High Country Horses
High Country Horses, Glenorchy: Address, Phone Number, High Country Horses Reviews: 4.5/5
High Country Horses
High Country Horses
4.5
About
High Country Horses operates from a farm 15 mins from Glenorchy at the top of Lake Wakatipu - Mid Rivers Farm. We are surround by the Humbolt and Richardson ranges of Mountains and are nested at the base of Mount Alfred. The only company tht can take you to actual locations from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and many other films. Offering local knowledge and exclusive rights to over 120,000 acres of Back-Country. Over 80 horses of all breeds and the best trails in the Country!! We can offer 1.5 hour rides through to 5 days/4nights. Activities for all to enjoy.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Attractions
8 within 10 kms
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4.1 kmFarms
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Piers & Boardwalks
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Isengard Lookout
9
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Glenorchy war memorial
9
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Mt Judah Track
9
Hiking Trails
Lake Face Creek Falls
4
Waterfalls
Annette Thomson Art Gallery
Art Galleries
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4.5
532 reviews
Excellent
411
Very good
64
Average
27
Poor
14
Terrible
16
Happyjohnny
Auckland, New Zealand378 contributions
Apr 2022
My family and I went to High Country Horses expecting the spectacular and we were not disappointed. The staff were amazing and very helpful. Our trek of two and a half hours wre dotted with spectacular scenes, crsooing the river waist deep and regular trots and canters. An unforgettable experience and well worth your time.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RICHARD P
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
Our group was 4 complete beginners and myself who had ridden only many years ago. We had a fantastic 2.5 hour ride with Stella guiding us and leading the way. Stella provided great informative tour about the area, the mountains around us, the river and all the different treks they do.
Stella kept a close eye on all the horses and reminders about keeping the order of them so they behaved nicely. And told us lots of stories about the personalities of the horses which were both informative and funny.
The trek capped off our week in Queenstown and was an unexpected highlight. We recommend High Country Horses and thank Stella for a fun and entertaining ride, you are an asset to your company!
Stella kept a close eye on all the horses and reminders about keeping the order of them so they behaved nicely. And told us lots of stories about the personalities of the horses which were both informative and funny.
The trek capped off our week in Queenstown and was an unexpected highlight. We recommend High Country Horses and thank Stella for a fun and entertaining ride, you are an asset to your company!
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
So great to hear steels did such a great job. As one of our new seat members, it’s comments like this that give the guide amazing confidence and makes them appreciate fantastic clients. Thank you and we hope to see you again
Written 19 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Damian O
6 contributions
Dec 2021
We booked a half-day trek with High Country Horses for our staff Christmas excursion. Every part of our trip was fantastic. The horses were safe and relaxed, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the trip was tailored to suit the varied riding abilities of all members of our group. Some members of our group were too nervous to try trotting, and they were easily separated from the group on a few occasions so they could stay comfortable at a walk while those of us up for the challenge tried trotting. Our guides Shaun and Stella were excellent, and we had a great time spending the afternoon with them. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see some incredible scenery with some lovely people and horses.
Written 14 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kiwib
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
This trek left me with 4 broken bones, permanent nerve damage and a hoof shaped scar on my foot
It has taken me a long time to write this. I am aware many businesses are struggling at present due to Covid, but we will have more tourists soon and I have decided to write this as I don’t want anything like this happening to anyone else.
I was following my daughter who was riding a horse called Prickle. The guide mentioned at the start of the trek that we should not to get too close behind him as he was “called prickle for a reason”. Later in we were trotting and the group stopped suddenly after someone behind me called out. When we stopped the horses were jammed up nose to tail as the guide had stopped us suddenly. When we started again the guide went straight into a trot. The horses all move on auto- pilot and follow the pack, so my horse moved on without me ‘asking’ him to. The next thing I remember is a horse in front (I’m not certain which one, but I was following my daughter on prickle so it was most likely him) booted out with both back legs. One hoof hit me in the foot, the other hit my horse in the ribs and he lurched forward leaving me on the ground.
I knew I was badly injured and did not attempt to get back in my horse. I was picked up and taken back to the base.
My issues are:
Nobody seemed particularly interested in my injury. I was given some ice, but it was in a solid block and not useful for wrapping around an injury. Having decent ice is basic first aid and might have reduced the soft tissue swelling snd injury I had on top of my fractures.
If you know a horse doesn’t like horses close behind it please don’t use it in a beginners trek! I suspect you knew the had the potential to lash out like this.
Nobody from High Country Horses contacted me at all after this. You must have known I had a significant injury. I know I signed a waiver, but isn’t it common courtesy to check in with customers after something like this
I now have permanent nerve damage in my foot and a daughter who has been put off riding for life and who thinks that somehow this was her fault. You can do better!
