Experience the spectacular Cardrona Valley on horseback, quad bike or off-road buggy with The Cardrona, a family-friendly adventure operator located between Wānaka and Queenstown.
Set amongst rugged South Island high-country scenery, The Cardrona offers guided horse trekking and quad biking adventures across private working farmland, with mountain trails, river crossings, alpine viewpoints and fascinating stories from Cardrona’s gold-mining and farming past.
Located at the base of Cardrona Alpine Resort, The Cardrona is approximately 20 minutes from Wānaka and around 50–60 minutes from Queenstown, making it an easy addition to a Central Otago adventure.
With small-group and private experiences, activities for different ages and abilities, and adventures operating throughout the year, The Cardrona offers an unforgettable way to explore one of New Zealand’s most beautiful alpine valleys.
Why Choose The Cardrona?
- Guided horse trekking and quad biking in Cardrona Valley
- Spectacular private high-country access
- Located around 20 minutes from Wānaka
- Convenient for visitors travelling between Wānaka and Queenstown
- Horse riding options for beginners through to experienced riders
- Family quad bike experiences from age 6
- Off-road buggy options for passengers and families
- Group adventures for families, friends, corporate outings and special occasions
- Larger groups can combine horse trekking, quad biking and off-road buggies
- Small-group and private adventures available
- Working sheep, cattle and deer farm environment
- Learn about Cardrona’s gold-mining and farming history
- Year-round activities
- Experiences tailored to different ages, abilities and group sizes
- Mountain, river and alpine scenery
Horse Trekking in Cardrona Valley
Explore the mountains of Cardrona Valley aboard one of The Cardrona’s handpicked trekking horses.
The friendly herd has been selected and trained for trail riding, with horses suited to different ages, riding abilities and experience levels. Before setting out, guides provide riding instruction to help riders feel comfortable with steering, stopping and their horse.
Children from 5 years old can participate in selected rides, while experienced riders can enquire about faster and more challenging alpine horse treks. The maximum rider weight is 105kg.
Gold Discovery Trail
9:30am | Allow 2 hours | Ages 5+
The popular Gold Discovery Trail combines horse riding with Cardrona’s remarkable scenery and history.
Cross the Cardrona River, ride through working high-country farmland and learn about the gold rush that transformed the valley during the 1860s. The trail climbs to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Mount Cardrona and the Crown Range.
No previous riding experience is required, with instruction provided before departure.
The High Country Pub Trail
12.30pm | Allow 3.5 hours | Intermediate/Advanced
Mount up and begin the big hill climb which soon gives way to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains of the Crown and Pisa ranges. The working Merino sheep farmland turns to rugged rock and tussock country as you climb higher to get that even better photo opportunity. Really feels like you are on top of the world in the middle of nowhere!
Descend to the Cardrona Hotel where you dismount and tie your horse to our hitching rail and enjoy a well-earned beverage on us in the gorgeous garden bar. If you fancy a bit of a run this ride gives you the chance to cut loose! The High Country Pub Ride offers many opportunities for a nice canter- the whole package!
The Top Beat
On request | Allow 2.5 hours | Experienced riders
Experienced horse riders looking for something faster can enquire about The Top Beat.
This high-country trek heads further into the mountains and includes opportunities for cantering on forward-moving horses, along with a stop at a high alpine hitching rail for photographs and spectacular mountain views.
A minimum of two riders normally applies, although private one-on-one rides may be available on request.
Twilight Horse Riding
After 4:30pm | Seasonal | On request
During the longer spring and summer evenings, experience Cardrona Valley as the sun drops behind Mount Cardrona.
The Twilight Ride provides a memorable option for couples and riders wanting to experience the mountains during one of the most atmospheric times of day.
Quad Biking in Cardrona
Head off the beaten track on a guided Cardrona quad biking adventure through spectacular private high-country terrain.
The Cardrona operates late-model Yamaha Kodiak 450cc quad bikes, featuring automatic gearing and 4WD capability. Trails can be adapted to suit different levels of confidence and experience.
Small groups are a speciality, giving guides the flexibility to tailor each adventure while accessing alpine viewpoints that can be difficult to reach by other means.
Mountain Experience Quad Bike Tour
10am & 1pm | 2 hours | Ages 16+
The Mountain Experience is The Cardrona’s ultimate alpine quad biking adventure.
Travel from the valley floor into the mountains across varied high-country terrain, climbing towards spectacular panoramic viewpoints. During winter, conditions can even take the adventure into the snow.
This tour is ideal for visitors looking for a more adventurous way to experience the dramatic landscape surrounding Wānaka and Cardrona.
River Run Quad Bike Tour
From 10:30am | 1 hour | Ages 6+
The River Run is designed especially for families and younger riders.
Follow trails across the valley floor, negotiate dips, rises and creek crossings, encounter farm animals and enjoy plenty of opportunities for family photographs along the way.
The experience can be tailored around the group’s age, ability and confidence. Younger participants who aren’t able or don’t want to self-drive can join the adventure as passengers in an off-road buggy.
Off-Road Buggy Adventures
Prefer to enjoy the scenery without riding a horse or controlling a quad bike?
The Cardrona’s 4WD off-road buggy adventures provide another way for couples, families and multi-generational groups to explore the mountains.
