Trek a caballo en Gold Discovery Trail, Cardrona Valley: Wanaka

Let your horse take you across the Cardrona River while keeping a keen eye out for gold along the way. Learn about the gold rush that Cardrona experienced in the 1860s, which gave way to the farming you will see first hand as you ride through mobs of Merino sheep. Climb to a beautiful vantage point with breathtaking views of Mount Cardrona and the Crown Range. No riding experience is required: your guide gives a one-on-one lesson before the ride so everyone is confident with steering and stopping. Children from 5 years ride on gentle horses with kids' saddles, independently or led from the guide's horse. If you are up for it, you will get your horse trotting on this ride. Reward your horse with a bucket of feed back at the stables. The horses are rehomed ex-harness racehorses, big and gentle, retrained for trail riding. Syd Hill half-breed saddles with monkey straps for extra stability. Maximum rider weight 105 kg. Minimum two riders; single riders are waitlisted or can book a private ride. The Cardrona runs small-group and private horse treks, quad bike tours and off-road buggy rides on a 15,000-acre private high-country sheep, cattle and deer farm in the Cardrona Valley, at the foot of Cardrona Alpine Resort, 20 minutes from Wanaka and 50 minutes from Queenstown. Open seven days a week, all year round.