Photo: JYB Devot, CC BY-SA 4.0High Country Horse Adventures
Private horse treks from Lake Coleridge Village — river crossings, mountain country, and multi-day backcountry rides.
High Country Horse Adventures runs horse treks out of Lake Coleridge Village, 50 minutes northwest of Methven in genuine Canterbury high country — braided rivers, tussock basins, and mountain ranges on every horizon. This is not a nose-to-tail trail ride operation. Most rides run as exclusive private groups — couples, families, or groups of friends — with timing tailored to the booking, and horses matched to each rider from beginner through to experienced.
Day options run from a two-hour river crossing ride to a half-day ride taking in river and lake country (about 3.5–4 hours in the saddle across a 5-hour outing), up to a full-day trek through mountains, rivers, and lake country with around six hours of riding. Day rides suit ages 10 and up for experienced young riders, or 12 and up for beginners.
The serious offering is the multi-day backcountry treks: two-day rides to Big Ben or Black Hill, and three, four, and five-day expeditions deeper into the high country, riding station country and river valleys most visitors never see. These run for small groups of four to six riders and include accommodation, all meals, refreshments including wine and beer, horses, helmets, and equipment. Riders need to be 13 or older and under 105kg; the five-day trek requires intermediate to advanced riding ability, while shorter treks accept confident beginners.
What to expect
You meet at the Lake Coleridge Club at 3 Riverview Terrace in Lake Coleridge Village — allow 50 minutes' drive from Methven and fill the fuel tank before you leave, as there is no petrol station at the lake. Day rides need at least 24 hours' notice to book; multi-day treks should be booked a month or more ahead, with a NZD $500 per rider deposit.
Horses are matched to your stated experience level, so be honest about your ability when booking. The pace and route are adjusted to the group — because rides are private, a confident group can expect a more adventurous ride than a mixed-ability family booking. River crossings are a genuine highlight and a standard feature rather than a novelty.
Wear enclosed, sturdy footwear with tread — hiking boots or running shoes — and bring layers; high country weather changes fast and rain jackets are not supplied on multi-day treks. Helmets and all riding equipment are provided. Deposits for multi-day treks are non-refundable except for weather cancellations.
Best time to visit
Day rides run through most of the year by arrangement. Multi-day backcountry treks operate from mid-November to March and again from June to September, with occasional availability in April and May. Summer offers the most settled weather and long daylight for full-day rides; winter treks are colder but the snow-dusted high country is spectacular and the rivers run low and clear. Book multi-day treks at least a month out — small group sizes mean dates fill.
Insider tips
- ✓Book day rides at least 24 hours ahead; multi-day treks a month or more in advance on 027 450 7280.
- ✓Wear enclosed sturdy footwear with tread and bring warm layers plus a rain jacket — jackets are not supplied.
- ✓Be honest about your riding experience when booking — horses and routes are matched to ability.
- ✓Fill up with fuel in Methven — there is no petrol station at Lake Coleridge Village.
- ✓Multi-day trek deposits are non-refundable except for weather cancellations, so confirm your dates before paying.
Frequently asked questions
How much is horse trekking at Lake Coleridge?
High Country Horse Adventures charges NZD $180 per rider for a 2-hour river crossing ride, $250 for a half-day ride, and $350 for a full-day mountain trek. Multi-day backcountry treks cost from $1,500 per rider for two days up to $3,700 for five days, including accommodation, meals, horses, and equipment.
Can beginners do a horse trek at Lake Coleridge?
Yes. Horses are matched to all experience levels, and day rides accept beginners from age 12 (experienced young riders from age 10). Multi-day treks of two to four days accept riders with basic ability; the five-day trek is for intermediate and advanced riders only. A 105kg weight limit applies on multi-day treks.
How far is Lake Coleridge from Methven for a horse trek?
Lake Coleridge Village is about 45km northwest of Methven — roughly a 50-minute drive on sealed roads via the Rakaia Gorge. Treks meet at the Lake Coleridge Club, 3 Riverview Terrace. It is an easy morning drive, but fill up with fuel in Methven as there is none at the lake.
Where do you stay for a Lake Coleridge horse trek?
Accommodation at Lake Coleridge Village itself is very limited. Most riders stay in Methven, 50 minutes away, and drive out for day rides — multi-day treks include backcountry accommodation once you are on the trail. Visit Methven offers self-contained holiday homes — browse at visitmethven.co.nz/stay.
Practical information
Price
From NZD $180 for a 2-hour river ride; half day $250, full day $350. Multi-day backcountry treks from NZD $1,500 (2 days) to $3,700 (5 days), meals and accommodation included.
Location
Lake Coleridge Club, 3 Riverview Terrace, Lake Coleridge Village, 45km northwest of Methven (45km northwest of Methven)
Phone
+64 27 450 7280
Booking required
Visit websiteStay near High Country Horse Adventures
Self-contained holiday homes in Methven — book direct and save.
Browse accommodation