
Mackenzie Alpine Horses
📍 Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Mackenzie Alpine Horses runs guided horse treks at Godley Peaks Road above Lake Tekapo. Pine-forest, lake-view, and longer alpine rides — all matched to ability. Open in the warmer months (closes for winter).
Absolutely recommend adding this experience to your New Zealand trip. The 2.5-hour lake view trek was totally worth it! The scenery was incredible and the whole ride felt amazing. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and even beginners can enjoy the trek with no problem. The jungle paths and lake views were beautiful, especially riding through the water such a cool feeling. And I really appreciate that staffs even took photos for us along the way, which was so thoughtful. My horse partner Woody, was super gentle and cute. Overall, a really fun and memorable experience, so much fun. I loved it and highly recommend it :)
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids 5+ (the short pine-forest ride is the family entry point) and beginner-to-intermediate riders. Reviewers consistently name guides (Monique among them) and call out the matched horse-and-rider pairing and the Mt John ridge views. The short ride suits nervous first-timers; longer rides suit confident riders.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →349 Google reviews
Shao En Cheng
4 months ago
“Absolutely recommend adding this experience to your New Zealand trip. The 2.5-hour lake view trek was totally worth it! The scenery was incredible and the whole ride felt amazing. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and even beginners can enjoy the trek with no problem. The jungle paths and lake views were beautiful, especially riding through the water such a cool feeling. And I really appreciate that staffs even took photos for us along the way, which was so thoughtful. My horse partner Woody, was super gentle and cute. Overall, a really fun and memorable experience, so much fun. I loved it and highly recommend it :)”
Jane H
4 weeks ago
“What a wonderful way to see some of the South Island’s breathtaking vistas. 2.5 hours was just the right amount of time for this beginner rider. Monique, our guide, was very patient with us and provided very clear and consistent instructions when needed. You go up and down well-worn trails with views of the mountains to start then stunning and near constant views of Lake Tekapo. Then you (well, your equine friend) very briefly take a walk through the shores of Lake Tekapo and finish up with a peaceful and well-shaded ride through the pine groves next to the base. Truly one of the best horse treks for less experienced riders.”
Doris H
4 months ago
“Highly recommended!!! I had a 2.5h tour with them and this was the best horse riding experience I have had so far. Staffs are very friendly. I was lucky to be on the tour on a warm sunny day and everything looks so pretty! The host picked me up from the town centre right on time and it was just a short ride. The views of the entire ride is stunning. This is a beginner friendly tour with only walking, but still a long tour on different terrain with some uphills and downhills. The horse Woody is a very good boi and is very considerate, well trained and respond to all the commands.”
Tobi Shelley
4 weeks ago
“Such a cool experience!! We did the 4hr trek (beware you will be sore the next day!) the views were stunning and we even got a little charcuterie picnic by the lake. Our guide Julia (I hope that’s correct!) was incredibly friendly and happy to nerd out with us about LOTR and provide information about the town and history. The horses are well cared for and very friendly. My horse was Ralph and he was the best boy ever. Highly recommend!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Mackenzie Alpine Horses operates guided horse treks above Lake Tekapo, with the trail head on Godley Peaks Road. Trek options range from a 30-minute pine-forest ride suitable for ages 5+ and nervous beginners, through a 2.5-hour Lake View trek to Mt John's south ridge, to longer alpine rides for more experienced riders. Pickup from Lake Tekapo town centre is available. Closes for winter (typically late April to late September).
