Lighthorse Adventures – Horse Riding Treks Queenstown Glenorchy
Horse Riding Treks in Glenorchy, Queenstown
Lighthorse Stables The Home Of Happy Horses
Experience Horse Trekking in Glenorchy with Lighthorse Adventures
At Lighthorse Adventures, we offer unforgettable horse treks for riders of all experience levels, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Glenorchy’s stunning landscapes. Just a short drive from Queenstown, our treks are designed to provide a safe, enjoyable, and immersive experience for both riders and horses.
Our ethos is simple—happy horses make for better rides. We prioritize the welfare of our horses, ensuring they are well-trained, well-cared for, and eager to explore alongside you. Unlike traditional trekking operations, we do things a little differently…
Our Horses at Lighthorse Stables
Each of our horses is hand-picked for temperament, strength, and character. We work with a range of quality breeds, including:
✔ Purebred Clydesdales
✔ Gypsy Vanners
✔ Quarter Horses
✔ Draft Crosses
All of our horses receive extensive foundational training, ensuring they are calm, responsive, and confident on the trail. While we believe any horse can become a fantastic trekking partner with the right foundation, we select those that naturally enjoy the journey—making the experience more fun for them and for you!
Our Expert Horse Trek Guides
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned rider looking for something unique, our experienced and passionate guides are here to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported every step of the way.
Our team undergoes comprehensive horsemanship training and regular skills assessments, maintaining the highest standards of care for both you as a rider and our horses.
Join us for a truly special horse trekking experience in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking locations! 🐎🌿
Lighthorse Adventures
Easy Rider
Lighthorse Adventures
Graze & Glory
Price: $189
Ride Time: 75 minutes
Departs: Select time on booking
A trail ride for everybody, even the kids! This relaxing, slow-paced trek allows you to explore the coveted landscapes of the Glenorchy river systems with its dramatic mountain backdrop.
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 a leisurely 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.
Price: $565 per person
Ride Time: 4.5 Hours approx
Departs: Select time on booking
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.
Stopping midway through for a relaxing break and picnic lunch (or second breakfast!).
Graze with your horse on the riverside!
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 and trotting. Cantering is not guaranteed.
Lighthorse Adventures
Rivers Wild
Lighthorse Adventures
Custom 3.5 Hour Ride
Price: $289
Ride Time: 2 Hours
Departs: 10:30 am & 3:00 pm
A beautiful 2 hour experience 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.
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. 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.
Price: $650
Ride Time: 3.5 Hours
Departs: Check availability
A beautiful 2.5 hour experience 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.
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.
An experience you won’t forget!
*Faster paces are dependent on rider abilities and environmental factors and are not guaranteed on any ride.
Rider Safety & Health Requirements
- Pregnancy & Back Issues: For safety reasons, pregnant riders and those with back issues that may be triggered by riding are not permitted to ride.
- Weight Limit: There is a strict rider weight limit of 105kg for the health and wellbeing of our horses. Accurate weight must be provided when booking.
- Weigh-In Policy: We reserve the right to weigh riders on the day. If the weight limit is exceeded, the rider will not be permitted to ride, and a full charge will apply.
- Custom Arrangements: Riders outside these weight limits must make prior arrangements before booking.
Safety & Responsibility
- Guide Instructions: Riders must pay attention and follow all guide instructions for their safety.
- Trip Modifications: Guides may shorten, change, or cancel trips if a rider’s fitness or ability is not suitable.
- Non-Completion: If a rider cannot complete the trek after departure, no refund will be issued.
- Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for any personal belongings taken on treks or left at our office.
Booking Terms & Conditions
- Weather & Safety: All bookings depend on weather and safety conditions.
- Cancellations by Us: If we cancel and cannot offer an alternative, a refund will be issued.
- Cancellations by Customers:
- More than 24 hours’ notice: Eligible for a reschedule or refund.
- Between 30 days and 24 hours: A 10% fee applies.
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: Non-refundable.
- No Show Policy: If the trek proceeds and the customer chooses not to ride, no refund will be given.
Natural Horsemanship Treks
in the Dart Valley, Glenorchy, New Zealand
A horse riding experience you’ll remember forever!
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Lighthorse Adventures Glenorchy - Riders Reviews:
These stables are so well run with great care and attention taken of both riders, horses, and the interaction between the two. I learned to ride and worked in stables for the love of it during the sixties in the UK, but this is a much kinder style of riding, it’s much more a partnership than it used to be, and the American saddles are very comfortable.
The scenery is spectacular and the braided river makes the riding interesting and varied. I hadn’t ridden for many years and was thrilled to enjoy such a wonderful, safe experience after so long.
Awesome job and experience worth a repeat.
Thanks a lot