Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

Highlights

Inclusions

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 274 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5One of the best Wanaka experiences around!

  We had such an amazing horseback trekking experience with Maeve! My wife and I were the only two people in our group, which made the whole experience feel really personal. I’m a beginner rider, so I was a little nervous going in, but Maeve was so helpful and patient. She made me feel completely comfortable and confident, and by the end I felt like I’d been riding for years! She also shared some really interesting history about the area and pointed out the wildlife along the way. And a special thank you to our horses, Danny and Pete, for being such great companions! Maeve was fantastic and genuinely made it one of the best days of our lives. We couldn’t recommend her or the experience enough!

  K7197ZDmikedOctober 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Exhilarating experience with a top tier guide on well-trained horses

  My son and I rode with Sophie as our fantastic guide. This was among the very top experiences in our two week visit to both islands. We were not experienced riders; really just walking horses on a few other rides elsewhere. But Sophie figured out that we could handle riding the horses at a trot and canter, which ended up being super fun. She constantly checked with us as to how we were handling it and I felt like we learned a huge amount about riding horses from her patient, attentive and enthusiastic attitude. The area we rode through was beautiful and the stop at the Historic Cardrona Hotel was fun. Later, we drove back to that restaurant for some excellent burgers. We rode next to a herd of deer and it was amazing watching them run about from up close. Sophie gave us a running commentary on the history and character of the land. Unlike other horse guides do sometimes, she made a point to turn toward us and speak to where we could clearly hear her. I don't know how she managed it, but she took some great footage while we were in a canter.

  jeffj509April 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Safe and exciting with lots of local history thrown in

  Excellent guide in Agate who made sure our less experienced rider was comfortable at all times and we had a stunning day! Very informative about the area and history which was great!

  OnAir52607811435April 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Fantastic afternoon

  My husband and I hadn’t ridden for over 12 years but decided to do the longer ride. The horses were amazing and they are so well trained. Out tour guide Hanna was fantastic always keeping on eye on everyone and a wealth of local information and history. The pub was an added bonus and a great break to stretch your legs . Highly recommended

  646mervintMarch 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5The best horse riding experience I’ve had in years! This adventurous ride is perfect for so many awesome canters

  I’d initially booked on the gold rush ride as I’d not ridden in a few years and was feeling a bit nervous about getting back in the saddle. The stable had suggested changing to the intermediate ride to the pub instead and I’m so grateful they did. Our guides Hannah and Sophie got everyone introduced and comfortable with their horses and we got a demonstration as well as everyone doing a “test ride” of their horses. The cardrona tracks are so beautiful and in between blasting about we got told loads about the history of the region. The horses are all absolutely gorgeous and they seemed to be enjoying all the canter spots too - special thanks to Demby who was an absolute dream horse to ride! I felt safe and comfortable during our trek and the guides were excellent at checking everyone was happy before we set off at faster paces. Huge thank you to Hannah, Sophie and Demby for making this the best possible reintroduction to horse riding. I’d definitely recommend this stable as the care for the horses is paramount and the guides are so lovely. Also Ettie the cat is the cutest! I’d definitely love to go riding here again next time I’m in the area

  meriella27December 2025via Tripadvisor

• 5Absolutely wonderful...

  Absolutely wonderful time. Sasha and Phoebe were great guides. You’ll have a great time if they are leading your group. The horses were the best - so sweet! Def an amazing tour!!!

  Charles_RDecember 2025via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Wānaka

• Its from-price is 112% above the median of the 79 experiences we list in Wānaka.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 6 of 79.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Wānaka

Wānaka is a lakeside town in New Zealand's Southern Alps, set below snowy peaks, a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the ski fields.

Wānaka sits at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region of the South Island, with mountains rising on every side. A path follows the lakefront past the lone willow that stands in the water, which has become a symbol of the town. Roys Peak, with its zigzag track, and Mount Iron give views over the lake and the valley. The town has cafés, galleries and a nearby wine region.

Top-ranked sights in Wānaka: Lake Wānaka, Blue Pools Track.

See all 79 experiences in Wānaka