BEN LOMOND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Along the Rim of Gills Canyon: A Two‑Hour Trek Around Moke Lake’s Valleys and Ridges
A guided, two‑hour horseback trek around Moke Lake that navigates meadows, ridge‑lines, canyons and lakeshore; this guide explains what to expect, who can join and what to pack.
Along the Rim of Gills Canyon: A Two‑Hour Trek Around Moke Lake’s Valleys and Ridges.
Adventure brief
Along the Rim of Gills Canyon: A Two‑Hour Trek Around Moke Lake’s Valleys and Ridges
The Gills Canyon Trek is a focused, two‑hour guided horseback ride around Moke Lake that threads open meadows, rugged canyon paths, ridge‑lines and the lake’s pristine shore. Knowledgeable guides enrich the ride with local history and natural‑history insights, while designated lookout spots provide panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks—making this a compact but immersive way to experience Ben Lomond country.
Set along Moke Lake Road in Ben Lomond, New Zealand, the Gills Canyon Trek by Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd invites riders into a vivid landscape where mountain peaks frame shimmering waters. This two-hour horseback journey offers a hands-on way to connect with one of Otago’s most remarkable outdoor playgrounds. Riders of all levels follow a dynamic route that winds through open meadows, steep canyon edges, and rugged trails hugging Moke Lake’s pristine shoreline.
Moke Lake itself is a glacial lake surrounded by impressive mountain ridges, including the rugged Ben Lomond range, providing an unmatched backdrop of alpine grandeur. The terrain varies as you make your way from the softness of grassy flats, across gentle hills, to stretches where the trail narrows near sheer canyon walls and clear streams. These natural features highlight the geological diversity of the area—loose schist rock beds, tussock grasses, and native beech forest patches create a striking contrast along the route.
Guides with Moke Lake Horse Treks Ltd infuse the experience with insights about local flora and fauna, giving riders a richer perspective on the environment and its natural history. Their knowledge of the region’s use—from Maori heritage paths to early European farming—adds cultural depth to the ride. Each horse is carefully matched to the rider’s skill and build, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for beginners and seasoned horsemen alike.
Situated just 20 minutes from Queenstown, this trek offers a refreshing alternative to crowds and motorized adventures, providing serene immersion into New Zealand’s southern wilderness. Whether pausing at panoramic ridges to admire expansive lake and mountain views or tracing quiet streams, riders experience the rugged beauty of Otago distinctively. Moke Lake Horse Treks’s commitment to horse well-being and guest safety rounds out the package, making this horseback outing a standout choice for those seeking authentic outdoor connection in the South Island.
Route Schematic
Route & Stops
The ride is a guided loop with key moments for saddling, lakeshore views, ridge riding and stream crossings.
Meeting & Saddling
Group meets at the designated assembly point before being introduced to horses and receiving briefing and saddling before departure.
Lakeshore Stretch
A portion of the route runs along the shore of Moke Lake with designated panoramic viewpoints for photos and viewing the surrounding peaks.
Gills Canyon Ridge and Stream Crossings
Riders navigate ridge‑lines, tighter canyon track and crossing small streams—features that give the ride its canyon character and varied terrain.
Return & Unsaddling
The loop concludes back at the meeting area where horses are unsaddled and riders debrief with guides.
Note: Participants must meet operator safety limits (age, weight and English‑language understanding); under‑16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The operator may adjust the route or pairing of riders to horses for safety and welfare.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meadows, Canyon Walls and Lakeshore Vistas
Expect a varied landscape: wide open meadows give way to sweeping canyon walls and close approaches to the shore of Moke Lake, with several spots along the route set aside for panoramic viewing.
A Two‑Hour Loop of Ridge‑lines and Stream Crossings
The trek follows a scenic loop that includes ridge‑line riding, canyon tracks and a variety of terrain underfoot, including stream crossings and gentle hills—designed to give riders a fuller exploration of the Moke Lake area within a two‑hour window.
Local Knowledge and Rider Support
Guides accompany the group throughout, sharing details about local flora, fauna and history, and matching riders to horses appropriate to ability and weight to ensure a safe, informed experience for participants.
What the day feels like
What the Ride Feels Like
The Gills Canyon Trek unfolds at a relaxed, scenic pace that lets riders move from open pasture into tighter canyon tracks and along the lake’s edge, pausing at set viewpoints for expansive mountain and water vistas; guides provide context on natural and cultural history while managing pace and horse selection so riders of varying experience can enjoy the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress for the weather with long, comfortable pants and sturdy, closed footwear (no large heels, crocs or sandals). Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, sunglasses and a phone or small camera (you are responsible for your own photos).
This is a two‑hour guided ride; meeting point is on Moke Lake Road opposite the campsite where check‑in and saddling take place.
Minimum age is 12 and children 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; maximum rider weight is 85 kg. For safety all clients must be able to understand and communicate in English.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Gills Canyon Trek?
The ride is a two‑hour guided horseback trek.
Where do we meet for the ride?
Meeting takes place on Moke Lake Road opposite the campsite.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear long, comfortable pants and sturdy, closed footwear (no large heels, crocs or sandals). Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, sunglasses and a phone or small camera.
Is there a minimum age or supervision requirement for children?
Minimum age is 12; all children 16 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Is there a weight limit for riders?
Yes — the operator enforces a maximum rider weight of 85 kg and may weigh clients at check‑in to match horses appropriately.
Do I need to speak English to join the trek?
Yes — for safety all clients must understand and be able to communicate in English for the entire duration of the activity; the operator will refuse participation without refund if this requirement is not met.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:43.879Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.