High Country Horses - Glenorchy - Queenstown

Welcome to New Zealand’s largest horse trekking company!

High Country Horses prides itself of being exclusively owned  by New Zealanders, in New Zealand, with over 30 years’ experience in tourism. 

Deana has owned the business since 2004 starting with a garage shed and 8 horses. Now the business operates two different bases and has a herd of over 90 horses to choose from, covering a variety of breeds, heights, temperaments, and abilities. There is something for everyone here!

With over 100,000 acres of stunning, world famous Glenorchy back country to ride on exclusively, clients are lucky enough to experience crossing glacial fed waters, ride amongst the wildflowers and lupins, be awe inspired by the towering snow-capped mountain ranges that hug Glenorchy, and truly immerse themselves into middle earth on horseback. 

We cover the Dart Valley, Paradise Valley and Rees Valley, depending on the trek you choose, and offer rides from one hour through to five days.  Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced rider, we have something that suits all. We are the only company in the country to offer this.  

Note: weight limit for riders on all rides is 95kg, child age range is 7-14yrs. 

Ride options:

Rees River Trail - 2.5 hours

Departs 9am and 2:30pm daily.

Beginner – experienced welcome 2.5-hour ride catering for beginners through to intermediate/experienced riders after a relaxed paced ride. Designed to take in the beautiful scenery Glenorchy has to offer. This ride takes clients across farmland and out onto the Rees River, where they will experience crossing glacial fed waters, ride amongst the lupin fields, and be awe inspired by our beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges. 

*Faster pace not guaranteed – only at guides recommendation*

Rees River PRO - 2.5 hours 

Departs 9am and 2:30pm upon request (guide availability)

Experienced riders ONLY

2.5-hour ride for those that know how to ride! This experienced level ONLY ride combines the breath-taking beauty of the Rees River Valley, with the exhilaration of exploring it at pace with a group of capable riders that can keep up! This ride features all the scenic highlights of our Rees River Trail, including crossing glacial fed waters, riding amongst the lupin fields, and features the awe inspired snow-capped mountain ranges known famously in many Hollywood blockbusters including LOTR, Hobbit, Narnia, mission impossible and wolverine etc.

Min 2 riders required for this ride.

Mountain High, River Deep - Full day - 5-6 hours

Departs 9am 

This ride is on demand, and depends on availability 

Experienced riders ONLY

Our company boasts the largest backyard in the Queenstown Basin. Come and explore over 100,000 acres of pristine Backcountry. Cross glacier fed rivers, climb the side of a mountain range and explore trails through ancient beech forest.

Lunch included in this package. 5-6 hours in the saddle.

FOR RIDERS WITH A GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS AND RIDING ABILITY: due to the terrain and the length of the ride, riding experience is required. Anyone who overstates their experience and is unable to keep up on this ride will be removed from the ride with no refund given.

Paradise Cinematic Trail - 1.5 hours

Departs 9:30am and 1:30pm

Beginner – experienced welcome

Seasonal only, October - March Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Paradise, the world renowned filming location that has inspired New Zealand’s biggest Hollywood blockbuster films including Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, X-Men: Origins and most recently The Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt. 

High Country Horses have exclusive horse riding access through this iconic film location, hence the higher price. 

Exclusive/private rides

Booked upon request only.

All abilities catered too.

Exclusive rides are a perfect option for those that want a fully custom experience, high end clients, or those that would like a private or personal experience during their ride.

We offer a range of different services that can be fully customized for your ultimate experience, including privately guided trails, wedding proposals, photo shoots, location scouting (horseback), filming etc.

We cover Paradise, Rees Valley, the Dart River and surrounding areas. 

Please contact us directly to enquire about our exclusive rides.

Note: If you require a password for the Rates Page, please email marijke@smartourism.co.nz (trade only)