1 / 2Christchurch Icelandic Horse Treks
📍 Brooklands, Canterbury
Guided treks on Icelandic horses near Brooklands: tidal lagoons with black swans, pine forests, and ocean beach. Riders help tack up before departure. Treks run two to three and a half hours. Children from age six welcomed.
I emailed with a hopeful chance that they might accommodate a ride on Christmas day, and was thrilled that they could. Hannah and Kata greeted us and I produced us to our horses. My mother and I are experienced riders, but had never been on Icelandic horses before. We rode along a wetland with black swans, through beautiful pine forests, and along the ocean beach. They were impressive, easily moving through the trails and powerful through the sand. Kata and Hannah even taught us a new gait, the tolt, special to these incredible builds. The speed they could gain on the beach was exhilarating. Definitely not a horse just for kids. Would highly recommend this horse, this route, and this company!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A highlight for families with children aged six and up visiting Christchurch. The Icelandic horses are exceptionally calm and gentle, the Tölt gait makes the ride stable for young or nervous riders, and the route through forest, lagoon, and beach feels genuinely adventurous rather than a simple trail plod.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →90 Google reviews
Shelly Cormier
a year ago
“I emailed with a hopeful chance that they might accommodate a ride on Christmas day, and was thrilled that they could. Hannah and Kata greeted us and I produced us to our horses. My mother and I are experienced riders, but had never been on Icelandic horses before. We rode along a wetland with black swans, through beautiful pine forests, and along the ocean beach. They were impressive, easily moving through the trails and powerful through the sand. Kata and Hannah even taught us a new gait, the tolt, special to these incredible builds. The speed they could gain on the beach was exhilarating. Definitely not a horse just for kids. Would highly recommend this horse, this route, and this company!”
Ayu Burrows
9 months ago
“Absolutely stunning experience. The scenery was breathtaking, riding through both the forest and along the beach felt like a dream! The horses were beautiful and clearly very well cared for. The guides truly love what they do and it shows, they were super friendly, informative, and made the whole experience feel so special ❤️ I loved that we also got to be hands on with tacking up, adjusting our stirrups, and untacking after the ride, as it made everything feel even more meaningful. Everything was beautiful and thoughtfully done. I definitely cannot wait to be back next time I’m in Christchurch! ❤️”
Annekatrin S.
3 months ago
“Another absolute highlight of our New Zealand trip! My daughters (aged 6 and 9) and I truly enjoyed our ride with Christchurch Icelandic Horse Treks. The Icelandic horses are simply fantastic – incredibly gentle, calm, and perfect for children. It’s clear that the horses are very well-cared for. Every single member of the team was exceptionally friendly, and we felt comfortable and safe from the very beginning. Exploring the landscape around Christchurch on horseback was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this place. Thank you for such a great time – we would love to come back!”
Hiro Huzik
a month ago
“Everything except the weather was perfect and exceeded expectations. I enjoyed not only beach rides but also horse trekking around the beach park. The Tölt gait feels stable and comfortable. While there's no shuttle service, the price is about half that in Japan, making it highly recommended.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Christchurch Icelandic Horse Treks runs guided group rides across a route combining tidal lagoons, pine forest, and ocean beach near Brooklands. The Icelandic horses' distinctive Tölt gait delivers a smooth, stable ride suited to beginners and children from age six. Riders help tack up and adjust stirrups before setting out, adding to the hands-on experience. Guides Hannah and Kata are attentive and informative, with genuine care for the horses evident throughout.
