Holiday alert: Please note that kerbside collections between 25-27 December and 1-3 January will be pushed out a day (even recyclers need a holiday). For more on Rubbish & Recycling in our district, see our dedicated webpage.

Council offices will close at midday Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen 8.00am Monday 5 January 2026. For urgent issues, call us on 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka). For non-urgent issues, please us the Snap Send Solve App. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Horse Riding

Eke hōiho

Our district has a variety of trails available to use for horse riding. Here you can learn what you should expect before riding said trails.

Quick links

Passing etiquette

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What to expect

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Relevant links

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Passing etiquette

When passing a horse rider, please remember 'go slow, go wide, and call out from a good distance'. Here are some useful tips:

  • Call out a greeting and who is passing.

  • Horse rider will acknowledge the call with a wave.

  • If you don’t receive a wave, call out again.

  • Communicate with the rider to determine the best way to pass each other safely.

  • Check with the rider if the horse is OK with dogs. If a dog is barking or looks nervous, communicate with the rider the best way to pass safely. (Exposure and repetition de-sensitises both animals).

What to expect when you see horses on trails

Expect the following when you see horses on trails:

  • Horses use trails for walking only (~4-6km/hr).

  • Horses can’t access cattle grates or swing bridges.

  • Horses prefer walking on the grass verge at the side of a trail, rather than on gravel chip.

  • Trees/overhanging branches are obstacles.

  • Manure is kicked to the side of the trail by the horse rider.

Relevant links

Looking for more information on horse riding in our district? Check out the below websites: