A delightful introduction to horse riding for first-time riders and hobbit-sized people. This gentle trek gives riders the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular sites of breath-taking Glenorchy as they build up their confidence on our friendly horses.
The route of the Hobbit's Hack varies day to day, this is because there are simply too many wonderful places to go and sights to see, and we like to give our horses, guides and returning manuhiri (visitors) a chance to see as much of the stunning scenery as possible.
While we cannot guarantee the exact route you will take, you will be sure to see some of the spectacular Middle Earth locations where scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot, and you can rest assured that the views are fantastic in every direction - we are on the doorstep to Paradise, after all.
Adult
Age 16+
Child
Age 5–15
Gear up (15-30 mins)
The team will give you a briefing and then kit you out in helmets, boots and jackets. Be sure to check the information below to learn what you need to bring to be safe and comfortable on the trek.
Travel (15 mins)
A short journey though beautiful scenery to meet the horses at the stables.
Hobbits' Hack (1 hr)
A gentle, walking paced hack across a 100-acre property in the Dart Valley.
Explore (45 mins)
Riders who travel with us to and from Queenstown have free time to explore beautiful Glenorchy - this may be before or after the horse ride, depending on bus times.
It is awesome for the first time horse riding. Julia sharing a lot of things and she really good guide. Thomas really helpful as well. Definitely will come back again and try the River Wild tour next time
Malaysia
The horses were so amazing and calm, I really enjoyed being on Bob's back and I would really like to do it again as well. The landscape with the remarkable mountains and the beautiful river was unforgettable as well. Also I was really lucky with the nice weather. After all I had great guides and would recommend it to all friends that want to do something like it. I really loved it, thank you very much.
Germany
Katie was very helpful with answering our questions. She explained the nature of the horses, their personalities and the tour was clear. She gave good insights to the film industry and the tourism in Glenorchy. The weather was beautiful. A good day to do the tour.
Australia
Hobbit's Hack begins
9am
10:15am
1:30pm
2:45pm
The experience begins at the Dart Stables check-in point at 58 Coll Street in Glenorchy, this is where you will meet the Dart Stables team and be kitted out with a helmet and boots (and rain jacket if needed). You will then jump on a minibus and be taken on a short bus ride through beautiful Glenorchy transporting you to the horses at the stables, this is where the trek itself begins.
After the trek you will jump back on the bus and be transported back to 58 Coll Street, this is where you will return your kit and then be free to either explore the streets of Glenorchy or head straight back to Queenstown.
Total time for this experience is around 2 - 2.5 hours.
For the health and wellbeing of our horses, we have a strict rider weight limit of 95 kilograms and therefore ask you to provide your weight when booking.
Children under 5 years old are not permitted on the trek.
Only one person is permitted to ride a horse at a time, children are not permitted to go on a horse with their parents.
Riders are encouraged to bring along small cameras so that they can take wonderful photos of the breath taking views, however, big cameras with large lenses are not permitted for safety reasons.
For an additional $20 you can hop onto a bus that will transport you from Queenstown to Glenorchy and then back again. The return bus times include just under an hour of free time to take yourself on a self-guided tour of beautiful Glenorchy.
If you have your own transport then you can drive yourself straight to Dart Stables which is located at the end of Priory Road, Glenorchy.
Glenorchy is a 45min/ 48km scenic drive from Queenstown.
Hobbit's Hack begins
9am
10:15am
1pm
2:15pm
The experience begins at the Dart Stables check-in point at 58 Coll Street in Glenorchy, this is where you will meet the Dart Stables team and be kitted out with a helmet and boots (and rain jacket if needed). You will then jump on a minibus and be taken on a short bus ride through beautiful Glenorchy transporting you to the horses at the stables, this is where the trek itself begins.
After the trek you will jump back on the bus and be transported back to 58 Coll Street, this is where you will return your kit and then be free to either explore the streets of Glenorchy or head straight back to Queenstown.
Total time for this experience is around 2 - 2.5 hours.
For the health and wellbeing of our horses, we have a strict rider weight limit of 95 kilograms and therefore ask you to provide your weight when booking.
Children under 5 years old are not permitted on the trek.
Only one person is permitted to ride a horse at a time, children are not permitted to go on a horse with their parents.
Riders are encouraged to bring along small cameras so that they can take wonderful photos of the breath taking views, however, big cameras with large lenses are not permitted for safety reasons.
For an additional $20 you can hop onto a bus that will transport you from Queenstown to Glenorchy and then back again. The return bus times include just under an hour of free time to take yourself on a self-guided tour of beautiful Glenorchy.
If you have your own transport then you can drive yourself straight to Dart Stables which is located at the end of Priory Road, Glenorchy.
Glenorchy is a 45min/ 48km scenic drive from Queenstown.