Horse Trekking

New Zealand has horse trekking operations in almost every corner of NZ. Contact the nearest Visitor Information Centre for the pamphlet Where to Ride in New Zealand, produced by the International League for the Protection of Horses.

Commercial New Zealand operators usually have a selection of horses and ponies to suit all ages and riding abilities. Treks are available in a great variety of picturesque scenic NZ landscapes. Often they traverse typical New Zealand working farms and high country stations. Sometimes horse treks are centred on native rainforest areas or broad surf beaches and sand dunes around beautiful New Zealand.

New Zealand horse treks can be any duration you desire from one hour jaunts to all-day adventure rides and even 12 day riding and camping expeditions. The longest and highest rides are in the South Island of NZ in areas like the West Coast, Kaikoura, Mt Cook, Queenstown and Dunedin. In the North Island of NZ there are numerous options for wilderness trekking in places like Pakiri Beach and South Kaipara near Auckland, as well as Coromandel, Waitomo and Taupo.

Canterbury and Central Otago on the South Island are renowned for their long, arduous backcountry saddle expeditions. This involves riding purpose-bred horses along high ridges of golden brown tussock surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains. Each day you load up a team of packhorses and shift camp, following pack tracks made by the early pioneers.

Try the riding opportunities as you travel around NZ and enjoy your horse trekking New Zealand adventure.