High Country Horses vs The Cardrona
Two Queenstown operators compared (Horse trekking). High Country Horses starts at NZ$180 and The Cardrona at NZ$449. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.
High Country Horses
- Operating since 1987; describes itself as locally owned
- Rides are walk-only, walk and trot, or include canter depending on the trek
- Says it has exclusive riding access in Paradise Valley
- Multi-day rides from NZ$1,350 (2 days) to NZ$3,600 (4 days), with accommodation, meals and transfers
- Basic English required on all rides
Mid Rivers Ride
- From
- NZ$180 per person
- Length
- 1 hour; daily at 12:30pm
Ride of the Rings
- From
- NZ$279 per person
- Length
- 1 hour; three departures daily
Rees River Trail
- From
- NZ$300 per person
- Length
- 2 hours (the day-ride listing says 2.5 hours); daily at 9am and 2:30pm
- Min age
- 7+; under 16 must be with a parent or guardian
- Weight
- 90 kg; guests may be weighed at check-in
- Cancellation
- Full refund 7 or more days out; 50% refund from 7 days to 24 hours; no refund within 24 hours.
The Cardrona
- Trading name on Tourism New Zealand: The Cardrona Horse Treks & Quad Bike Tours
- Rides on a working sheep and cattle station in the Cardrona Valley, 20 minutes from Wanaka
- Horses are 11 geldings, all former harness racehorses
- Rides in all weather; may cancel if weather or minimum numbers require
The Gold Discovery Trail
- From
- NZ$449 per adult
- Length
- Allow 2 hours; meet 9:30am (1pm on request)
- Group
- Minimum two riders; single riders waitlisted or can ask for a private ride
- Min age
- 5+
- Weight
- 105 kg, strictly; riders are weighed
- Cancellation
- Full refund or reschedule with 24 hours' notice; no refund within 24 hours, for late arrivals or no-shows.
The High Country Pub Trail
- From
- NZ$549 per adult
- Length
- Allow 3.5 hours; meet 12:30pm
- Group
- Minimum two riders
- Min age
- Intermediate level and up; not recommended for small children
- Weight
- 105 kg, strictly; riders are weighed
- Cancellation
- Full refund or reschedule with 24 hours' notice; no refund within 24 hours, for late arrivals or no-shows.
Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-22. See every operator in Horse trekking.