Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre
5
About
Horse treks run on a working high country sheep and cattle farm at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 1 hour from Christchurch City - various treks available with 1hour, 2hour, 3hour and full day.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
686 reviews
Excellent
677
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Kylie T
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Had confirmation emails for my booking which I had made a months ago before my NZ trip. It came to the day and I was so excited as this was to be the highlight of my trip to NZ. I arrived on time on the agreed date and was told he had no horse for me and that I had not been booked for that day for the 6 hour ride. I told him my email correspondence confirmed my booking, which he rudely argued. I have forwarded my correspondence to him to show our mutually agreed booking and will not recommend his business to anyone. Very disappointed and unhappy!!
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mistake in the booking system meant there was not a suitable horse available for this client.
Client was offered a free ride on the next available ride but was out side her travel dates
apology was made
chris
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen A
Christchurch, New Zealand42 contributions
Mar 2020
We did a 3hr horse trek with Chris, and two other people. It was absolutely amazing! Chris was very thorough with safety and instructions at the start, but also didn't waste valuable time. Throughout the trek we felt like he was watching us, giving us feedback on how we were doing, and keeping us safe. Neither of us had been on a horse in about 20 years, so we were a bit nervous! The scenery was beautiful - we had a warm, fine day. And the horses were great, and appeared very well looked after. Would definitely recommend this experience, both for locals and visitors!
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review, look forward to seeing you again
Chris
Written 8 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
A few days ago I spent a perfect day riding 🐎in New Zealand South Island at Rubicon Valley Horse Treks.
It was time to head off, fortunately for me I struck one on one trek with Chris the owner of RVHT.
Chris and his horses were great!
The scenery was amazing through the alpine mountains, lush fields, streams of clear water and through pine tree forestry.
I highly recommend Chris's horses to anyone wishing to have a great experience in NZ!
It was time to head off, fortunately for me I struck one on one trek with Chris the owner of RVHT.
Chris and his horses were great!
The scenery was amazing through the alpine mountains, lush fields, streams of clear water and through pine tree forestry.
I highly recommend Chris's horses to anyone wishing to have a great experience in NZ!
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review. Pleased you enjoyed your ride with me
I enjoyed the ride to.
Chris
Written 6 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gillian M
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
Chris was an amazing guide! He was such a great leader and made us feel safe and capable on the horses, there was no pressure for us to trot or canter but plenty of opportunities for those with more experience to do so. And the views were exquisite! Such a gorgeous ride on beautiful horses! And the horses are clearly well cared for and happy. I really could keep gushing over how lovely the experience was.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review.
Chris
Written 15 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alexg242018
Cambridge, UK29 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
What can I say...we had the best day! We can’t recommend our time with Chris and Rubicon Valley enough. Gem and Jack, our horses were beautiful and so lovely to ride. We were well supported by Chris and his impeccable instruction and felt confident riding throughout the entire trek, especially considering we are definitely not experienced riders! The scenery is as spectacular as you see in the photos as well. If you are going to do one thing in Christchurch, make sure it’s this!!
Written 24 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review. It was a good ride. See you again
Chris
Written 18 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annika
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
I joined the 6 hour mountain trek and it was great! I am a beginner rider and not used to sit on a horse for 6 hours. Chris was very nice and warned me that I probably will get sore, and I did :) but it was worth it. It was a great day on a horse with beautiful nature around me.
My horse was called Jack and he was a really nice guy and very forgiving with me as a beginner :)
There were many possibilities on this trek to trott and canter. The good thing is you never have to go faster (you can only walk the whole trek), but you can if you want, you only have to tell Chris before.
I really had a great day and highly recommend the tour :)
My horse was called Jack and he was a really nice guy and very forgiving with me as a beginner :)
There were many possibilities on this trek to trott and canter. The good thing is you never have to go faster (you can only walk the whole trek), but you can if you want, you only have to tell Chris before.
I really had a great day and highly recommend the tour :)
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review, Hope youi were not toooooo sore..
It was a great day out there.
Chris
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ariela
New Zealand2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
My mom and I did the three hour tour with Chris. It could not have been better!! Chis was such a delight, he was so much fun and the tour had some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. If you are interested in taking a tour and reading this review, you absolutely must!!! You can't miss it, and we will definitely be back with the whole family.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you for the great review
look forward to seeing you again
Chris
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monique
Waikato Region, New Zealand4 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Definitely make time for this horse trek because if you don't you will regret it! We went on a two hour river trail ad I would recommend it. Absolutely stunning scenery and the horses were very well behaved and trustworthy. Chris was fantastic and we all agreed we felt safe in his hands. He knew his stuff and was very approachable and made sure everyone was comfortable. It was very safe and there were great opportunities for people of all abilities. Whether you have never been on a horse or ride regularly you will still enjoy this trip. The scenery was incredible and the horses a dream. The equipment was reliable and there is nothing I could fault about the trip. We even got morning tea supplied! Overall definitely go as you will enjoy yourself.
Written 12 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Good to see you and your sister and your partner having fun, next time we get him trotting
Chris
Written 15 October 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sofia2205
London, UK8 contributions
May 2013
My partner and I went for the 3 hour river and valley trek, and were absolutely delighted by our experience! Chris is a great host and guide. We both had no riding experience, but he gave very clear riding instructions and tips, and made sure we felt comfortable on our horses right from the start and throughout the trek. The horses we rode (lovely Samson and Arrow!) are well behaved and trained, so we settled in and started enjoying the ride and gorgeous scenery very quickly! Chris also asked what we felt comfortable with, and taught us some trotting and going up/down slopes which was so much fun for beginners like us. Hot drinks and homemade scones with jam were provided as a midway snack - delicious and much appreciated. Chris also made sure we captured many 'photo memories' during the ride which was very kind of him. Lastly we love dogs so we were delighted that his border collies Blue and Sky joined our ride - they are friendly, smart and a joy to watch. And we had such a blast playing with energetic young pup Jack when we returned! All in all it was a wonderful experience throughout... the only regret was having to leave! Thanks to Chris for a great time, and we'll definitely be back on our next visit to Chch!
Written 17 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules
50 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Had a great afternoon on horseback. Chris the owner was so kind and patient. Great instructions and made us feel confident. Very well behaved horses suited to each ability of rider. Mixture of riders in our group of five, everyone was catered for. The scenery is amazing. Would defiantly recommend having a go.
Written 11 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
I will be traveling to New Zealand in late April. I am interested in doing either a 2 hour or 3 hour tour. However, I won't have a car/can't drive when I am in Christchurch. Do you offer hotel pick up and drop of services?
Written 4 January 2020
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
The hotel pick up will cost you $300, there is a shuttle out in the morning arriving in time for the morning trek but does not return to the city until late afternoon, $35 each way
Written 5 January 2020
Mandy E
Brisbane, Australia
If you’re an experienced rider, do you get to canter at least? Been on too many horse rides that just walk for two hours. Very boring & a complete waste of time & money
Written 24 October 2019
Chris will, at your own risk of course, let you gallop, etc. where it is an open space. He'll tell you when that is a good idea, so you need his ok. There were several places on the ride that he told us we could gallop, etc. when we were spread out from the other riders. Just communicate your desires to him. Some of his horses are former race horses and can get competitive. We loved our ride and the scenery is the best. Chris gave my daughters a lesson on trusting their horses going down a steep incline while my husband and I felt more comfortable on the path, they galloped, too. It was great. We went off season and it was our girls and my husband and I with Chris; he loves what he does. Reminds us of the Marlboro man, but he doesn't smoke. We can't wait to return. We specifically went to back to Christchurch to ride with Chris again and swim with the wild dolphins in Kaikoura. Probably the best things we did on this trip and we did a lot of great things afterwards on the North Island.
Written 25 October 2019
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
Sorry we do not pick up from Akaroa. It is almost 3 hour drive each way.... on a good day....
Chris
Written 23 January 2019
There seems to be nowhere nearby to stay? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Written 13 October 2018
Bonjour, est-ce que cette attraction est possible avec un enfant de 7 ans ?
merci
Written 31 October 2017
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
yes we will take childern from 5 years..
Written 2 November 2017
How can I uncheck a review on here ? Accidentally clicked one as helpful whilst reading reviews (it was one of the 'average' reviews) and I didn't find it as helpful hahaa I think Rubicon is far better than average 😂
Written 28 August 2016
It is certainly better than average but sorry I wouldn't have a clue how you do that. Best you ask Trip Adviser.
Written 28 August 2016
grandmaaka
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
would like to book a trek at Rubicon valley in the next month as a belayed birthday surprise for my husband .he has never ridden before and it's years since I have .any suggestions on the best trek for two novices ,who are keen to learn and enjoy your beautiful countryside We will be visiting from the Uk between mid Jan to 8th Feb .Thanks Karen
Written 8 January 2015
RubiconValleyHorseTr
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi
I would suggest the 2 hour river trail, could do the 3hour but some find the 3 hour a bit long.
Chris
Written 8 January 2015
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