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to the day of your booked ride to qualify for a booking re-schedule or refund. Cancellations and booking changes made after 30 days, but prior to 48 hours will incur a 10% of the total booking fee, cancellations and changes made within 48 hours of the day of your booked ride are non-refundable.
All terms and conditions can be found here: www.lighthorseadventures.com/terms-conditions
RIDE THE GLACIAL RIVERS
WHERE MIDDLE-EARTH COMES ALIVE.
We offer tailor made custom day rides and package experiences.
Perfect for private groups, couples, surprise proposals, advanced horsemanship
or any adventure you can dream up through the stunning surrounds of the Dart Valley.
Trek Testimonials
Hear from those who have experienced a Lighthorse Adventure!
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing time. The coaching was very thorough, the horses were great and the ladies who took us out were amazing. It was a cold and wet day jackets, boots and gloves were provided. Highly recommend ✨⭐️🌟Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and adorable horses.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 良い経験が出来ました！Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Most magical day of my life! Honestly, I can’t even find the right words to describe how incredible this experience was. I booked a custom tour for my girlfriend and me and it’s where I proposed to her. I truly could not have imagined a more perfect way to do it. From start to finish, everything felt absolutely perfect. Reaching out to the team at Lighthorse was so easy, they replied quickly, were incredibly helpful, and went above and beyond with ideas and support to help me plan the proposal. As soon as we arrived, they continued to impress us. The whole team was so warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. Check-in was smooth and easy, and then our adventure began. Helena, our guide, was simply amazing, without a doubt the best guide I’ve ever had. She welcomed us so kindly, picked us up from the waiting area, and introduced us to our horses in such a calm and thoughtful way. She took the time to show us how to connect with them, and from the very beginning, we felt completely safe and comfortable. The ride itself was breathtaking, the landscapes around Glenorchy are something else, but what made it truly special was the way everything was handled with so much care, passion, and attention to detail. And then, of course, the proposal… it was perfect. Something we will remember for the rest of our lives. She said yes and I honestly don’t think there could have been a more magical place or a better team to be part of such an important moment. Thank you to everyone at Lighthorse for creating what was truly the best day of our lives. We will never forget it.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience! Of course the location was incredible but what made it so special was that the staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. This tour actually takes the time to teach you about the nature of horses (natural horsemanship), how to connect with them, and enjoy riding together. I learned so much more than I anticipated and so enjoyed the adventure of the river crossings!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would highly recommend Lighthorse Adventures! It was our first time riding and we chose the easy ride. We had a great time and really appreciated being given the chance to spend time bonding with our horses. Phoenix is such a sweet boy 🐴✨ The whole experience was made even better by our guides who were knowledgeable, experienced, and engaging. Thank you team!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice tour, beautiful view~Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with Lighthorse🥹 Highly recommend to everyone!! The horses are well trained🫶The team are suuuuuuuuuper friendly💕💕Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A horses paradise & riders dream! We spent three days around Lighthorse Adventures with the idea to get my husband on a horse and into riding. His summary: “I can’t imagine something more beautiful!” And with that everything important is said! Lighthorse Adventures is a wonderful place surrounded by stunning nature. But best of all are all those lovely and “light” horses and the very friendly and well educated staff. Thank you so much for a wonderful time down by the river!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Want a Custom Experience?
We create custom package adventures through the breathtaking Dart Valley, designed around what you love most. Whether it’s a special anniversary, a surprise proposal, private rides, riverside camps under starlit skies or dawn rides through ancient forests — let’s craft something just for you.