Bookings

The Rees River Trail

Our most popular ride for all abilities, cross glacial rivers and experience the untamed beauty of Glenorchy.

Price

$220.00 | Adult 
$210 | Child

Experience

All Riding Abilities

Duration

2.5 hour Experience

Departures

 9 AM & 2:30 PM

Minimum Age

7 years old

Weight Limit

95kg

Book Rees River Ride
More info

Ride beneath snow capped mountains as you cross pristine glacial rivers.

Taking the best of the Rees River and showcasing it to you. This 2.5 hour ride caters for beginners, intermediate and experienced riders looking for a relaxed paced scenic trail. Designed to take in the stunning scenery that is Glenorchy, the Rees river trail takes clients across farmland and onto the Rees River. You will experience crossing glacial fed waters, ride amongst the lupin / wild flower fields, and be awe inspired by our beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges known famously from LOTR, Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Mission Impossible and Wolverine origins. Come and have a REAL Kiwi experience!

Please note, this ride does not guarantee a faster pace, this is subject to our guides recommendation and group ability. If you are an experienced rider after the thrill of a canter, please look into our “Rees River PRO” Instead. 

Book an unforgettable experience with High Country Horses today and witness the awe-inspiring vistas that have captivated hearts for generations. Experience the magic, heritage, and natural wonders of Glenorchy from the saddle of a trusted companion.

Book the Rees River Trail

Testimonials

Our group was 4 complete beginners and myself who had ridden only many years ago. We had a fantastic 2.5 hour ride with Stella guiding us and leading the way. Stella provided great informative tour about the area, the mountains around us, the river and all the different treks they do. Stella kept a close eye on all the horses and reminders about keeping the order of them so they behaved nicely. And told us lots of stories about the personalities of the horses which were both informative and funny. The trek capped off our week in Queenstown and was an unexpected highlight. We recommend High Country Horses and thank Stella for a fun and entertaining ride, you are an asset to your company!
RICHARD P
RICHARD PRees River Trail
"Best experience of our trip! We did the rees river half day ride and It was the most magical experience ever to be horseriding in glenorchy, crossing multiple rivers, learning to do trots, through the wilderness with beautiful mountains, lupins and rivers for the whole 2.5 hours. It was a highlight of our trip in nz and we recommend for anyone who loves nature and horses to do it! My husband and I have never ridden a horse before ( except maybe to climb on its back to take pictures), yet we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly because the guide was so knowledgeable, patient, and taught us how we could steer the horses. We felt safe, yet with a whole lot of adrenaline. We hope to have an opportunity to learn more abt horseriding and come back one day to do the overnight horse riding. Book this and you wont regret! It is real good experience."
Yi Xin
Yi XinRees River Trail
We had the most amazing day on a ride with our guide Amanda. She was so knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the horses. She told us amazing stories and was very friendly and professional. The horses were so gentle and well looked after, and they did exactly what we asked! The photos are breathtaking and I would highly highly recommend this to any level of rider. What a great day!!!
sarahW9573WL
sarahW9573WLRees River Trail
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Winter means lupin season isn`t far away!
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#lupins #queenstown #glenorchy #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #nzmustdo #tourismnz #horse #horseriding #adventure #mountains #spring #winter

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Winter means lupin season isn't far away! . . . . #lupins #queenstown #glenorchy #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #nzmustdo #tourismnz #horse #horseriding #adventure #mountains #spring #winter

Evenings like these its almost sad to be headed for home.
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#reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #sunset #winter #horses #trailriding #nzmustdo #river #mountains #adventure

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Evenings like these its almost sad to be headed for home. . . . . #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #sunset #winter #horses #trailriding #nzmustdo #river #mountains #adventure

Riding a horse is awesome, today I think swimming a horse would be even better!
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#highcountryhorses #swimming #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #seahorse #river #mustdonz #summer #trailride

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Riding a horse is awesome, today I think swimming a horse would be even better! . . . . #highcountryhorses #swimming #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #seahorse #river #mustdonz #summer #trailride

