THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Experience Glenorchy's stunning landscapes on a relaxed one-hour horseback ride with High Country Horses. Perfect for beginners or travelers short on time, this scenic journey reveals glacial waters and towering mountains in cinematic surroundings.
Experience Glenorchy's stunning landscapes on a relaxed one-hour horseback ride with High Country Horses. Perfect for beginners or travelers short on time, this scenic journey reveals glacial waters and towering mountains in cinematic surroundings.
Book with High Country Horses
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by High Country Horses · Glenorchy, Otago
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Glenorchy, New Zealand, the Mid Rivers Ride by High Country Horses offers the perfect introduction to horseback riding or a refreshing escape when time is tight. Located at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu in the Otago region, Glenorchy is a wild, striking landscape where glacial rivers meet mountain vistas that have framed some of cinema’s most iconic blockbusters. The Mid Rivers Ride delivers a calm, hour-long journey through these inspiring surroundings, combining the thrill of horseback movement with the serene pace of nature.
This ride meanders slowly between the Rees and Dart Rivers, letting riders absorb peaceful glacial waters, bursts of wildflowers, and the crisp air that flows off snow-capped peaks. The terrain is gentle, making it accessible for beginners and riders of all ages six and up, requiring no previous experience. High Country Horses ensures each guest is matched with a horse suited to their comfort and weight, with a strict 95kg limit to maintain equine well-being.
What makes this experience stand out is its intimate scale and the unique sense of immersion in Glenorchy’s raw, unfiltered beauty. While many flock to this South Island gateway for extreme adventure or hiking, High Country Horses offers a subtle way to connect with the environment — at a walking pace, with expert guidance and safety gear provided. It’s an ideal complement to the local outdoor culture, especially for families or travelers eager to savor landscapes that ripple with history and cinematic fame.
With only an hour needed, visitors can easily slot this ride into longer itineraries exploring nearby Queenstown or the winding wilderness trails of Otago. High Country Horses adds an authentic, grounded layer to Glenorchy’s outdoor offerings; one that’s both gentle and unforgettable.
easy.
1 hour.
Minimal fitness required; suitable for beginners and families
No, the Mid Rivers Ride is beginner-friendly and suitable for riders aged 6 and up.
Riders must not exceed 95kg to ensure the well-being of the horses.
Yes, helmets and wet weather gear are provided for all riders.
The ride lasts approximately one hour, maintaining a walking pace only.
All rides meet at High Country Horses, 243 Priory Road, Glenorchy.
Children 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Glenorchy’s landscape has featured as a filming location for major Hollywood productions, highlighting the area's rugged grandeur.
High Country Horses prioritizes sustainable riding practices that minimize impact on native flora and river ecosystems.
High Country Horses is a Glenorchy-based horseback riding operator offering guided equestrian experiences across Paradise Valley and the Queenstown backcountry. The company runs four signature rides: Ride of the Rings (1.5 hours), Mid Rivers Ride (1 hour), Rees River Trail (2.5 hours), and Mountain High, River Deep (full day). Each ride follows established trails through landscapes featured in films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, with scenery that includes snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, beech forest, and wildflower meadows. Rides are led by experienced guides who manage horses and routes, and the business supplies well-maintained horses suited to each trip’s terrain and pace. The full-day Mountain High, River Deep trip is designed for skilled riders and includes a complimentary lunch; shorter rides like Mid Rivers Ride are suited to beginners or guests short on time. Rees River Trail provides a moderate 2.5-hour option suitable for most riders and showcases riverside vistas and movie locations. High Country Horses operates from Glenorchy in the Otago region and focuses on small-group, guided rides that prioritize safety and local knowledge. Booking details, exact meeting locations, seasonal availability, and specific rider requirements are provided at reservation. Riders should bring appropriate clothing for changing alpine weather and follow guide instructions for safety. High Country Horses offers direct access to iconic New Zealand scenery, combining cinematic landscapes with authentic horseback experiences for visitors to Glenorchy and Queenstown. Reservations are available year-round subject to seasonal trail conditions and horse welfare considerations upon prior booking request.
Book with High Country Horses