Return Cruise, Safety Equipment

Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

★ 4.3 118 reviews

from $158.27 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Meeting point: Queenstown Steamer Wharf
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Operator terms: RealNZ terms: refunds only when notified at least 24 hours before departure (NZ time) for standard products; no trek-specific exception is listed.
On board: Morning or afternoon tea included
Run by: RealNZ

Overview

This trip pairs a cruise across Lake Wakatipu with a horseback trek around the working farm at Walter Peak. RealNZ runs the experience, which lasts 3 hours 45 minutes in total and starts at 88 Beach Street in central Queenstown, where travellers are asked to check in 20 minutes before departure. The boat carries you to the far shore, and the riding happens among the farm paddocks overlooking the lake before the return sailing brings you back to the same spot.

The trek itself is short and gentle. Several reviewers describe the horses as calm and docile, and one reviewer who had never ridden found it very manageable. That suits first-time riders, nervous riders and families with children well, though one experienced rider found the pace extremely slow, so anyone wanting a faster ride should adjust expectations before booking.

After the trek there is an afternoon tea, which travellers mention often and warmly: pastries, sandwiches, an apple drink, coffee and tea all appear in the reviews. Groups are capped at six riders, children from seven years old can join when accompanied by an adult, and a weight restriction of 95kg plus a minimum height of 120cm apply. The trip runs on the weather too, and poor conditions can mean a rearranged date or a refund.

$158.27from, per person

3 hours 45 minutesduration

4.3across 118 guest reviews

6guests at most

What's Included

Included

Return cruise across Lake Wakatipu
Guide
Snacks
Safety equipment
Horseback trek

Itinerary

Check in at Beach StreetArrive at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 20 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in. The tour ends back at this same point.
Cruise across Lake WakatipuThe return cruise across the lake is included, and reviewers describe the boat journey as a relaxing part of the day in itself.
Horseback trek at Walter PeakRiders follow a guide on a trek through the farm paddocks. Reviewers with no riding experience describe it as manageable, with safety equipment provided.
Afternoon teaSnacks are included after the ride. Travellers mention pastries, sandwiches and hot drinks.
Return cruise to QueenstownThe boat brings the group back across the lake, and the experience ends at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the ride's gentle pace to the checks at check-in.

Riders on horseback cross a snow-dusted tussock flat on Walter Peak at dusk, with schist outcrops and bare beech trees.

Slow, easy pace. Reviewers say beginners and nervous riders feel comfortable, and the horses are repeatedly described as calm and docile. One reviewer noted the guide led the group on foot, making for a very slow pace.
Short riding time. The guided trek is about 40 minutes of the 3 hour 45 minute outing.
Size and age limits. A weight restriction of 95kg, a minimum height of 120cm and a minimum age of seven apply, with children accompanied by an adult. Check these figures before booking, since the limits are firm.
What to wear. Comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket, long trousers and warm clothing are asked for. The experience requires good weather and can be cancelled in poor conditions.
Afternoon tea. Snacks are included and reviewers mention them often, naming pastries, sandwiches, an apple drink, coffee and tea. Several describe it as a lovely finish to the ride.
Small group. The maximum group size is six travellers. Several reviewers found the guides friendly and patient in this small setting, though one felt the commentary about the horses and area was thin.

Ready To RideCheck availability →

Common issues. The pace and riding time come up more than once: the trek is a short, gentle outing, and one experienced rider found it extremely slow. One reviewer missed the trek entirely after confusion following the wrong sign at the dock and could not get a refund, so it pays to stay close to the horse trek group at arrival. Another reviewer reported a sprain while dismounting and criticised the farm's response, a single incident but worth weighing. The trip requires good weather; if it is cancelled for that reason, a different date or a full refund is offered. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or those who are pregnant.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the return cruise across Lake Wakatipu, the guided horseback trek, snacks and safety equipment. Check the booking page for any extras beyond these items.

Where Does The Tour Start?

Check-in is at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown, and travellers are asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is not mentioned, so confirm any transport questions on the booking page.

How Long Is The Horse Riding?

The guided trek is about 40 minutes of the 3 hour 45 minute outing. The pace on horseback is very easy and manageable for beginners.

Can Children Or Beginners Join?

Yes. The minimum age is seven and children must be accompanied by an adult. Many first-time riders describe the trek as manageable, and the horses are repeatedly called calm and docile.

Are There Any Restrictions?

There is a weight restriction of 95kg and a minimum height of 120cm, with a maximum group size of six. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow local time. If poor weather cancels the trip, a different date or a full refund is offered.