Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
5
About
Horse treks run on a working high country sheep and cattle farm at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 1 hour from Christchurch City - various treks available with 1hour, 2hour, 3hour and full day.
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5.0
670 reviews
Excellent
662
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Anna M
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
This is the most amazing trek, Chris ensures everyone gets a great ride no matter what your experience, can't recommend this enough!
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
thank you for the great review
see you again
chris
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Go28517638760
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
My friend booked a 6 hour ride , had confirmation of her booking, yet on the day Chris told her she had no booking and he didnt have any horses left!
Kylie was super excited for this booking/ride
( on holiday from Australia) and they have ruined her day, big time!!
I wouldn't recommend this business what so ever!
I guess thats why they don't do payment til the day...this must be a regular occurrence..no integrity at all :(
Kylie was super excited for this booking/ride
( on holiday from Australia) and they have ruined her day, big time!!
I wouldn't recommend this business what so ever!
I guess thats why they don't do payment til the day...this must be a regular occurrence..no integrity at all :(
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
mistake in the booking system meant there was no horse available for this client
apology was made
free ride was offered to the client on rhe next available ride. but was outside her travel dates
chris
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kylie T
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Had confirmation emails for my booking which I had made a months ago before my NZ trip. It came to the day and I was so excited as this was to be the highlight of my trip to NZ. I arrived on time on the agreed date and was told he had no horse for me and that I had not been booked for that day for the 6 hour ride. I told him my email correspondence confirmed my booking, which he rudely argued. I have forwarded my correspondence to him to show our mutually agreed booking and will not recommend his business to anyone. Very disappointed and unhappy!!
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
mistake in the booking system meant there was not a suitable horse available for this client.
Client was offered a free ride on the next available ride but was out side her travel dates
apology was made
chris
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joost M
Wellsford, New Zealand1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
It was a fantastic ride! Plenty of opportunity to walk, trot and canter. Superbly guided by Chris. It was a blast!
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade D
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
Wow! What an experience it was absolutely breathtaking. This ride was so special we were able to ride through beautiful open paddocks, getting a closer view of all the beautiful sheep and their lambs. Chris’s horsemanship is really amazing! And we learnt a lot of new skills from this ride. We had so many opportunities to spread out and really enjoy and take in the scenery.
Thankyou so much chris and horsies!
Next time we are in New Zealand we will be back :)
Thankyou so much chris and horsies!
Next time we are in New Zealand we will be back :)
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
thank you for your great review. pleased you all enjoyed your ride.
chris
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
happytraveller5963
Pago Pago, American Samoa21 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
My cousin & I rode the 3 hour horse trek: the weather was great, the views spectacular, with great variety of terrain & trails, including crossing streams & riding through forests. Our guide Chris was professional & also great fun. We rode with other folk less experienced at riding but we were able to enjoy our own 'ride' alongside them but (safely) distanced so we could climb hills & go cantering. We had a wonderful trek & appreciated that everyone could enjoy their 'own' ride at the varying levels of experience, confidence & skills they had. Totally recommend Rubicon Valley Horse Treks, it offers a real adventure for both locals & tourists while showcasing a truly beautiful part of NZ and offering a unique way of seeing it. My cousin & I are both Kiwi gals, in our 60's, and we both had a blast!! Thanks Chris and also thanks Gem & Memphis, our horses.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Thank you for the great review. So pleased you both enjoyed your ride. We will see you again. Tell the world
Chris
Written 22 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel P
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Chris was very welcoming, a great instructor and guide and just a very nice guy. The horse ride was absolutely fantastic and the views were spectacular.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Thank you for the great review
Chris
Written 18 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sebastian S
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
First time riding a horse and you couldn't ask for a better instructor, I found Chris to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his horses and outstanding in every other regard. He advised that every horse was personally trained by himself. His horses are very well mannered and trained. If you give them the respect they deserve and listen to Chris you are going to have an amazing trail ride. The trail is full of opportunities for photos and other challenges. I will definitely be back hopefully with a bit more experience and definitely recommend this to both beginner and experienced riders.
