i need suggestions on a one day horse riding adventure. will be on both the north and south islands. thanks
You MUST go ride in Glenorchy outside of Queenstown on the South Island. I went while I was studying abroad a few years ago and it was hands down the best experience of my life, so gorgeous. I believe we chose the three-hour ride, but they had options. The horses were in excellent condition, and the guides were fabulous.
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Glenorchy is well-known amongst Kiwi riders as the place to go! They also do overnight treks - up to a week long if required. www.high-country-horses.co.nz
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I did the overnight trip last year with High Country Horses. Excellent time! We were two experienced riders (dressage and hunter) and one more pleasure/trail rider, and they did a great job matching us with fantastic horses and tailoring the ride. Spectacular scenery!
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Following this thread! 
I’m hoping to go to NZ sometime around Dec/Jan 2019 pending my next assignment. Was thinking of trying to split two weeks between Australia and NZ, but I’m leaning toward spending the entire two weeks in NZ instead and exploring both islands. Definitely looking at the overnight riding trips. Can’t wait to hear on what you decided OP!
http://thecardrona.co.nz/cardrona-horses-horse-trekking-in-the-cardrona-valley-wanaka-new-zealand/
i was thinking of this one. trip advisor had 529 excellent reviews, and 23 very good reviews. nothing less than very good.
they are both close to Queensland which ideally will be where we will be staying for several nights with nothing planed for a day or two yet. still researching so if anyone has used this stable let me know what you think, thanks.
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I am so very, very jealous of you, peachesthedog! I would love to go to NZ!
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For a short ride, we went in Dunedin and it was beautiful: https://www.horseriding-dunedin.co.nz/trek/treks/treks-and-prices/
The Catlins is in the South Island.
http://truenz.co.nz/horsetrekking is a good website. Any of the trekking companies around Queenstown / Wanaka / Te Anau should be good. This is a strongly touristy area and so they should have a range of horses and options.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Wanaka/Cardrona-High-Country-Pub-Trail-Horse-Riding-Trek/d409-8706P2s meant to be good.
I’d love to do one of these: https://www.viator.com/tours/Queenstown/Walter-Peak-Horse-Trek/d407-2264P24. Walter Peak is beautiful.
I’m not sure if Nokomai Station still do horse trekking, but if they do, I’d do that like a shot. We used to go on treks and pony club camps and ride all over. Its a fantastic place and heaps of variety. I’m not sure if they still do their sheep and cattle work on horses, but I can remember when they did. Any trekking around the Mavora Lakes would be great too.
In the North Island, I would recommend anything that took you trekking in the Kaimanawa ranges - you might get to see feral horses. There’re also feral horses in the far north of the North Island, and that would include beach riding which is always fun. Trekking in the Taupo or Rotorua areas might involve soaking in natural hot pools at the end of the ride - very important part of the New Zealand experience!