JOIN THE TEAM! JOB OPPORTUITY IN AN OFFICE WITH A WORLD CLASS VIEW 👌🏻

High Country Horses is looking for a superstar Camp Director to join our team for the summer season. We are after someone who can work individually and as part of a team with great time management as you would be responsible for the transfers of our multi day ride clients to and from Queenstown, setting up camp each day as the rides move throughout the area, collecting and transporting catering along with returning used containers to our caterer.
Because of the transportation aspect of this job, our ideal candidate would already hold their P class licence or be willing and able to obtain it.
Accomodation can be arranged if needed. This role is Monday - Friday with a minimum 30 hours per week with a break over Christmas/New Year holidays.
Please note this is not a guiding/riding position and is a seasonal role from October-March.
If this sounds like the job for you, or someone you know, please get a hold of Amanda at info@highcountryhorses.nz or on 03 442 9915

#reesrivertrail #highcountryhorses #horse #horseriding #adventure #jobsnz #hiring #mountains #scenery #nzmustdo #nztourism #glenorchynz #glenorchy #middleearth #lordoftherings

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JOIN THE TEAM! JOB OPPORTUITY IN AN OFFICE WITH A WORLD CLASS VIEW 👌🏻 High Country Horses is looking for a superstar Camp Director to join our team for the summer season. We are after someone who can work individually and as part of a team with great time management as you would be responsible for the transfers of our multi day ride clients to and from Queenstown, setting up camp each day as the rides move throughout the area, collecting and transporting catering along with returning used containers to our caterer. Because of the transportation aspect of this job, our ideal candidate would already hold their P class licence or be willing and able to obtain it. Accomodation can be arranged if needed. This role is Monday - Friday with a minimum 30 hours per week with a break over Christmas/New Year holidays. Please note this is not a guiding/riding position and is a seasonal role from October-March. If this sounds like the job for you, or someone you know, please get a hold of Amanda at info@highcountryhorses.nz or on 03 442 9915 #reesrivertrail #highcountryhorses #horse #horseriding #adventure #jobsnz #hiring #mountains #scenery #nzmustdo #nztourism #glenorchynz #glenorchy #middleearth #lordoftherings

Beautiful, picturesque landscape views of Glenorchy`s basin, crossing glacial rivers whilst on horseback 😍 Save up to 20% off! ⁠
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https://www.everythingnewzealand.com/horse-riding-high-country-horses-queenstown-1557/⁠
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Beautiful, picturesque landscape views of Glenorchy's basin, crossing glacial rivers whilst on horseback 😍 Save up to 20% off! ⁠ ⁠ https://www.everythingnewzealand.com/horse-riding-high-country-horses-queenstown-1557/⁠ ⁠ #highcountryhorses #highcountryhorsesglenorchy #highcountryhorseriding #horseridingglenorchy #reesrivertrail #reesrivervalley #horseridingnewzealand #horeseback #rivercrossing #horsetrek #everythingtravelnz⁠ ⁠ #mustdonz #travelnz #nztravel #newzealand #everythingnewzealand #everythingtravel #nzholiday⁠ #visitnewzealand #travelnewzealand #explorenewzealand #newzealandguide #newzealandtravel #bestofnz #explorenz #visitnz #purenz #newzealandtrip #destinationnewzealand

Four day, 76km backpacking trip along the Rees Track. Yeah, I climbed those mountains.
#travel #adventure #newzealand #reesrivertrail #backpacking #hiking #mountains #glaciers #lifeisgood #wanderlust #notallwhowanderarelost #lordoftherings #theworldisquiethere #neverstopexploring

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Four day, 76km backpacking trip along the Rees Track. Yeah, I climbed those mountains. #travel #adventure #newzealand #reesrivertrail #backpacking #hiking #mountains #glaciers #lifeisgood #wanderlust #notallwhowanderarelost #lordoftherings #theworldisquiethere #neverstopexploring

