The 10 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Queenstown to Book First

1.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 261 reviews · from $365Our pick

Ride with a small group of up to seven through Cardrona’s mountain trails, a working cattle farm, and the Cardrona River. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to your ability, with trotting and cantering expected. Finish with a complimentary drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“What an amazing ride. Our guide Summer managed a group of 6 whose riding skills ranged from none to experienced. She did a great job of keeping us together while telling us of the history of the area. Due to our group skill (or lack thereof) Read more”

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2.Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134Best value

Sail across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then ride for 40 to 45 minutes through Walter Peak farmland with an English-speaking guide. Small groups of up to six make this a calm, personal introduction to horse trekking, followed by tea, scones, and muffins.

“Spectacular place, guide was awesome. All around a good time”

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3.Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $309

Ride from Cardrona into the valley with a guide such as Phoebe or Val, learning basic horse control before crossing streams, climbing mountain lanes, and hearing gold-rush stories. Beginners are welcome, and groups are limited to seven riders.

“I don’t really write reviews but I’m making an exception for The Cardrona team as they were exceptional! The scenery was epic, and Phoebe kept us entertained with all funny anecdotes of the horse drama and the history of Cardrona. AngRead more”

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4.Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $142

You’ll cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy tea and baked treats at the farm, then take a gentle, beginner-friendly horse ride with a small group of up to six. Guides such as Matt, Tegan, Paddy, or Benny may lead the trek.

“Extremely well organized and the steamship and and horseback riding were a lot of fun. It is great for beginner horse riders. Well seasoned riders will not enjoy the horse experience, but it is perfect for those who do not get to ride horses.”

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5.Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $1,178

Fly from Queenstown to Mt Cook, switch to a helicopter, and spend about two hours walking Tasman Glacier in boots and crampons. A mountaineering guide leads you through changing ice formations and caves. Transfers, flights, safety gear, and hotel pickup are included.

“It was very fun and the guide is kind :D :) i be the model whem we getting ice claw on when i go up at ski plane i feel little bit throw up”

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6.Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $750

Leave Queenstown at 6:30 a.m. for a guided drive through Cromwell, Lindis Pass, and the Mackenzie Basin. At Aoraki Mt Cook, take two helicopter flights and walk on the Tasman Glacier with specialist gear. Guides including Tedd, Xavier, Collin, and Ryan have helped make the long day run smoothly.

“The glacier ice cave tour and actually all the activities that “Hunter” lead us to is great… we fully enjoy the trip!!”

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7.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $142

Ride for two hours through Central Otago orchards and rolling hills with guides including Karo, Karolin, Carolyn, or Jasmine. Well-trained horses suit beginners and experienced riders, while the route climbs toward views of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, and the Mt Pisa Range.

“The perfect place to have a trail ride, situated in fields of plum and nectarine trees that were blossom when we had our ride mid September. Carol and her horses are amazing.”

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8.Routeburn Track Guided Hike (Full Day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $257

Join Nomad Safaris for a 10-hour guided hike on New Zealand’s Routeburn Track. Guides such as Lucas, Angelo, Fiona, and Paul bring the forest, birds, Māori greenstone history, waterfalls, and Southern Alps to life. Expect up to 22 kilometres, uphill and downhill sections, lunch, snacks, and hotel transfers.

“We had an amazing day! Fiona was a great tour guide, she was very knowledgeable and made the day spectacular. We had perfect weather, no clouds and no rain. Jumping in the water was definitely a highlight! Would recommend to anyone who likes a hike (intermediate) but stunning views”

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9.Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 6h 30m · from $1,015

Fly from Queenstown to Franz Josef with pilot commentary, then take a helicopter to the ice. Guide Sarah or another local guide leads a two-hour crampon hike through crevasses and ice caves. Weather may shift the trip to Tasman Glacier, so you get the best workable glacier option.

“Amazing trip. View was amazing on the plane to Franz Josef. Lily is an amazing pilot. Glacier hike was an a great experience. Sarah is great guide and I felt safe the whole time”

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10.Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $293

Travel from Queenstown to the Routeburn Valley, then hike a moderate section through temperate rainforest with a professional guide. The day includes hotel pickup, bottled water, fruit and nut bars, a café stop for your own lunch, and scenic stops at Lake Wakatipu and Glenorchy. Guide Charles has been praised for plant and bird identification.

“Great hike with Charles! Beautiful views, very knowledgeable about plant and bird identification. Had our own private vehicle and guided time for 4.”

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