Horse trek near Wanaka: Cardrona High Country Pub Trail
You spend most of this ride moving at a trot or canter, not walking.
The Cardrona High Country Pub Trail is a half-day horse trek 20 minutes from Wanaka that takes you up into the mountains of Cardrona Valley, across the river to the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, and back along the riverbed. A professional guide in English leads the ride. No riding experience is required, but the trek is built around trotting and cantering, not walking, so you need to be comfortable at speed and specify your ability when you book so the right horse is matched to you.
What’s included
- Professional guide in English.
- helmet.
- complimentary beverage at the Cardrona Hotel.
Times
- Every day 12:30
Before you book
Operated by The Cardrona
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The ride starts by climbing high into the mountains, where you'll see the Pisa and Crown Ranges and Cardrona Ski Area spread across the valley. Your guide handles the route and the pace. All you do is ride. The horses are chosen based on your stated ability, so if you've ridden before and want to move faster, there are stretches where you can. If you're new to riding but comfortable with instruction, the guide adjusts the horse and the rhythm to match you, but this is not a walk-only experience. The trek is built around trotting and cantering, and the operator is clear about that upfront because it changes who should book.
Halfway through, you drop down and cross the river to reach the Cardrona Hotel, a historic stop where you dismount, stretch your legs, and get a drink on the operator, no extra charge. It's a real break in the saddle time, not a photo stop. Then you ride back along the river to return, with more chances to move at speed if you want it. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours from start to finish.
You'll wear a helmet throughout, and the guide is with you the entire way. The trek operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions: rain, wind or sun, the ride goes ahead. Arrive on time. The operator does not wait for late arrivals and does not refund if you miss your slot. If you're a complete beginner or traveling with small children, the operator recommends their Gold Discovery Trail instead, which is built for that.
Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the whole ride, so you follow the commentary without strain. Book this one if you're comfortable trotting and cantering: the operator matches horses to your stated ability, but the trek itself is built around speed, not a leisurely walk.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What does it mean that this trek is not recommended for beginners?
The Cardrona High Country Pub Trail is built around trotting and cantering, not walking, so you need to be comfortable moving at speed on horseback. Complete beginners and small children should book the Gold Discovery Trail instead, which is designed for riders new to the saddle.
Do I need to have ridden a horse before to do this trek?
No riding experience is required. The guide provides all instruction. However, you must specify your riding ability when you book so the operator can match you with the right horse and set an appropriate pace for the day.
What happens at the Cardrona Hotel stop?
You ride to the historic Cardrona Hotel, dismount, and get a complimentary drink while you rest. It's a real break in the middle of the trek, not a quick photo stop.
How far is this trek from Wanaka?
The trek starts about 20 minutes from Wanaka, so travel time to the meeting point is short.
What should I wear for this ride?
Dress for the weather: the trek operates in rain, wind or sun. Wear layers and appropriate footwear. The operator provides a helmet.
Horse trek near Wanaka: Cardrona High Country Pub Trail
3h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 699 per person
≈ US$ 402 in your currency
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