Lighthorse Adventures · South Island, New Zealand
Natural-horsemanship riding in the Dart Valley, at the head of Lake Wakatipu
Riding with Lighthorse Adventures in the Dart Valley near Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand's South Island, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Built around Parelli natural horsemanship, each ride starts with time spent connecting with your horse before setting out through the valley, with river crossings, canters along old riverbeds and rides through beech forest. Options run from half-day rides to multi-day treks and retreats.
The natural-horsemanship approach means rides are matched to you, from complete beginners to experienced riders, starting with groundwork to connect with your horse. The multi-day treks and retreats involve river crossings and full days, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
Well-schooled horses worked through natural horsemanship, calm and connected.
Each ride begins with groundwork to sync with your horse, then heads out through the Dart Valley, crossing rivers, cantering along old riverbeds and winding through beech forest, with the mountains of Mount Aspiring all around. Longer trips camp out in the valley.
Comfortable lodging around the rides, with camps out on the longer treks and retreats.
Meals are provided on the multi-day trips.
Best months: November to April
The New Zealand summer and autumn are the main season.
Nearest airport: Queenstown (ZQN), then on to Glenorchy
Transfers: About an hour from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Fly to Queenstown, then on to Glenorchy.