It has taken me a long time to write this. I am aware many businesses are struggling at present due to Covid, but we will have more tourists soon and I have decided to write this as I don’t want anything like this happening to anyone else.
I was following my daughter who was riding a horse called Prickle. The guide mentioned at the start of the trek that we should not to get too close behind him as he was “called prickle for a reason”. Later in we were trotting and the group stopped suddenly after someone behind me called out. When we stopped the horses were jammed up nose to tail as the guide had stopped us suddenly. When we started again the guide went straight into a trot. The horses all move on auto- pilot and follow the pack, so my horse moved on without me ‘asking’ him to. The next thing I remember is a horse in front (I’m not certain which one, but I was following my daughter on prickle so it was most likely him) booted out with both back legs. One hoof hit me in the foot, the other hit my horse in the ribs and he lurched forward leaving me on the ground.
I knew I was badly injured and did not attempt to get back in my horse. I was picked up and taken back to the base.
My issues are:
Nobody seemed particularly interested in my injury. I was given some ice, but it was in a solid block and not useful for wrapping around an injury. Having decent ice is basic first aid and might have reduced the soft tissue swelling snd injury I had on top of my fractures.
If you know a horse doesn’t like horses close behind it please don’t use it in a beginners trek! I suspect you knew the had the potential to lash out like this.
Nobody from High Country Horses contacted me at all after this. You must have known I had a significant injury. I know I signed a waiver, but isn’t it common courtesy to check in with customers after something like this
I now have permanent nerve damage in my foot and a daughter who has been put off riding for life and who thinks that somehow this was her fault. You can do better!
Written 14 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sandi
Christchurch, New Zealand5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
The 3day trek is a big must!!! Omg I will be smiling for a long time, it had everything, its a pinch myself moment.. The landscapes, views, river crossings, forests, valleys, hills,snow capped mountains, canyon, waterfalls not enough words to describe it.. spectacular, breathtaking, picture perfect, beautiful❤️❤️it truly had everything on this trek.. Our guide Sean was great, encouraged me a lot as I am an intermediate rider I did heaps of trotting cantering and we even a did a gallop on th last day, I have never galloped it was Amazball!!!! We even swam with our horses bareback another first for me.. This trek was worth every cent.. I am so grateful for this experience.. For all riders out there, I highly recommend this trek.. The horses are great, I was matched with Spud he was perfect for me. Food, staff, the communication on the emails, the horses 100%.. Thank you High Country Horses.. I will be def. Back to do it again😍😍😍🐴🐴🐴
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CaptainDavy01
Dunedin, New Zealand58 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
My fiancee and I took the one hour trek with Sean - gorgeous scenery, a fun ride through the riverbed with heaps of river crossings, and lovely calm horses. We'll definitely be back :)
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jesse F
Hervey Bay, Australia22 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We went on the one hour tour. My partner had never ridden before and they took the time to make him comfortable. The horses are beautiful but nothing on the amazing views you will see on your trip.
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fiona S
8 contributions
May 2021
Great team of friendly helpful people. Quiet lovely mannered horses. My daughter, who is a nervous rider, soon relaxed and enjoyed herself on this leisurely ride along the river flats.
As an experienced rider myself, there were opportunities to go a little faster in places which was good. It was a nice balance for mixed rider abilities. A great way to see some beautiful countryside. I recommend this place. I would like to return again and do a back country ride in the summertime.
As an experienced rider myself, there were opportunities to go a little faster in places which was good. It was a nice balance for mixed rider abilities. A great way to see some beautiful countryside. I recommend this place. I would like to return again and do a back country ride in the summertime.
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Telea
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
We had such a blast today and it was by far the best horse trek we've done, even the best activity we've done since being in Queenstown. The views and scenes were stunning! We got to trek over rocks, multiple river crossings, the bush.. very well worth the money. Our guide Anna was very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Big ups to you for diving into the river and retrieving my phone.. yes I was "that person" but the phone is still alive haha. Thanks for the amazing experience!
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ellie2488
Nelson, New Zealand4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
We really enjoyed our ride with Amanda! Such a cool route with lots of different scenery. We are experienced riders and our horses were so well behaved in walk, trot and canter. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a fun horsey experience in the Queenstown area. Lovely staff at the base too, thanks guys!
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi
My husband and I are coming through in September and would really love to experience this. He is very afraid of horses but I feel with your positive reassurance and expertise as guides he will do ok. Would you suggest we consider doing this as an 34th Wedding Anniversary adventure with him being uncertain?
I look forward to your reply
Kath
High-Country-Horses
Glenorchy15 contributions
Kai ora,
We have a great ride called the REES RIER TRAIL which is a great ride for novice right through to experienced. We would make sure he is on a safe easy horse and can coach him along the way. Take a look at our website as see if you can talk him into it. It is a great low key adventure in some of the most beautiful countryside of New Zealand
Caro
Singapore, Singapore
Hi,
We are a family of 4, kids are 9 and 10 years old, with little to no riding experience.
Can we do the Paradise Combo Package. I see on your website that states a min. age of 10 years old.
Thanks.
Hi there, we have the guideline of 10 years for this full day as it can be tiring for younger children. If you are confident your children will enjoy 2.5 hours in the saddle in the morning and 1.5 hours in the afternoon we are happy to take your booking.
Viking2020
16 contributions
Do you have weight restrictions for the walk only trail ride?
NicuRN17
Jim Thorpe, PA60 contributions
I don't know, but maybe you can find it on your website.
Kikki
Auckland, New Zealand320 contributions
Oh no! This should be five stars!! Will try to edit!
High-Country-Horses
Glenorchy15 contributions
:(
Kevin
Jakarta, Indonesia
Hi, are you open during winter in June? I am going with 3 and 5 years old, can they sit on lap with adult?
DeanaIrvine
Glenorchy, New Zealand25 contributions
Thank you for your question. The answer comes in two parts -
YES we ride all year round. We can't offer the multi day ride through the Summer, but all other rides are on offer.
Secondly we have to say no to a 3 year old child sorry. We offer our ISENDGARD ride children 5 years and over, and our REES RIVER TRAIL to 7 years and other. It is against the law to have two people on the one horse!
We take safety very seriously and this is why we can not allow children to ride with their parents. We hope to see your family sometime in the future :)
kinmod
Bangkok, Thailand
Hi, we are a pack of 4 with one very experience rider (15 yrs+) and beginner (a few months of training) and 2 more non riders. Having said that they would love to go trailing but not on horseback so do u happen to offer other forms of transport such as buggies or atv?
High-Country-Horses
Glenorchy15 contributions
Sorry no. Our trails are exclusive for horses only.
fay m
103 contributions
Does the Rees Valley 2.5 hour ride include sceneries of Isengard? We can’t decide which ride to book between these two. Any suggestions?
DeanaIrvine
Glenorchy, New Zealand25 contributions
Hi there,
Thank Yu for your contact. The short answer is no. These are two totally different areas of riding. The 2.5 hour ride is on the valley floor and takes in river-crossing and is more about the horse riding. ISENDGARD 1.5 hour ride is one of the most stunning rides in NZ, it takes in many film scenes including LOTR. But this ride is up and down hills and has many panoramic views along the way, it is a walking only ride though because of the terrain.
I hope this helps, and if not do them both and full day of riding with Lucy, this is our PARADISE COMBO, and gives you the best of both worlds :)
tinadittmar92
Salt Lake City, UT
My husband and I are heading to New Zealand in a couple of months and are excited to tour with you! We are both beginner riders, would the Paradise Combo be too hard/ long for us?
Tazzkai
Charlotte, NC29 contributions
My husband and I are both beginner riders when we went. They match you up with the appropriate horse/personality based on your experience. It was a nice relaxing ride with interesting trivial/stories about the area and the making of lord of the rings sagas.
sugam915
6 contributions
what are the charges??
DeanaIrvine
Glenorchy, New Zealand25 contributions
All our products are on our website
We can off a 1.5 hour ride in Paradise to the very locations where many movies were filmed through to a 5 day ride. All experience levels are catered for. We can offer over five different ride for different abilities
Rob C
6 contributions
Do you allow children, girl aged 9 years old. We are all novices and we're considering the paradise combo in early January 2018.
DeanaIrvine
Glenorchy, New Zealand25 contributions
HI there,
9 years old is fine. The combo is the best full day excursion
for Children. We look forward to meeting you all :)
Frequently Asked Questions about High Country Horses
- Hotels near High Country Horses:
- (1.78 km) Glenorchy Peaks B&B
- (5.87 km) Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
- (7.59 km) BLANKET BAY
- (2.07 km) Precipice Creek Station Bed & Breakfast
- (5.51 km) Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
- Restaurants near High Country Horses:
- (5.60 km) The Trading Post
- (5.51 km) Glenorchy Cafe - The GYC Restaurant
- (5.41 km) Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Restaurant
- (5.58 km) Glenorchy Hotel Ltd Restaurant
- (5.60 km) Queenie's Dumplings Glenorchy