Horse Riding Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
What are the highlights of this high-country horse trek?
- Half-day high-country horse trek near River Valley Lodge
- Multiple opportunities to canter across open country
- Views towards Mt Ruapehu and the northern Ruahine Range
- Lookouts over the Rangitikei River canyon
- Small-group riding with River Valley Stables guides
- Horses matched to each rider’s ability and riding style
- Introduction to River Valley’s Natural Horsemanship approach
- Ride bitless, barefoot horses through genuine North Island high country
- Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders only
- Combine the ride with an overnight stay at River Valley Lodge
Ensuite Package
- One night in a private ensuite room
- Three-course farm-to-table dinner
- Breakfast from the lodge menu
- Lunch
- Half-day Burn the Breeze horse trek
- 45-minute spa or sauna session
Bunk Package
- One night in a bunk room
- Two-course farm-to-table dinner
- Breakfast from the lodge menu
- Lunch
- Half-day Burn the Breeze horse trek
Riding equipment
River Valley provides riding boots, a helmet, short chaps and a long oilskin riding coat for changeable weather.
What to bring: long trousers, socks, a warm top on cooler days, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Burn the Breeze is not suitable for beginner riders. River Valley requires riders to be at least intermediate level, meaning they are confident and in control on a moving horse at all paces outside an arena. Strong intermediate and advanced riders are also suitable.
The minimum age is 13 years and the maximum rider weight is 100 kg. Riders should be comfortable over uneven and variable terrain and confident enough to ride at faster paces when the guide considers conditions suitable.
The trek runs from 1 November to 18 April and is weather dependent. A minimum of two riders applies on public holidays. Group sizes are kept small, and guides match each rider with a horse before the trek.
Be accurate about your riding experience when enquiring. Riders whose experience is limited to beginner lessons or controlled arena riding should choose a less demanding activity.
Adventure activities naturally come with risks to both people and property. We do our best to reduce these risks, but we can't promise your safety. It's important that you pick activities that match your fitness level and expectations. If you're going on a horse trek, make sure your riding ability suits the ride you've chosen. Making the right choice helps keep you and others safe.
📌 Booking this trip means you have read and agree to the risks associated with this activity. Download the full Risk Disclosure here.
- More than 30 days before – Deposit not refunded; other payments refunded*
- Less than 30 days – Deposit not refunded; 50% of other payments refunded*
- Less than 14 days – No refund.
Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
