Horseback Riding in Wānaka: My Favorite Experience in New Zealand

Horse girl (noun):

A term formerly used to describe a category of girls who would partake in “hobby horse” activities, wear hand-me-down-equine gear, and “neigh” at adversaries, thus characterizing all equestrians as “weird”. 

Horse girls used to get a bad rap. 

But with the revival of nostalgic Western practices and the realization of the many therapeutic benefits of equestrian hobbies, the “horse girl” stereotype is evolving and garnering new interest. 

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Though many of us horse girls ride horses more than we walk – rarely a wooden stick with a handcrafted horse head – our therapeutic hobby is no longer deemed weird or goofy (finally!). 

The “horse girl” has since been revived, becoming increasingly popular with the introduction of “coastal cowgirl” thrifting, therapeutic equine activities as surrogate for therapy, and the news that model Bella Hadid has taken an interest in cowboys (save a horse amirite???).

It’s COOL to LOVE horses. 

I definitely DIDN’T wear awkwardly high ponytails and my dusty cowgirl boots to class (this is partially true…). And I most certainly DID NOT spend my summers volunteering at the ranch instead of going to parties and talking to boys (this is indeed true and boys have cooties, duh!).

So maybe I was a horse girl when I was younger? Still am. I guess my reputation precedes me.

As a proud horse girl, I am always looking for opportunities to ride, especially when I travel abroad. 

There’s something special about exploring a country on horseback, whether it’s a short joyride, or a multi-day trek. I knew that, being the outdoorsy place that it was, New Zealand would have a plethora of horseback riding experiences in the South Island.

So when I finally made it to Wānaka, a peaceful South Island town with picturesque landscapes destined to be explored on horseback, I did my research and found exactly what I was looking for. Wānaka Horse Trekking.

Wānaka Horse Trekking is a local horseback riding company that offers scenic rides for all skill levels. In this post, I’ll dive into the beauty of Wānaka and my incredible experiencing exploring the South Island backcountry on horseback. Plus: read on to learn about other epic horseback riding experiences around the world including my recent multi-day horse trek in Kyrgyzstan!

What’s So Special About Wānaka?

Wānaka is an incredibly scenic small town joined by Roy’s and Isthmus Peaks and the shimmering waves of Lake Wānaka. 

Offering travelers a quiet respite from its busier neighbor, Queenstown, Wānaka is that one New Zealand town where you’ll easily imagine yourself living there.

Between the entrancing nature that offers an unplugged discovery of beautiful countrysides, the complex variety of local restaurants sourcing fresh ingredients from the surrounding landscapes, and the calming aura of the lakeside town, Wānaka is one place I highly recommend you add to the top of your New Zealand bucket list.

Where to Go Horseback Riding in Wānaka

With epic landscapes yearning for exploration, there’s no shortage of horseback riding in New Zealand. 

My top recommendation for horseback riding in Wānaka is with a local riding company called Wānaka Horse Trekking. Located ~30 minutes off the beaten path, this small riding company hosts unforgettable rides for all skill levels. 

On your ride, you’ll traverse the scenic South Island landscapes, riding along Lake Wānaka and the Matukituki River. Just beneath the scenic Mount Alta and its monumental neighbor Mount Aspiring in the distance, you’ll discover the untouched paradise that makes Wānaka so inviting. 

Whether you choose a beginner-friendly ride, or opt for an unforgettable overnight trek, Wānaka Horse Trekking will offer you the perfect semi-private horseback riding experience in New Zealand.

My Unforgettable Experience: Horseback Riding in Wānaka

Several months before I was set to depart for my ten-day road trip in New Zealand’s South Island, I found a horse trekking account on instagram called Wānaka Horse Trekking. 

I was mesmerized by the photos and videos of the horse trekking adventures in Wānaka, and I knew that I had to wrangle this opportunity immediately.

My boyfriend, Sean, and I booked the two-hour Homestead Bay ride, as we were only spending two full days in Wānaka, before venturing to our next stop on our road trip, Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. 

Wānaka Horse Trekking’s Homestead Bay trek is perfect for beginner equestrians. For more advanced riders this local horseback riding company in Wānaka also offers advanced riding and overnight treks.

Just thirty minutes outside the quaint town center, we found Wānaka Horse Trekking, nestled between rolling green hills and expansive farmland. Our guide, Samantha, greeted us as we entered the ranch. All tacked up and ready to ride were three beautiful horses. 

