
Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 55 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago worth booking?
Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago is a 2-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $180 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 55 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (55)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $180 per person
Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt Pisa range. This popular trek is
What you get
- Riding helmets
- Well-trained horses matched to rider ability
- Experienced local guide
About this experience
Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt Pisa range. This popular trek is perfect for all riding abilities and offers an unforgettable journey through picturesque fruit orchards and rolling hills.
What's included
Included
- Riding helmets
- Well-trained horses matched to rider ability
- Experienced local guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
The gate is directly next to the highway with a large sign for Golden Hills Horse Treks. There is no driveway. The gate is usually locked, but your guide will meet you there at your booked time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The gate is directly next to the highway with a large sign for Golden Hills Horse Treks. There is no driveway. The gate is usually locked, but your guide will meet you there at your booked time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Golden Hills Horse Treks
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 55 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lovely Riding experience with fantastic views
Really welcoming, informative for beginners and Carolyn put you at your ease. Horses were well behaved, the ride took you up into the mountains through the orchards. We then had fantastic views over lake Dunstan and Cromwell. All around amazing experience for riders and beginners.
via Viator
Jasmine was awesome,...
Jasmine was awesome, friendly and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed the horse ride it was relaxing and fun.
via Viator
Absolute must do Experience with Breathtaking Views (and bunnies)
The Golden Horse Trek was the highlight of our trip. Stunning views, an amazing guide, and gentle, well-trained horses made it feel like a true adventure, not just a tour. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider, this is something you’ll never forget. Absolutely recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended Horse Trek.
This was amazing! The communication with Karolin was excellent from start to finish and she is the most lovely person to talk to whilst on a ride. Her horses are beautiful and well cared for, and her riding equipment is in excellent condition. The location is easy to find and just a short drive from Queenstown. Karolin ensured that we understood each horses quirks before setting off and catered the ride to our abilities. We had a couple of trots and canters across the hill tops whilst enjoying the most spectacular views. Our horses, Rasta and Clarkey were great. We didn't realise that there was so much to do in Cromwell. We stopped at a winery on the way, but next time would also enjoy the motor museum and gold mining museum and make it a whole day trip. My wife and I both highly recommend Golden Hills Horse Treks.
via Viator
Revisiting a once loved hobby and old friends
The horses are safe and Jasmin is a pair of safe hands, she keeps an eye and takes care of beginners as was my daughter. Stunning views and so peaceful, relaxing. They have faster and longer treksfor those looking for more.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago cost?
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Prices start at $180 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 55 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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