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 Pony Express

Easy

 20 Mins

$45 pp

A fun venture for the littlies on this gentle, scenic pony ride through the beautiful surrounds of the Dart Valley. Perfect for children between ages of 3 and 7.

Photo packages available at checkout.

Ride details


A fun adventure for the littlies on this gentle, scenic pony ride through the beautiful surrounds of the Dart Valley.

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.

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.

All terms and conditions can be found here:

https://www.lighthorseadventures.com/terms-conditions/

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.

The Easy Rider Experience

Easy

 1Hr 30Min

Adult: $169 pp Child: $139 pp

A trail ride for everybody, even the kids! This is a relaxing, slow paced trek that allows you to explore the coveted landscapes of the Glenorchy river systems with its dramatic mountain backdrop.Great for the whole family. Walk only ride | Family discounts available. 
Child price: Age 5-14 | Ages 5-7 on a lead line + $30 (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Photo packages available at checkout.
* We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for bookings that require special assistance including disabilities.

Ride details


Once you arrive our friendly, experienced team will get you "geared up" and take you through an introduction to our horses and how we communicate with them. You'll have a chance to meet and bond with your horse before heading out for the easy ride along the valley and river systems. There's no more magical experience than venturing through the wilderness with you and your horse in harmony together! 

This ride is walking only.

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.

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

The River Wild Experience

Easy

 2.5 Hours

Adult: $229 pp Child: $209 pp

A 2-2.5 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 +

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.

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

Graze & Glory Experience

Intermediate +

 3-4 Hours

$329 pp

3- 4 hour trek that rides through a range of different landscapes, river crossings*, lupin fields** and more. A great ride that offers a varied pace and a 20 minute break for relaxing picnic lunch.

Rider's must have ridden at least 31 times before and be confident at the canter
Ages 15+ only  (Children must be accompanied by an adult) | 

Group discounts for 4 +

We recommend this ride for intermediate to experienced riders. 

Photo packages available at checkout.

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

Ride details


The kind of ride dreams are made of. Feel like you are riding through a fairytale with this 3 hour adventure. Suitable for confident beginners through to advanced. Must have ridden at least 31 times before and be comfortable at the canter. 

Stopping midway through for a relaxing break and picnic lunch (or second breakfast!). Graze with your horse on the riverside! Please note that lunches are an extra charge and can be selected through the booking process, you are also welcome to bring your own lunches (please pack your lunches in such a way that they can easily slide into the saddlebags and not leak onto your horse). Please list any dietary restrictions or allergies if booking lunches through us. 

 You'll get the best of both worlds, as this ride covers landscape from two different river systems, the Dart River and the Rees River. Both stunning braided rivers that are have their own unique qualities. 

*This ride is walking, trotting and cantering. Cantering is not guaranteed. The Guides will decide on the most suitable pace for the group that they have on the day. 

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 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: https://www.lighthorseadventures.com/terms-conditions/

Ride of the Kings | Full Day

Intermediate +

Full Day

From $485

An epic adventure through our glorious rivers and valleys! Get immersed in the experience and become one with your horse over this full day adventure. You'll start your day with an introduction to the art of Horsemanship and build your bond throughout the day while you and your horse venture together as partners through some of the worlds most scenic riding areas. 

Customise your ride with lunch (or second and third breakfast) and other horse activities such as log jumping, cowboy skills, horseback archery and/or added horsemanship tuition.

Rider's must have ridden at least 51 times before and be confident at the canter
Photo packages available at checkout.

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

Ride details


Immerse yourself in this epic adventure. Start with a 45 minute introduction to the art of natural horsemanship, then build the bond with your horse while you venture together through some of the world's most scenic riding areas and popular filming sites. Your guides will take you through different gaits, terrain and challenges, while you enjoy the magic of horse riding - like kings of the past. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river with your horse. You are welcome to bring your own lunches (please pack them so that they can slide into the saddle bags without leaking onto your horse), or book a lunch through us (select during the booking process, please remember to list any dietary restrictions or allergies). 

The Ride of the Kings is designed for confident and capable riders.  Due to the terrain and safe group management, we never promise to offer the canter. However, it is the expectation in joining this ride that you are able to rise to the trot, sit to the canter and are riding fit for a full day adventure.

*Extra activities subject to advanced guide availability.
*Trek availability is subject to weather and seasons. 

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. 

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 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: https://www.lighthorseadventures.com/terms-conditions/

Custom Trek Experiences

All Levels

Custom

Custom

Customise a tailored experience to fit your every need, whether you are a couple, small group or large gathering, we can create the perfect experience for you.

Customise your ride with lunch (or second and third breakfast), stop over restaurant dining and other horse activities such as log jumping, cowboy skills, horseback archery and/or added horsemanship tuition, overnight camp outs or accommodation stops plus anything you could possibly think up.
Photo packages available at checkout.

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

Ride details


The full day or overnight tailored experiences. Add a theme to your adventure with the options of Horse Archery, Cowboy Skills or a deeper dive into the art of Horsemanship. This product involves walking, trotting, and some cantering for confident riders, able riders.

Get immersed with this epic adventure. Start with a 30 minute intro to the art of Horsemanship and build the bond with your horse while you venture together through some of the world's most scenic riding areas and popular filming sites. Be guided through different gaits, terrain and challenges while you enjoy the magic of horse riding.. Like kings of the past. 

Multi day - Natural Horsemanship courses. This is for the avid learner or traveling horse owners. Options to bring your own horse and equipment or use ours. The focus is on learning horsemanship and deep development of your leadership skills. A combination of ground skills and riding. Learn how to play at “liberty” with your horse “no strings attached” and learn about the art of Bridleless Riding.

*Extra activities subject to advanced guide availability.
*Trek availability is subject to weather and seasons. 

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:
Transfers to and from Queenstown may be available for large group bookings of 8-11 people, please call or email to discuss.

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 must be sought and provided in writing from Lighthorse Adventures. 

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 made within 24 hours of the day of your booked ride are non-refundable.

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.