Rides | Horse Treks

"Wonderful guides... Breathtaking setting"


“Wonderful guides (and amazing with the kids) in a breathtaking setting. Love that the new owner is an expert in natural horsemanship and they do not use metal bits with their horses.”

Emily Cunha

The River Wild Experience

Easy

 2.5 Hours

Adult: $249 pp Child: $229 pp

A 2.5 hour experience with a beautiful ride at the head of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. Riding alongside braided, glacial fed rivers. This adventure offers river crossings and spectacular scenery, including views of The Misty Mountains, The Wizard's Vale and The Mighty Methedras. An unforgettable experience for all levels of rider and a great option for mixed ability couples and groups.
Child Price: Ages 10-14  (Children must be accompanied by an adult) | Group discounts for 4 +

Please Note: As this is an education based adventure which requires active discussion between the Guides and riders, ALL riders in your group must have sufficient English and be able to understand and respond to instructions from their Guides. 

Photo packages available at checkout.

* We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for bookings that require special assistance including disabilities.

Ride details


Adventure through the incredible valleys of Glenorchy on this 2 Hour experience. You’ll ride through the incredible, glacial fed, braided river systems and see views made famous by movies such as Lord of The Rings.

Before you head out, our friendly, experienced guides will take you through an intro session on horsemanship and you'll get a chance to bond with your horse on the ground and then in the saddle. This session will set you up for a fun, harmonious ride and you'll feel like a horseman (or horsewoman) as you venture through the coveted landscapes of the Glenorchy river systems with its dramatic mountain backdrop. You’ll ride through the incredible, glacial fed, braided river systems and see views made famous by movies such as LOTR. An experience you won't forget! 

Your guides will show you how to communicate with your horse to ask them to speed up and slow down and backup, so that you can feel the communication and harmony for yourself. You’ll have a chance to walk and even trot on this ride, subject to guide discretion on the day.  Then come back to the ranch, give thanks and treats to your horse for their efforts and join us for a warm beverage on us!  An experience you won't forget!

*This ride is walking with some trotting at the discretion of the guide. Faster paces are dependent on rider abilities and environmental factors and are not guaranteed on any ride.

River crossings are subject to weather conditions and may not be possible on certain days of the year.

Getting there


Driving yourself:
We are located in  the Dart Valley, Glenorchy. You will need to allow  1 hour to drive from Queenstown.

Transport / Transfers:
Unavailable at this time.

What you need to know


Our horses are not machines, and they have been trained with particular cues and communication. We don’t kick or yank our horses and you’ll be asked to use the methods that they are familiar with when you ride with us.

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.

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellations must be made with a minimum of 24 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 24 hours will incur a 10% of the total booking fee, cancellations and changes made within 24 hours of the day of your booked ride are non-refundable.

Arrival times: Please note: that the check-in for your ride is 30 minutes prior to the ride start time. Being late may result in you missing your ride, for which no refund will be given. Please arrive promptly at the check-in time. 

All terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.lighthorseadventures.com/terms-conditions/

Can't find what you're looking for?

We offer tailor made packages through the stunning surrounds of the Dart Valley. Let us create the perfect  experience,  just for you.