My horse’s name was Dudley, a beautiful dark brown gelding. Sean’s horse’s name was Big Boy, a stubborn young chestnut. 

Our experience at Wānaka Horse Trekking was incredibly special because Sean and I had a private ride with Sam around the lake. With Sam, I shared my love for horses and explained to her how I was incredibly jealous that she got to ride horses for a living (honestly, it’s my dream job!). 

Sam, the founder of Wānaka Horse Trekking, was an incredible guide. She shared all about her experience with horses and how she moved from the Netherlands to Wānaka to start her horse trekking adventures. As we journeyed around the lake, Sam gave us insightful recommendations for our road trip around New Zealand. 

As we approached the crystal blue waters of the lake, we guided our horses to the water for a quick splash! Dudley loved to splash around in the shallows. Big Boy, not so much! I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. 

The most memorable moment from our horseback riding experience with Wānaka Horse Trekking was riding through a massive herd of deer. 

New Zealand is one of the largest exporters of venison in the world, so raising deer is as common in New Zealand as raising cattle is in the US. While Sean and I were baffled by the number of deer on the farm, Dudley and Big Boy seemed unphased. I guess they were just along for the ride…

My horse trekking experience in Wānaka was so much fun! If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, I highly recommend horseback riding in Wānaka with Wānaka Horse Trekking! 

What to Bring for Your Horseback Ride in Wānaka

As an avid equestrian, frequent outdoorswoman, and a devoted volunteer at my local horse rescue ranch I am the poster child for skin protection. 

I never fail to wear this Blue Lizard sunscreen, an Australian-made, eco-friendly product great for sensitive skin. This was the exact sunscreen that kept me burn-free during my twelve-day backcountry horse trek in Kyrgyzstan – and the sunscreen I continue to use every Sunday to volunteer at the rescue ranch. 

My second most used item for horseback riding are these Solibari driving gloves, which I mainly use as riding gloves (or anytime I’m out in the sun). For extended treks on horseback, I prefer the soft, breathable feel of the UPF gloves to that of sunscreen.

For shorter horseback rides, you won’t need to carry much in your saddle bag. Beginner riders might prefer to leave loose items at the barn so you can give your full attention to your steed and the landscapes you traverse.

However, for longer treks you’ll want to carry a lightweight, reusable water bottle and a water filtration system if you’re trekking deep in the back country. During my twelve-day horse trek in Kyrgyzstan, I frequently used my newly-purchased Sawyer Squeeze water filter. This water filtration system will come in handy for future backpacking or horse trekking adventures!

Your guide will likely provide helmets for you and your group, however in the rare case that helmets are not provided, you can either bring a riding helmet or visit a local bike shop and rent a bike helmet.

Lastly, and possibly the most important things to bring with you is a positive attitude! Horses have the profound ability to sync their heart rates with our own. For a positive, connected experience between horse and rider, approach your horse with confidence and calmness. 

A positive attitude can mean the difference between a relaxed ride and one filled with anxiety.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Wānaka

Like most of New Zealand, Wānaka is an incredible destination to visit year-round.

If you plan to horseback ride in New Zealand, I recommend visiting during the summer season, December to February, to enjoy scenic landscapes under the warming sunshine. Late spring, when flowers blossom, and early fall, when leaves change color, are also great times to horseback ride in Wānaka. 

If unexpected weather occurs, work with your guide to postpone your horseback ride!

Other Things to Do in Wānaka

There are so many incredible things to do in Wānaka once you’ve checked “horseback riding” off the bucket list.

Some of my favorite activities include hiking (conquer a sunrise summit at Roy’s Peak – one of Wānaka’s most popular hikes), enjoying scenic walks along the lakeshore (visit That Wānaka Tree, a famous local landmark), and eating your way through Wānaka (I recommend Big Fig and Muttonbird!).

Daring adventurers will enjoy a scenic tandem skydive over the beautiful town of Wānaka.

Other Epic Horseback Riding Experiences Around the World

If you’ve read this article in its entirety, you’re probably a spirited equestrian like I am, hoping to pursue additional riding experiences around the world. 

There are so many incredible places to horseback ride around the world. Ecuador, Hungary, and Mongolia are at the top of my list. 

I recently checked off “horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan” on my bucket list and it was truly the most incredible, grounding experience of my life. To learn more about Kyrgyzstan and my twelve-day horseback riding adventure read THIS ARTICLE. 

Have awesome recommendations for horseback riding experience? I’d love to hear them! Contact me HERE and we can chat more about our love for horses and traveling 🐴!