Riding up the Rees River 🐎 #isengard #horseback #trail #reesrivertrail #glenorchy #horsebackriding #nature #outdoors #adventure #sports #horse #riding #trekkingday #girlstrip #femmetravel #travelbloggerslife #aotearoa #travel #newzealand #noan17

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Riding up the Rees River 🐎 #isengard #horseback #trail #reesrivertrail #glenorchy #horsebackriding #nature #outdoors #adventure #sports #horse #riding #trekkingday #girlstrip #femmetravel #travelbloggerslife #aotearoa #travel #newzealand #noan17

Crossing the Rees River on an evening ride in Glenorchy 🐴 #river #isengard #topofthelake #filmset #horseback #trail #mountains #highcountryhorses #rtw #roundtheworld #reesrivertrail #glenorchy #horsebackriding #nature #outdoors #adventure #sports #horse #riding #trekkingday #girlstrip #femmetravel #travelbloggerslife #aotearoa #travel #newzealand #noan17

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Crossing the Rees River on an evening ride in Glenorchy 🐴 #river #isengard #topofthelake #filmset #horseback #trail #mountains #highcountryhorses #rtw #roundtheworld #reesrivertrail #glenorchy #horsebackriding #nature #outdoors #adventure #sports #horse #riding #trekkingday #girlstrip #femmetravel #travelbloggerslife #aotearoa #travel #newzealand #noan17
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our Rees River Trail ride is suitable for riders of all abilities. From beginners through to experienced riders. 

Our guides offer expert tuition and horses that excel at helping beginners find their confidence as you explore the wondrous Rees Valley on horseback. 

Yes! our age limit for the Rees River Trail ride is 7 years old. If your child is younger we recommend checking out our Mid Rivers One Hour Ride. 

All children under 18 years old and MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The well being and safety of our horses is of the utmost importance to our team and weight limits are put in place to ensure their welfare is kept in accordance to the world horse welfare tourism standard. We are strict on this policy.

Please note that guests may be weighed at check in and then introduced to the horse that best suits your riding ability and weight.

Long trousers, suitable sturdy footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen. During winter please bring warm layers including socks, gloves, scarf.

Our Rees River Trail is a walk, trot pace only.

There is NO GUARANTEE you’ll be able to go faster on this ride.

If you are an experienced rider after the thrill of a canter or faster paced ride please look into our ‘Rees River Pro’ ride instead.

All booking cancellations 7 days prior to your trek date will be refunded in full.  

50% of the booking cost will be refunded between 7 days and 24 hours of your cancellation request.  

No refund is available within 24 hours of your departure time

The back drop of this ride has been featured in numerous movies over the years. 

You’ll be riding beneath the famous “misty mountains” in The Lord of The Rings looking up at the Dart Valley that was the location of the tower of Isengard. 

You will also ride right through a scene from X-Men Origins Wolverine – a famous bridge that has been used for countless Car commercials to name just a few.

Most importantly… this ride will leave you feeling like you’re the star in your own movie!

Book the Rees River Trail

The adventure of a lifetime is just a few clicks away.

Book the Rees River Trail

Interactive Trail map

The gateway to the untamed beauty of the Wakatipu Basin.

Bespoke Packages

Exclusive Rides

Your own personal guide and horses – Build your own ride.

  • All Abilities
  • starting at 300.00pp per hour

Photography and filming Packages

  • Coming Soon

Short Rides

1h Mid Rivers Ride

  • Beginner
  • 1 hour
  • 110.00

2.5h Rees River Trail

  • All Abilities
  • 2.5 Hours
  • 220.00

2.5h Rees River Pro

  • Experienced Only
  • 2.5 Hours
  • 250.00

5-6h Mountain High River Deep

  • Experienced Only
  • 5-6 Hours
  • 500.00

Paradise Exclusive

  • Coming Soon

Multiday Rides

2 Day Around the Mountain

  • Experienced Only
  • 2 day, 1 night
  • 945

3 Day Heritage Trail

  • Experienced Only
  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • 1700

5 Day Glenorchy Back Country

  • Experienced Only
  • 5 days 4 nights
  • See Globetrotting for details

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