Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise
About This Experience
The only way to ride at Walter Peak, and the reason it works is the group size: a maximum of six riders per guide. You cross Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown, meet your horse and guide at the station, and ride out across high-country farmland to a lookout over the lake.
The riding is genuinely easy — 40 to 45 minutes at a walk on quiet farm horses, with the guide leading. First-time riders are the normal customer here, not the exception, and the route is chosen for the view rather than the challenge.
Back at the stables you take morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead: tea, coffee, scones and muffins, included. The whole trip is three and a half hours from wharf to wharf.
There are real limits, and they are worth checking before you book: riders must be at least 7 years old, at least 120 cm tall, and under 95 kg. Long trousers are required — shorts and a saddle do not mix.
Highlights
- Experience a scenic return cruise on Lake Whakatipu (45 minutes each way)
- Enjoy a horse trek suitable for all abilities, including first-time riders
- Enjoy freshly baked treats with morning or afternoon tea
- Enjoy a personalised experience in a small group
What's Included
- ✓ Round-trip cruise on TSS Earnslaw steamship or the Spirit of Queenstown
- ✓ Morning or afternoon tea (tea, coffee, scones, and muffins)
- ✓ 40-45 minutes horse trekking
- ✓ Nature guide
Not Included
- Beverages and additional food (can be purchased onboard)
What to Bring
- Long pants
Good to Know & Caveats
- Height restrictions - minimum 120cm tall
- Weight restrictions - maximum 95 kg
- There’s a minimum age of 7 years
Not Suitable For
- People above 95kg
Meeting Point
Board at Steamer Wharf beside the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street. The berth depends on the vessel in your booking option — check your voucher and arrive 30 minutes before departure.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.6/5 by 301 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Such a fantastic day, our guide was so nice and so was the horses, my horse was called Ben, he was such a lovely boy, as was the other horses. Also wonderful boat ride and spectacular scenery. Delightful afternoon tea, with a variety of tasty bites to eat 😊 excellent place for animals lovers, walked past some kune kune pigs and alpacas. 🐷🦙
— Bridee, August
Great we loved it, guide was very good and kept you informed the whole way
— Daniel, August
It was a fun afternoon out, my husband loved the steam train and even enjoyed the horse ride! It was beautiful scenery and the right amount of time on the horse.
— Kristina, April 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need riding experience?
No. The trek is designed for first-time and novice riders, at a walk, with a guide leading a group of no more than six.
What are the age, height and weight limits?
Riders must be 7 or older, at least 120 cm tall and no heavier than 95 kg. These are firm limits set for the horses, not guidelines.
How long is the ride itself?
40 to 45 minutes in the saddle. The rest of the 3.5 hours is the two 45-minute lake crossings and tea at the homestead.
What should I wear?
Long trousers, closed shoes with a small heel if you have them, and a layer for the lake — it is colder on the water than in town. Helmets are provided.
Is food included?
Morning or afternoon tea is — tea, coffee, scones and muffins. Other food and any drinks are bought separately on board or at the homestead.
Other Walter Peak & Lake Whakatipu Trips
Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise
Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour
Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise
Queenstown: Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience
