THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Saddle up for a memorable two-hour horseback ride around Moke Lake, New Zealand. Navigate diverse landscapes while taking in sweeping mountain views guided by local experts.
Saddle up for a memorable two-hour horseback ride around Moke Lake, New Zealand. Navigate diverse landscapes while taking in sweeping mountain views guided by local experts.
Book with Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd · Ben Lomond, Otago
Set along Moke Lake Road in Ben Lomond, New Zealand, the Gills Canyon Trek by Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd invites riders into a vivid landscape where mountain peaks frame shimmering waters. This two-hour horseback journey offers a hands-on way to connect with one of Otago’s most remarkable outdoor playgrounds. Riders of all levels follow a dynamic route that winds through open meadows, steep canyon edges, and rugged trails hugging Moke Lake’s pristine shoreline.
Moke Lake itself is a glacial lake surrounded by impressive mountain ridges, including the rugged Ben Lomond range, providing an unmatched backdrop of alpine grandeur. The terrain varies as you make your way from the softness of grassy flats, across gentle hills, to stretches where the trail narrows near sheer canyon walls and clear streams. These natural features highlight the geological diversity of the area—loose schist rock beds, tussock grasses, and native beech forest patches create a striking contrast along the route.
Guides with Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd infuse the experience with insights about local flora and fauna, giving riders a richer perspective on the environment and its natural history. Their knowledge of the region’s use—from Maori heritage paths to early European farming—adds cultural depth to the ride. Each horse is carefully matched to the rider’s skill and build, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for beginners and seasoned horsemen alike.
Situated just 20 minutes from Queenstown, this trek offers a refreshing alternative to crowds and motorized adventures, providing serene immersion into New Zealand’s southern wilderness. Whether pausing at panoramic ridges to admire expansive lake and mountain views or tracing quiet streams, riders experience the rugged beauty of Otago distinctively. Moke Lake Horse Treks’s commitment to horse well-being and guest safety rounds out the package, making this horseback outing a standout choice for those seeking authentic outdoor connection in the South Island.
moderate.
2 hours.
Basic fitness is suitable; ability to mount/dismount and control a horse is needed
Participants must be at least 12 years old, and riders under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No prior riding experience is necessary; guides pair you with a horse suited to your skill level.
Yes, the trek is designed for riders of all abilities following a relaxed paced route.
Yes, riding helmets are supplied and must be worn for safety throughout the ride.
Bring long pants, sturdy covered footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, water, and a camera if desired.
Moke Lake is approximately 20 minutes by car from Queenstown’s central business district.
Moke Lake’s surrounding trails are part of routes once used by early Māori and European settlers for hunting and farming.
Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd emphasizes sustainable riding practices, maintaining trail integrity and the well-being of their horses to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd operates guided horseback treks from the Ben Lomond area in Otago, New Zealand. The company offers a range of short to mid-length rides around Moke Lake, designed for families, beginners and experienced riders. Trips include the 90-minute Moke Valley Trek, the 45-minute Lake Shore Trek, and the 2-hour Gills Canyon Trek. Each ride explores distinctive terrain: shoreline meadows and flowing streams on the Lake Shore Trek; lush valleys, native bush and mountain views on the Moke Valley Trek; and diverse open meadows and rugged paths with sweeping vistas on the Gills Canyon Trek. Knowledgeable local guides lead every ride, sharing landscape insights and practical horsemanship tips to help riders feel comfortable and connected to their horse. The operation focuses on providing approachable, scenic experiences rather than technical riding challenges, making it suitable for family groups and those new to riding. Equipment and horses are prepared for routine treks; guides match riders to suitable mounts based on experience and comfort. Tours depart from the Ben Lomond, Otago region with direct access to Moke Lake surroundings. Booking information, exact meeting points, seasonal availability and any required minimum age or weight limits are provided by the operator at time of reservation. Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd emphasises clear guided itineraries, scenic variety, and a relaxed pace to showcase Moke Lake’s natural beauty for visitors exploring the area. Prospective guests should check current availability, booking policies and any weather-dependent schedule changes with Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd before travel.
Book with Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd