Top New Zealand Spring Break - page 9

Drive Gibbston Valley yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks the whole region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — most travellers set off from Queenstown, Arrowtown or Cromwell — choose the cellar doors you want, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 59 stories cover 17 cellar doors strung along the Kawarau Gorge: as you pass Gibbston Valley Wines you'll hear how the first vines went in during 1981, when viticulturists said Pinot Noir could not ripen this far south — and how every vine in the Central Otago basin beyond the gorge traces back to that decision. No group, no schedule, no guide — pause for a long lunch, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops in the gorge. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is New Zealand’s newest and most spectacular cycling experiences, a true backcountry adventure linking Central Otago wine country with the dramatic landscapes of the Kawarau Gorge. Ride alongside the powerful Kawarau River, cross suspension bridges, and experience remote terrain that was previously inaccessible to riders until now. What sets this experience apart is the seamless support from the Central Cycle Trail Co. team. From personalised bike fittings and scenic shuttle transfers to premium e-bikes and local insider tips, everything is designed to make the day smooth, relaxed, and unforgettable. Unlike many rides, this journey finishes in the heart of Gibbston Valley at the iconic Church Cellar Door, where you can unwind with a glass of wine after an epic day on the trail. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, history, and Central Otago hospitality.

Enjoy the views over the Remutaka Ranges. Savor the taste of award-winning wines at 3 boutique wineries in Martinborough. Enjoy a gourmet lunch platter to complement your wine tasting experience. Learn about the history of the wines and the winemaking process from the experts Visit 3 of the favorite wineries and listen to the wine makers explain with passion the history of their wines and inviting you to taste a variety of them. Your wine tasting will be matched with a delightful gourmet lunch platter that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Kiwi Holiday Tours & Shuttles is a small locally owned family run business based here in sunny Marlborough.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated Family Estate located in the heart of the Waipara Valley, approximately 60 kilometers north of Christchurch, New Zealand. It stands as one of the founding wineries in the region and is now managed by the third generation of the family. We respect the importance of our customers and ensure that the service we provide is in keeping with their expectations. Waipara Springs is available and the perfect venue for all occasions including casual dining, group lunch bookings, corporate functions, weddings and wine tastings.

Explore the highlights of Christchurch on this enriching day tour. Start with a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens and along the scenic Avon River, then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Riverside Market, where local produce, artisanal treats, and coffee culture await. Visit Sumner Beach, a picturesque seaside escape, and enjoy sweeping panoramas from the Lyttelton Port lookout, capturing the harbour and surrounding hills. Travel north to the renowned Waipara Valley, where you will visit two boutique wineries to taste premium Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Perfectly combining urban charm, coastal beauty, and the flavours of New Zealand wine country, this tour offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for first-time visitors & wine enthusiasts alike. This tour offers a flexible itinerary, timings & places can be modified on special requests, ensuring a personalized & memorable experience.

This Twilight Wine and Stars Tour is an evening celebrating Central Otago wine, seasonal cuisine and stunning starry night skies. Start the evening at the luxurious Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa where you’ll learn about wine region, taste a duo of wines and enjoy an à la carte main course. Journey on to Waitiri Creek cellar door for more insights into the region’s winemaking heritage. Take part in a wine tasting complimented with a dessert platter. As darkness falls, the experience heads to Gibbston Dark Sky Park, where telescopes and lasers reveal the stars of the southern sky with a professional photo under the stars. Weather conditions can sometimes prevent the stargazing portion of the evening from proceeding. If this occurs, we’ll replace it with another memorable final destination. Instead, finish the evening at one of Arrowtown’s cocktail venues, where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails & soak up the atmosphere.

Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute scenic cruise on the 111 year old, coal fired vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown waterfront to Walter Peak High Country Farm (without going ashore) and return. After disembarking the TSS Earnslaw, you have a bit of spare time before making your way to meet us at our central pick-up location to join a fun-filled afternoon of stunning sights and magnificent wines. Spend the afternoon visiting three selected vineyards including a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave at Gibbston Valley winery. Sample an array of fine wines and varietals on offer and enjoy a shared cheeseboard which will accompany one of the wine tastings. ***Please note: The TSS Earnslaw will be out of operation for scheduled annual maintenance from May 18th to June 26th. This cruise and wine tour will not be available during this time. Our Classic Wine Tour will continue to operate as normal.***

Discover the enchanting Gibbston wine region on this private wine tour, showcasing Queenstown’s top four wineries. Relax in a premium vehicle featuring panoramic windows and a sunroof as you travel through stunning Central Otago landscapes. Meet the Top 4 Wineries in Otago region with 4 Tastings included together with the Cave Tour and Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Kinross Winery, celebrated for its delicious pizzas, (Lunch can be arranged) before concluding your day with tastings at Mt Rosa Wines. A short stop at Ayrburn allows for a serene stroll through historic grounds. - Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours, including door-to-door pick-up and drop-off - Taste exquisite wines at four iconic wineries in Gibbston Valley - ALL tastings included - Enjoy a lunch break at Kinross Winery (lunch not included, but can be arranged) - Travel in a comfortable, premium vehicle with panoramic views - Small Private Group no more than 4

Experience an indulgent and diverse full-day exclusive tour showcasing the very best of the local sights, enjoying fresh and unique cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines from the region. Be greeted by your specialist Wine Guide and venture into the heart of Central Otago to taste fine wines at three premium vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin. Take a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and enjoy a tasting within the Cave, in the exclusive Library Room*. Stop at a unique lunch venue, experiencing a gourmet lunch consisting of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matching with wines – just divine! Take a stroll through Old Cromwell or visit the must-see historical Arrowtown. Your passionate senior guide will impart all there is to know about the local area, the pioneering history and of course everything about Central Otago wines.

Escape the city for a relaxed afternoon in Auckland’s wine country. Enjoy boutique cellar-door tastings, a behind-the-scenes visit inside a working family winery, and time to unwind among the vineyards just 30 minutes west of Auckland. This half-day experience visits welcoming cellar doors and boutique wineries where generations of winemaking families have built a reputation for producing excellent wines. The region’s wine story began in the late 1800s, when Dalmatian immigrants first planted vines in the fertile soils of West Auckland. Travelling with your own local guide, you’ll visit local vineyards and enjoy cellar-door tastings surrounded by vines and countryside. Along the way you'll step behind the scenes inside a working 5th-generation family winery, offering insight into where grapes from the surrounding vineyards begin their journey from vine to glass. Time among the vineyards offers the chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic wine region.

Explore the picturesque Marlborough wine region in a unique way with a horse-drawn carriage tour. This half-day experience takes you through the charming town of Renwick, where you will visit two family-owned wineries, tasting authentic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and more. Enjoy a delectable platter for lunch as you soak in the tranquil surroundings and rich wine heritage. Led by Emma and her Clydesdale, Duchess, this leisurely pace allows you to savor every moment and connection with the land. - Unique horse-drawn carriage tour through Marlborough vineyards - Visit 2 wineries with intimate cellar door experiences - Enjoy a delicious lunch platter during the tour - Perfect for wine lovers seeking a leisurely and authentic experience

Join us for a place at our table and come home to Vineyard Cottages for local wine, and a classic Kiwi BBQ and meet a bunch of locals. On this full day away from the city we travel out to the heart of the original New Zealand wine country, Kumeu. It’s a short trip out of town to visit a local farm shop. We begin with coffee and a classic Kiwi morning slice and stock the shopping basket with local produce for the BBQ. We head out to the stunning Muriwai Beach then it’s off for a taste of local wines, and beer. You’ll visit the vineyard and the grounds of Vineyard Cottages before either getting stuck in and helping in the kitchen for the BBQ or just enjoy a wind-down and relaxing in the gorgeous surroundings. Lunch is served on the deck and after we’ve enjoyed a taste of everything local it’s dessert time! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience a taste of local, meet the locals, and hear the history of not only the wine region but it’s significance to the rest of NZ wine.

Explore the artistic and culinary wonders of Waiheke Island on this immersive day tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride from Auckland and visit the private studio of renowned artist Gabriella Lewenz. Discover contemporary art at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery before indulging in a two-course vineyard lunch at Stonyridge, surrounded by olive trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a premium wine tasting paired with Te Matuku oysters at Cable Bay Vineyards, all while soaking in stunning coastal views. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic local connections and elevated experiences in art and wine. - Scenic ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island - Visit artist studio and community gallery showcasing local talent - Enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine at Stonyridge Vineyard - Exclusive oyster and wine pairing at Cable Bay Vineyards overlooking the ocean

Led by a qualified wine educator, this tour explores boutique producers beyond the Martinborough Terrace — a premium journey through the wider Wairarapa, one of the most diverse and character‑rich regions of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Each day is shaped around the season, the day of the week, and your interests, allowing access to small, reputation‑driven wineries that most visitors never reach.