Choose from guide-driven options or enquire about self-drive side-by-side buggies. The buggies can tackle the mountain trails while providing a comfortable option for younger children and visitors who would rather travel as passengers.
Self-drive buggy experiences require a valid driver’s licence and are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Mountain Experience Buggy Tour
Allow 2 hours
Journey from the Cardrona Valley floor into spectacular alpine backcountry, with challenging terrain and panoramic mountain views.
River Run Farm Tour
Allow 1 hour
A gentler off-road adventure through the valley floor, particularly suited to families, first-time off-road drivers and groups wanting a relaxed scenic experience.
Private passenger buggy adventures to remote alpine backcountry huts can also be arranged on request.
Family Adventures in Cardrona
The Cardrona makes it possible for different generations to enjoy the high country together.
Choose horse trekking, quad bikes or off-road buggies, or talk to the team about combining activities into a customised family outing.
Children from five can participate in selected horse treks, children from six can experience selected quad biking adventures, and buggy passenger options make it possible for even younger family members to join the fun.
The emphasis is on small groups, personalised experiences and matching the adventure to each group’s abilities.
Group Adventures at The Cardrona
The Cardrona is a fantastic choice for groups, families, corporate outings and special occasions, with horse trekking, quad biking and off-road buggy adventures available in the spectacular Cardrona Valley.
Larger groups can be accommodated across a combination of activities:
- Quad Bikes: Up to 10 self-drive quad bikes
- 3-Seater Off-Road Buggies: Two available, with self-drive or guide-driven options
- 6-Seater Off-Road Buggy: One available, driven by a guide
- Horse Treks: Generally 5–8 riders per group, depending on riding abilities
Activities can be tailored to suit different ages, experience levels and group requirements. Combining horses, quad bikes and off-road buggies also makes it possible for groups with mixed abilities to enjoy their Cardrona adventure together.
Contact The Cardrona directly to discuss your group and arrange an experience to suit your requirements.
About The Cardrona’s Horses
The Cardrona’s trekking horses are retrained former harness racing horses that have been carefully transitioned into life as trail-riding horses.
The team uses natural horsemanship principles, barefoot trimming and a rotation system designed to keep the horses healthy and mountain-fit throughout the year.
The herd includes gentle horses with different personalities and characteristics, allowing guides to match riders with an appropriate horse.
What to Bring
Cardrona is an alpine environment and conditions can change quickly.
For horse trekking and outdoor adventures, bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Warm layers
- Weatherproof clothing
- Sun protection
- A camera or phone for the scenery
Optional photo packages may also be available for horse trekking experiences.
Location – Cardrona Valley
The Cardrona is located at:
2125 Cardrona Valley Road
Cardrona, Wānaka
New Zealand
The activity centre is approximately 20–25 minutes’ drive from Wānaka and around 55 minutes from Queenstown, depending on road and weather conditions.
The property is near Cardrona Alpine Resort and a short drive from the historic Cardrona township and famous Cardrona Hotel.
Explore More of Wānaka & Otago
Make The Cardrona part of a wider Central Otago adventure. Combine your horse trek, quad bike or buggy experience with skiing, hiking, mountain biking and other activities around Wānaka, Cardrona and Queenstown.
Explore our Otago Travel Guide for more places to stay, activities and things to do.
Book Direct with The Cardrona
Book directly with The Cardrona to arrange the experience that best suits your group, from family horse treks and quad bike tours to private rides and off-road buggy adventures.
The team can advise on ages, riding experience, group requirements, availability and the most suitable adventure for your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cardrona?
The Cardrona is at 2125 Cardrona Valley Road, approximately 20–25 minutes from Wānaka and around 55 minutes from Queenstown by road.
Does The Cardrona offer horse trekking near Wānaka?
Yes. The Cardrona offers guided horse trekking through Cardrona Valley, including rides suitable for beginners, families and experienced riders.
Do I need horse riding experience?
No. The popular Gold Discovery Trail requires no previous riding experience. Riders receive instruction before departing, and horses are matched to different riding abilities.
What is the minimum age for horse riding?
Children aged 5 years and over can participate in selected horse trekking experiences.
Is there a weight limit for horse trekking?
Yes. The maximum rider weight is 105kg.
Can families go quad biking in Cardrona?
Yes. The River Run is designed for families, with quad bike options for children from age six. Younger children or family members who don’t want to self-drive can enquire about travelling in an off-road buggy.
Can two people ride on one quad bike?
No. Quad bikes are designed for one rider only and passengers cannot ride pillion. Off-road buggy options are available for passengers and younger children.
Are there quad bike tours near Wānaka?
Yes. The Cardrona operates guided quad bike tours from Cardrona Valley, around 20 minutes from Wānaka. Tours range from family-friendly valley adventures to alpine mountain experiences.
Can we combine horse riding and quad biking?
Yes. The Cardrona can arrange combinations of horse trekking, quad biking and off-road buggy adventures for families and groups, subject to availability.
Are private tours available?
The Cardrona specialises in small groups, and private or customised experiences may be available depending on the activity and group requirements.
Does The Cardrona operate year-round?
Yes. Horse trekking and off-road adventures operate throughout the year, with the landscape changing dramatically between the seasons.
