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Huxley Gorge Horse Trekking offers unforgettable guided horseback rides in the heart of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Our treks take you along alpine valleys, across crystal-clear rivers, and into remote backcountry landscapes that few visitors ever reach. With calm, reliable horses and experienced local guides, riders of all levels can safely enjoy the beauty of New Zealand’s high country on horseback. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous day ride or a peaceful escape surrounded by mountains, Huxley Gorge Horse Trekking connects you to the land in a way that’s authentic, memorable, and truly unique.

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Whether you’re saddling up for the very first time or you’ve been riding for years, our treks are designed for all levels of ability. Our gentle, well-trained horses and supportive guides ensure beginners feel confident from the moment they mount up, while experienced riders can still enjoy the freedom and experience of exploring the Southern Alps on horseback. At Huxley Gorge Horse Trekking, we believe everyone should have the chance to discover the magic of riding through New Zealand’s high country.

Guided Horse Treks in the South Island of New Zealand
Guided Horse Treks in the South Island of New Zealand

Our Guide

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Penny Copsey

Originally from Scotland, Penny has spent her life around horses and brings decades of experience to the trails. As a seasoned horse trek guide, she combines her deep knowledge of horsemanship with a genuine love for the outdoors. Penny is passionate about sharing the beauty of the Southern Alps of New Zealand with riders of all abilities, creating safe, welcoming, and memorable experiences for everyone who saddles up at Huxley Gorge Horse Trekking.

Guided Horse Treks in the South Island of New Zealand 
[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • Your trek includes a guided ride on one of our well-trained horses, and all necessary safety equipment to comply with New Zealand Laws.

    Each trek is a peaceful and scenic ride through our beautiful farm and landscape. The exact route and duration will depend on the trek you choose. Trek routes may vary depending on weather and ground conditions or seasonal work being carried out by our farm at the time of the trek.

    During the trek you will learn about the landscape, the farm, and the family who has been farming here for 4 generations.

  • We welcome riders of all experience levels. We’ll carefully match each rider with a horse suited to their ability. Our lovely horses are all sensible and quiet and cater to all riding abilities from no experience to ‘I’ve ridden all my life”. With the information you provide at booking we will match you and your ability to the best horse for you.

  • When booking you will be directed to a safe payment method, via credit card/debit card, we require payment at booking. We are unable to take cash on the day.

  • If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance for a refund or to reschedule. Cancellations (unless as a result of us cancelling due to weather) are subject to a 10% non refundable fee to cover admin costs.

    Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

    All treks are subject to weather and track conditions, and we’ll keep you updated if any changes are required.

  • We offer a range of treks of varying lengths, from our one-hour Larch Stream Stroll, which is ideal for beginners, through to our longer multi-hour (times vary slightly due to route conditions) rides designed for guests with some riding experience.

  • Please wear long pants, (jeans/exercise legging) and closed toe footwear, (boots/sneakers). The weather can change quickly so bring a jacket to keep warm if it gets abit cold.

  • Riders must be over 12 years of age, and any riders between 12-16 years of age but be accompanied by a adult.

    Our weight limit is 115 kgs, and please advise us if you are over 90kg as well as over 6 foot tall.

    You will be asked your weight and height at time of booking. Please be honest as it is vital that we consider the comfort and welfare of our horses, we can then match you to your horse to ensure maximum comfort for you and our horses.

    It is also important that you have a reasonable level of strength/fitness to be able to get on and off your horse unassisted (with the aid of a mounting step) and balance yourself whilst onboard your horse for a long period of time.

  • Yes unfortunately it can, but this will be for your safety! We exist in a dynamic environment and can at time experience extreme weather. All bookings are subject to weather and track conditions. So if we deem the weather to severe for safe trekking or the tracks to dangerous, we do reserve the right to cancel or reschedule your trek.

  • Yes, helmets are compulsory, and we will provide you with a safety standard approved helmet.

  • We are located at 3743 Lake Ohau Road, Ohau. Our Equine yard and reception is clearly sign posted from the Drive.

    If you click on our address at the bottom of our website, this will open Google Maps

  • No sorry, for the comfort and welfare of our horses and the safety of our customers we can not allow this. If your child is over 12 years of age we can provide them with their own quiet small horse to join you on the trek. For safety reasons children under the age of 8 years old are unable to participate on our treks including riding tandem with parents.

  • Due to the high risk if an accident were to happen while pregnant, we are unable to take you on the trek if you are pregnant. No matter how far along you are.

  • Of course! If you have any special requests, please get in touch prior via email and we’ll do our best to accomodate based on best practice particularly around your safety and that of our guide and animals.

  • Yes please do! Cameras may not be worn on your person due to risk of injury, however you may carry your phone in your pocket, and we will have designated times where you can take photos safely.

    Please tag us! Our instagram is @huxleygorgehorsetrekking