Escape the ordinary with an evening adventure across Waiheke’s acclaimed wine region. As Auckland’s skyline begins to twinkle in the distance, you’ll be savouring premium wines and indulging in gourmet cuisine in some of the island’s most spectacular settings. Exclusive evening access to premier vineyards Expert-guided wine tastings at two world-class wineries Gourmet two-course dinner with breathtaking views – Take the 3 PM ferry from Auckland to Waiheke. If you plan to stay on the island, we can arrange a pick-up from your accommodation. Wine Tastings at Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on the Island, with 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula. Tasting small batch boutique wines Cable Bay Vineyards offers spectacular views & premium, hand-crafted wines. Two-course dinner at Mudbrick’s iconic Vineyard, or KI Maha, restaurant right across from Onetangi Beach Catch the 8 pm back to Auckland or be dropped off at accommodations.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s premier wine region and a foodie hotspot, but self-driving between wineries is risky. Taste regional delicacies, gourmet cuisine, and fine wine on this private day tour from Blenheim, to avoid tour planning. Customize your itinerary with other activities, such as visits to the Omaka Air Museum, a local brewery, or a cruise around the Marlborough Sounds. Hotel pickup and round-trip transport are included for your convenience.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 5.5-hour private wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Begin your journey in Gibbston, the “Valley of the Vines,” where you’ll explore picturesque vineyards and indulge in the region’s renowned cool-climate wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir. Continue to Bannockburn, a wine sub-region with a unique terroir that contributes to the exceptional flavors of its wines, particularly the renowned Pinot Noir. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, followed by a visit to Cromwell itself, where orchards, vineyards, and lakeside views provide a scenic backdrop for culinary and vinicultural exploration. Relish a curated lunch at one of the region’s top vineyards, savoring local flavors paired with exceptional wines. Throughout the tour, you’ll experience the diverse and distinctive offerings of Central Otago’s wine country.

Visit Rotorua, a city of culture and sulfur located on New Zealand's North Island, on a private tour. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy the up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi. Be mesmerized by exploding mud pools all throughout the valley and gaze at beautifully crafted Māori-made artwork and sculptures visible throughout Te Puia. Then take a scenic gondola ride up the base of Mt Ngongotaha to the summit for a great wine tasting. Volcanic Hills wine tasting room offers the ultimate New Zealand wine tasting experience, with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding region. Finally, explore Rotorua's most spectacular natural asset and one of the city's greatest treasures: the redwood forest. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.

Our Small Batch Wine Experience - dive into the heart of Gibbston, known as the 'Valley of the Vines'. This Experience is designed to offer you a private and immersive experience in one of the closest subregions to Queenstown. Visit iconic boutique vineyards in the region, taste unique, cool climate wines, travel the back roads of Gibbston, and go where the locals go. You will visit three boutique Vineyards and have a fully immersive experience. Meet the wine makers and owners, walk amongst the vines and barrel halls. This intimate and memorable adventure through one of New Zealand's most picturesque and award-winning wine regions, is a fantastic way to introduce you to our closest subregion to Queenstown.

The Vineyards Nobody Else Can Show You The great wine regions of the world have two kinds of producers — those who sell to tourists and those who sell to collectors. We take you to the second kind. Every vineyard on this tour has been personally handpicked by Aaron. They produce between 800 and 50,000 bottles per year. They do not advertise. Buses cannot reach them. And they do not open their cellar doors to just anyone. Because you are with us, they will open them for you. Choose your own journey through 4 extraordinary venues between Cromwell and the Gibbston Valley. At each one, you will be welcomed not as a tourist but as a serious buyer — by the winemaker, the owner, or a trained sommelier who knows every vine in the vineyard. and because great wine deserves to be enjoyed at home as much as on tour, every single venue can arrange international delivery directly to your door. Arrive home to find the best of Central Otago waiting in your hallway.

Your local guide will host you on a scenic journey through stunning landscapes, visiting two hand-picked boutique vineyards for intimate wine tastings, each paired with exquisite bite-sized food matches that elevate the unique character of each wine.Tastings may include local delicacies such as Waiheke honey, Te Matuku oysters, or artisan New Zealand cheeses. Enjoy an additional visit to either a renowned olive oil mill, where you’ll sample award-winning extra virgin oils and learn about the production process, or opt for a stop at a craft whisky distillery (on request) for a tasting of small-batch spirits made right on the island. The experience is completed with a relaxed two-course lunch at one of Waiheke’s top vineyard restaurants, where seasonal dishes are perfectly paired with local wines and served with vineyard views. This tour is the ultimate indulgence for food and wine lovers seeking a refined and intimate island experience.

A private Gibbston Valley wine tour crafted just for you—visit handpicked cellar doors, enjoy tailored tastings, and take in breathtaking scenery. Experience Central Otago’s best wines with exclusive access and the flexibility to follow your own pace. This boutique journey combines world-class Pinot Noir, intimate cellar doors, and stunning alpine views, offering a tour made just for you.

Take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over the dramatic Southern Alps and Gibbston wine region, gaining a unique perspective of New Zealand’s southernmost vineyards. Enjoy an alpine landing on The Remarkables with time for photos and breathtaking views. On landing, meet your expert guide and begin a luxury wine tour through Central Otago. Indulge in premium tastings at carefully selected vineyards and savour a delicious à la carte lunch featuring regional cuisine in Bannockburn or Cromwell. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, plus flexible timing and the option to customise your itinerary, this experience blends adventure, luxury, and world-class wine for an unforgettable day.