Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular!

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Queenstown, New Zealand

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Lake Wānaka, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders—state your experience level when booking so you are paired with an appropriate horse.

Learn more about Otago's 19th-century gold rush as you ride
No experience is necessary: suitable for first-time riders
Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience
Ideal for active travelers who enjoy nature and animals

What's Included

Guided Tour

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

2125 Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona 9382, New Zealand

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:30 am

What To Expect

Make your own way to the meeting point in Cardrona to begin your tour. After meeting your instructor you’ll be introduced to the club’s equine residents and matched with a suitable horse—there are a variety of breeds, sizes, and temperaments to suit all levels, including first-time riders, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect partner. Then, mount up and learn the basics of stopping and steering your horse before heading out on the trails.

Set out on a trail ride through the Cardrona Valley and enjoy an adventurous route, crossing streams, climbing mountain lanes, and passing traditional farms. Along the way, learn more about the region’s fascinating history, and hear tales of the 19th-century gold rush that swept the area. There will be plenty of time to pose for photos and admire the views before heading back.

After safely returning to the stables and bidding your horse farewell, your tour finishes back in Cardrona, where you began.

The Cardrona

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Minimum age is 5 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
**PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HORSE RIDING ABILITY UPON BOOKING SO WE CAN SELECT THE APPROPRIATE HORSES FOR YOUR RIDE**
WE CANNOT WAIT IF YOU ARE LATE!! Please arrive on time for your scheduled tour, refunds will not be issued for late arrivals/ no shows.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Holly_G

This shorter ride takes you through beautiful countryside. The guide takes pictures too so you have memories to take with you. I had beautiful weather despite forecasts. Guide Phoebe is very friendly & tells you a lot about the area & local farming.

Reviews

4.9

based on 155 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Was a great walk on the...

Faith_M, Jan 2026

Was a great walk on the horses around the paddock and up over the mountains into the fields. The instructor made us all feel very safe on the horses at all times. Steps and techniques are kept simple for beginners which is what I chose. I had a really fun time with my partner, horses were beautiful and gentle, you can tell there well looked after and trained. Instructors were friendly and knowledgeable and took fabulous photos of us on the horses.

Very bad experience

Bruce_C, Dec 2025

Activity provider refused to provide any service after a 30 mins late, at meanwhile they also refused to provide any refund or reschedule which seems illegal

Great ride!

Holly_G, Oct 2025

I don’t really write...

KaYan_C, Feb 2025

I don’t really write reviews but I’m making an exception for The Cardrona team as they were exceptional! The scenery was epic, and Phoebe kept us entertained with all funny anecdotes of the horse drama and the history of Cardrona. Angus, Pat and Andy were all super well behaved - the best horses we’ve ridden on! I must say Pat was quite the character as he kept wanting to stop and eat the willow trees but we loved him for who he is. Last but not least, Etty and Jimmy! The most affectionate cats ever and this is from a proud cat mom of two Ragdolls! If you do decide to ride with The Cardrona team, do take time to say hello as they come and go and you might not get a second chance when you’re back from the ride - we didn’t manage to say good bye to the lovely kitties :(

Not to skip this experience

Priscilla_L, Jul 2023

The host and guide were very nice. The trip couldn’t been great without the unique experience we’d enjoyed.

Great but pricy

Johanna_L, Dec 2022

Very nice experience! The horses are sweet and well behaved and riffing through nzl nature is amazing, however quite pricey for what you get.

Beautiful trek and amazing guide

Antonia_P, Feb 2020

Beautiful trek with an amazing guide and extremely friendly horses - a great way to get to know a bit about the landscape, the history of the region and just to enjoy the scenery with a bit of fun - highly recommend it! Many thanks to all

amazing-it was perfect

steven_s, Oct 2019

this was amazing, amazing staff, great view of the snow on the mountain, great valley, strongly recommend people

Amazing views, beautiful horses, lovely guide

kamilast7, Aug 2019

We arrived and were greated by a cute cat and our cool guide Val. We got to know our horses and practiced a little before we went on an amazing ride through the valley. Later we fed the horses and petted them. Memories we will never forget!