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Saddle up with High Country Horses on the Ride of the Rings—a 1.5-hour horseback journey through the legendary filming grounds of Lord of the Rings in Paradise Valley, New Zealand. Witness snow-capped peaks and enchanted forests on exclusive trails that bring Middle Earth to life.
Saddle up with High Country Horses on the Ride of the Rings—a 1.5-hour horseback journey through the legendary filming grounds of Lord of the Rings in Paradise Valley, New Zealand. Witness snow-capped peaks and enchanted forests on exclusive trails that bring Middle Earth to life.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by High Country Horses · Glenorchy, Otago
Located in Glenorchy along the Glenorchy-Paradise Road, High Country Horses offers a horseback journey unlike any other. Their flagship trip, Ride of the Rings, transports riders through Paradise Valley, a cinematic landscape that served as a backdrop to iconic films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The ride lasts 1.5 hours and meanders through terrain evocative of Middle Earth: snow-capped peaks tower overhead, ancient native beech forests envelope the trails, and sweeping valley vistas unfold with rare grandeur.
This experience isn’t just a horseback trail; it’s a carefully curated encounter with a legendary terrain part of New Zealand’s outdoor heritage. High Country Horses holds exclusive riding rights in this region, working alongside the Paradise Trust to preserve its natural beauty while making it accessible for riders of all skill levels. The horse pace is steady and gentle, allowing you to drink in the drama of locations made famous on screen—Isengard’s rugged slopes, the ethereal Lothlórien woodland scenes, and the haunting ridges that witnessed epic battles.
The area around Glenorchy is defined by steep schist mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forest pockets where native birds like kea and fantail flit about. The ride’s beginner-friendly design pairs well with these pristine settings, perfect for families, photographers, and film buffs eager to connect with nature and cinematic history.
Visitors should prepare for variable weather and rugged gravel roads on the way to Paradise. High Country Horses provides helmets and weather gear, accommodating all who wish to experience the magic of this slice of Otago. Whether you’re here for the horses, the movies, or the mountain-air adventure, Ride of the Rings offers a stunning outdoor experience that’s as immersive as it is accessible.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most physical fitness levels; no prior horseback riding experience required.
No, the ride is beginner friendly with experienced guides supporting all skill levels.
Riders must weigh 95 kg or under to ensure the horses’ welfare.
Yes, children aged 7 and older may join, but those under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Wear long pants and sturdy closed footwear; bring layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera for photos.
You can self-drive from Glenorchy, about 20–30 minutes along a gravel road; allow extra time for driving conditions.
Yes, helmets and wet weather gear are supplied if needed during your ride.
Paradise Valley’s cinematic fame began with Lord of the Rings filming in the early 2000s, transforming the area into a pilgrimage spot for film and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
High Country Horses collaborates with the Paradise Trust to protect native flora and fauna, ensuring that commercial riding maintains a low-impact footprint in this fragile alpine environment.
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.
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