Adventure Collective
Ride of the Rings Horseback Adventure with High Country Horses - Queenstown

Ride of the Rings Horseback Adventure with High Country Horses

Glenorchyeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most physical fitness levels; no prior horseback riding experience required.

Overview

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.

Glenorchy, Otago

Ride of the Rings

Age 7+ • Most Popular • 1.5 Hours • Experience middle earth on horseback!

Rentals

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a magical 1.5-hour horseback journey through Paradise Valley, the iconic filming location for legendary movies like Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Experience breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to enchanted forests, while riding exclusive trails. This unforgettable adventure brings Middle Earth to life in a truly unique way.

Explore the REAL Middle Earth on horseback

Duration

Please allow 2.5 hours for this activity, includes transfer time from our Glenorchy base to Paradise and 1.5 Hours for your ride experience.

About

Your cinematic adventure starts now!

This beginner friendly 1.5 hour scenic trail takes clients on an exclusive guided trail through the stunning Paradise Valley - the world renowned filming location for some of hollywood's biggest blockbusters, including Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (Isengard, Lothlorien forest, Bormir’s death, Beorns hut, aerial shots of two towers and return of the king, etc) as well as The Chronicles of Narnia, Xmen Origins: Wolverine and Taylor Swifts "Out of the woods" music video, just to name a few.

Your adventure starts with a 20-30min scenic transfer from our home base in Glenorchy to Paradise Valley, where you'll then be introduced to your experienced guide and trusted companion for the next 1.5 hours.

Be awe inspired by the mystical snow capped mountain ranges, enchanted forests and fantasy based landscapes that have inspired some of the biggest films ever made in New Zealand. If your dream is to ride through middle earth on horseback - this is the ride for you! Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to meet one of our movie star horses on your adventure.

High Country horses has exclusive commercial horse riding rights through this beautiful part of the world, and work closely with the Paradise trust to bring you the most magical and unforgettable experience possible on horseback!

Walk pace only due to terrain.

More info

  • We provide helmets and wet weather gear if required.
  • Self drive ex: Glenorchy is approx 60mins from Queenstown
  • Check in time 15 min prior to ride departure (we do not hold any rides so please be on time)
  • Transfer time is roughly 20-30min each way from our Glenorchy base to Paradise

Restrictions:

  • Min age 7 years old. All children 16 years old and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Max Weight 95kg.(The well being of our horses is important, clients may be weighed at check in and then you will be introduced to the horse that best suits your riding ability and weight)
  • For the safety of all involved, ALL clients must understand basic English or have a PROFESSIONAL translator present for the entire duration of any activity as a safety requirement. No refunds are offered in the event you are turned away due to a breach in this policy. 为了所有相关人员的安全,作为安全要求,所有客户都必须懂基本英语,或者在任何活动的整个过程中都有专业翻译在场。如果您因违反本政策而被拒绝,我们不会提供退款。
  • Beginner friendly

What to bring

Please dress to the weather conditions and temperature. YEAR ROUND: Long pants, suitable sturdy closed covered footwear (no large heels or sandals permitted), sunglasses, sunscreen/insect repellant. A water bottle is also recommended in summer months or if you get thirsty. During winter please bring warm layers including jackets, gloves and scarf. A phone or small camera is recommended to capture your memories!

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy closed-toe footwear

Long pants and solid shoes protect your legs and feet during the ride.

Arrive early for check-in

Be at High Country Horses 15 minutes before your scheduled ride to ensure smooth boarding.

Prepare for changing weather

Bring layers and waterproof gear, as the Central Otago climate can shift quickly.

Respect horse weight limits

Maximum rider weight is 95 kg to ensure horse welfare—riders will be weighed at check-in.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • New Zealand kea (mountain parrot)
  • Fantail (pīwakawaka)

History

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.

Conservation

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.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Queenstown

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe sturdy shoes or boots

Essential

Protects feet during the ride and when mounting or dismounting.

Long pants

Essential

Keeps legs protected from brush and saddle friction.

Layered clothing

Essential

Adjust for the variable temperatures and conditions throughout the journey.

all specific

Sunscreen and insect repellent

Shield your skin from UV rays and bugs, especially on sunny days.

spring|summer|fall specific