Lighthorse Adventures runs horse treks up the Dart Valley from Glenorchy, at the head of the Wakatipu — the site the previous operator, Dart Stables, used to run from.
Guides teach natural horsemanship principles before you set off, so even first-time riders get proper time with their horse rather than just being led along a track. Rides range from the twenty-minute Pony Express to the full-day Great Glenorchy Pub Ride, which crosses the river a few times on the way to a stop at the historic Glenorchy Hotel.
There's also horseback archery, farm tours, and a stargazing trek that makes use of Glenorchy's Dark Sky Sanctuary status.
It's about an hour's drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then a short way further to the stables. Book ahead — treks fill, especially over summer.