The Great Glenorchy Pub Ride

Epic Trails. Epic Views. Epic Lunch.

This is the ride you've been dreaming about—a proper all-day adventure that earns you that cold beer at the end.

Saddle up for 6-7 hours of pure New Zealand wilderness riding as you and your horse journey through some of the most diverse and stunning terrain the Dart Valley has to offer. You'll traverse river crossings that test your trust, canter through fields of purple lupins (when in season), navigate forest trails, and wind through landscapes so spectacular you'll understand why they film movies here.

But this isn't just about the destination—though arriving at the historic Glenorchy Hotel on horseback, dusty and satisfied, is pretty damn special. This is about earning that pub lunch with your horse as your partner, covering real ground, and experiencing what it truly means to adventure together.

What to Expect

The Journey:

    •    Multiple river crossings (yes, you may get wet)

    •    Varied terrain from open valleys to forest trails

    •    Lupin fields in season (spring/summer)

    •    Opportunities for faster paces where safe and appropriate

    •    Real horsemanship—you and your horse working as a team

The Reward: A well-deserved pub lunch at the Glenorchy Hotel and some celebratory beverages with your fellow riders. There's something about sharing stories over lunch after hours in the saddle that creates bonds—both with horses and humans.

Fair Warning: This is a long day in the saddle. Even experienced riders often feel it the next day (or even that evening). Muscles you didn't know you had will make themselves known. Consider it a badge of honour—and maybe pack some ibuprofen. Your body will thank you, even if it's complaining a bit.

Requirements & Safety

This ride is for the riders only:

    •    Must have completed a minimum of 5 previous rides with us

    •    18+ years of age (or accompanied by parent/guardian)

    •    Comfortable at walk, trot, and canter

    •    Confident with river crossings and varied terrain

    •    Able to make independent riding decisions when needed

    •    Good physical fitness—you'll be in the saddle for 6-7 hours

Safety First: To ensure everyone gets home safely (including our horses), responsible alcohol consumption limits apply during the pub visit. Your horse still has to carry you home, after all.

Availability: Weather dependent. River crossings and trail conditions must be safe for both horses and riders.

This Is More Than a Trail Ride

This is the kind of day that reminds you why humans and horses have been partners for thousands of years. The kind of adventure where you finish tired, happy, sore, and already planning when you can do it again.

Ready to earn your pub lunch the horseback way?

Duration: 6-7 hours (including pub stop)

Fitness Level: Moderate to High

Experience Required: 5+ previous rides with Lighthorse

Soreness Level: Likely. Worth it.

*This ride is walking, trotting and cantering. Cantering is not guaranteed and will depend upon the group's ability and environmental conditions.