Signing off,
Magic and Shadow.
Signing off,
Magic and Shadow.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Thank you for the great review
Pleased you both enjoyed your ride with me and my horses
See you again when you’re ready
Chris
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gillian M
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
Chris was an amazing guide! He was such a great leader and made us feel safe and capable on the horses, there was no pressure for us to trot or canter but plenty of opportunities for those with more experience to do so. And the views were exquisite! Such a gorgeous ride on beautiful horses! And the horses are clearly well cared for and happy. I really could keep gushing over how lovely the experience was.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Thank you for the great review.
Chris
Written 15 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Serena
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
It is the best view and horse ride experience i had in NZ! High Mountains views and river view, weather was just nice. Chris was absolutely knowledgeable with horses as well!
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Thank you for the great review
Written 2 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
April B
1 contribution
Hello,
I will be traveling to New Zealand in late April. I am interested in doing either a 2 hour or 3 hour tour. However, I won't have a car/can't drive when I am in Christchurch. Do you offer hotel pick up and drop of services?
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
The hotel pick up will cost you $300, there is a shuttle out in the morning arriving in time for the morning trek but does not return to the city until late afternoon, $35 each way
Mandy E
Brisbane, Australia
If you’re an experienced rider, do you get to canter at least? Been on too many horse rides that just walk for two hours. Very boring & a complete waste of time & money
laurelc659
Everett, WA5 contributions
Chris will, at your own risk of course, let you gallop, etc. where it is an open space. He'll tell you when that is a good idea, so you need his ok. There were several places on the ride that he told us we could gallop, etc. when we were spread out from the other riders. Just communicate your desires to him. Some of his horses are former race horses and can get competitive. We loved our ride and the scenery is the best. Chris gave my daughters a lesson on trusting their horses going down a steep incline while my husband and I felt more comfortable on the path, they galloped, too. It was great. We went off season and it was our girls and my husband and I with Chris; he loves what he does. Reminds us of the Marlboro man, but he doesn't smoke. We can't wait to return. We specifically went to back to Christchurch to ride with Chris again and swim with the wild dolphins in Kaikoura. Probably the best things we did on this trip and we did a lot of great things afterwards on the North Island.
Wanderer570837
1 contribution
Do you pick up cruise passengers from Akaroa?
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
Sorry we do not pick up from Akaroa. It is almost 3 hour drive each way.... on a good day....
Chris
ZoeSingapore
Singapore62 contributions
There seems to be nowhere nearby to stay? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
ASwalez
Bristol, UK14 contributions
Easy drive from Christchurch
Didier L
Paris, France355 contributions
Bonjour, est-ce que cette attraction est possible avec un enfant de 7 ans ?
merci
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
yes we will take childern from 5 years..
Bianka R
21 contributions
How can I uncheck a review on here ? Accidentally clicked one as helpful whilst reading reviews (it was one of the 'average' reviews) and I didn't find it as helpful hahaa I think Rubicon is far better than average 😂
CHRISTINE M
AKAROA10 contributions
It is certainly better than average but sorry I wouldn't have a clue how you do that. Best you ask Trip Adviser.
grandmaaka
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
would like to book a trek at Rubicon valley in the next month as a belayed birthday surprise for my husband .he has never ridden before and it's years since I have .any suggestions on the best trek for two novices ,who are keen to learn and enjoy your beautiful countryside We will be visiting from the Uk between mid Jan to 8th Feb .Thanks Karen
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi
I would suggest the 2 hour river trail, could do the 3hour but some find the 3 hour a bit long.
Chris
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
- Hotels near Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre:
- (4.19 km) Springfield Motel & Lodge
- (4.47 km) Smylies Accommodation
- (4.20 km) Bahara
- (4.97 km) Springfield Hotel and Backpackers
- (3.99 km) Cosy and Green Friendly