Top Queenstown Holidays - page 2

Spend an afternoon being chauffeured by your specialist wine guide exploring the pioneering Central Otago wine region of Gibbston, also aptly named, the “Valley of Vines”. Taste outstanding and elegant Pinot Noir, delicate refined Riesling, rich Pinot Gris and stylish Chardonnay at three of the best cellar doors in the area including a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Take time to enjoy a shared platter lunch accompanied by glass of wine at a vineyard restaurant. Enjoy the enthusiasm and passion from your guide; soak up all the information including the evolving history of Gibbston from just a couple of vines into a full valley producing world-renowned Pinot Noir.

Qualmark Accredited Cromwell Classic Car Wine Tours is unique among Central Otago wine-tasting tours. This is no whirlwind mini bus tour crammed with strangers but two to four friends, family, or associates traveling in a Classic Mercedes 300SE. The Cromwell Basin has a remarkable story largely untold, overshadowed on most wine bottles by two words-Central Otago. The fact is the Cromwell Basin has by far Central Otago's largest concentration of vineyards and wineries. Over 40 at last count. World-recognized Pinot Noir as well as excellent Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon plus many more. All are produced from vines growing in the schist soils of the Cromwell Basin

Sample some of the finest food and drink in Queenstown while enjoying a sociable night out on a small-group progressive dinner experience. Dine on a starter, main, and dessert at three beautiful locations around the city. Each course will be expertly paired with a local Central Otago wine. Meet new friends and keep the party going in town after, if you like.

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to soak up some extraordinary scenery and discover the amazing flavours of Central Otago. We love to showcase our wine and local cheese/food. If the Mountain is more for you, think champagne in the snow! Afterwards enjoy the Cardrona Distillery and Hotel for some mulled Wine and marshmallows. This tour is for anyone wanting some private time, romantic and special or thrill seeking time. Wine, whiskey, beer, gin, food, mountain biking, snowboarding/skiing, hiking. This is your day so the itinerary is set precisely to blow away your expectations. Others say "this was hands down one of the best days of our lives" "We cant wait to come back and do this again with friends" "Every moment was spectacular" "We loved every second" "We loved our guide, she looked after all our needs and requirements, she made the day so special" "We will be back"

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.

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.

Ready for a full-day adventure? Begin with a scenic shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, where you’ll be fitted with a premium electric bike, helmet, & given a map and full safety briefing. Enjoy a self-guided cycle along the stunning Arrow & Kawarau River Trails toward Gibbston, crossing the Edgar Swing Bridge & the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge — the world’s first bungy site. Enjoy winding trails past historic gold-mining cottages with breathtaking scenic views. At Gibbston Valley Winery, you swap your bike for the Wine Hopper Shuttle then relax as our friendly Qualified Wine Guide takes you to boutique wineries, cellar doors, & even a charming church or tavern. Enjoy wine tastings, divine platters or lunch options, & soak in the spectacular vineyard scenery. After a day of adventure, you'll return to Queenstown CBD around 6PM, relaxed, happy, & full of great memories! Pickup: Queenstown, Frankton, or Arrowtown Dropoff: Arrowtown, Ayrburn, Frankton, or Queenstown

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.

Explore the majestic Central Otago Wine Trail on this full-day small-group tour departing from your Queenstown or Arrowtown accommodation. With a custom itinerary based on your booking selections, you’ll visit up to eight wineries and cellar doors, famed for their quality produce and friendly staff. Indulge in wine tastings without worrying about driving yourself around this beautiful area of vineyards, mountains, and river gorges.

Sample artisanal handmade cheeses paired with a variety of wines in this cheese room adjoining a local Queenstown cheesery and deli. Enjoy a 45-minute small-group tasting experience in which you’ll be guided through the intricacies of different pairings, sampling four different wines and tasting four different artisan cheeses, all handmade in Oamaru.

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.

Ride first - Drink after. 3-hour eBike ride traversing some of the most beautiful countrysides in New Zealand with 2 hours wine tasting in 2 wineries at the end of the ride. A ride through the vineyards and exploring the vine growing secrets. An exclusive personal wine tasting experience accompanied with the artisan local platter. Comments and tips about wine from our knowledgeable guide. An enchanting eBike ride over historic suspension bridges. Visiting the world’s first permanent Bungy jumping site. Historic information about the Central Otago area and feeding farm animals along the way. Small groups allow you to enjoy your tour in privacy with the nature. The tour is suitable for families with children. The alcohol drinks will not be served to minors (NZ minimum age) and it will be replaced with N/A soft drinks and snacks.

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.***

Experience Queenstown’s finest wineries, breweries, and wonders in luxury, with Queenstown’s original Hop on Hop off wine tour company. This tour uses a similar formula to the regular tour but with some added twists! Once you leave the Gibbston Valley (12:15pm) you can choose 1 from the 3 options: 1a) First, enjoy the tranquillity of Nockies Pallette where you will savor a complimentary tasting and cheese platter. Explore their beautifully manicured gardens and historic church. Your other option is to head up the Crown Range (Mountain Road with great photo opportunities) where you have the choice of visiting either the gorgeous Cardrona Hotel or Cardrona Distillery. 1b) At the distillery, enjoy a complimentary G&T on arrival then experience a 75-minute tour with a tutored tasting with your guide. 1c) Alternatively, relax at the famous Cardrona Hotel with its rustic charm and traditional pub food and enjoy a glass of wine or beer on us. The choice is yours...

This is more than just a bike ride, it’s a crafted journey through Central Otago’s vineyard country. Cruise lakeside trails, roll through the gold-rush charm of Cromwell, and wind your way into the Bannockburn Inlet — a region world-famous for Pinot Noir and dramatic landscapes. What sets this experience apart is the seamless service from the Central Cycle Trail Co. tea, from personalised bike fittings and scenic shuttles to on-trail support and insider tips. Ride a premium e-bike, enjoy a gentle itinerary, and finish with a glass in hand at the beautiful Carrick Winery, with the option to upgrade to a private cabana and shared platter. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a group outing, or a solo wine-lovers’ ride, we make it easy to relax, explore, and taste the best of the region; effortlessly, safely, and in style.

Avoid the risk of drinking and driving when you hop on board this handy wineries shuttle from central Queenstown. Choose from two departure times to suit your schedule. The comfortable minibus visits 11 wineries in the Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley area, giving you the flexibility to hop on and off where you like. Indulge in some regional specialties without having to choose a designated driver.

Join us on our Taste of Gibbston Tour - designed to see and taste multiple subregions of Central Otago. Our Ultimate Experience offers an unparalleled journey through the most prestigious and boutique vineyards of Central Otago, with every detail curated to provide an unforgettable experience. From being chauffeured in a luxury vehicle to private tastings and conversations with winemakers or owners, this tour is your gateway to the exquisite world of wine in the South Island. Explore the splendour of Gibbston through our Taste of Gibbston Tour. Join us on a journey to discover the area where the pioneers introduced Central Otago Pinot Noir to the world. Explore three boutique vineyards, venture off the beaten path, and experience the local favourites. This tour offers you the chance to sample award-winning wines from this cool climate region near Queenstown and enjoy the breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape in a short half-day tour.

Highlights Explore over 20 amazing stops throughout the Bannockburn, Cromwell and Gibbston Valley area Visit some of the best wineries and breweries in the region! Have the freedom to hop on and hop off at as many destinations as you like and stay as long as you like! Some great special offers & discounts just for HOHO customers! Knowledgeable local guides, free map, bus timetable and stress free experience! We store your wines on the bus as you buy them.

Our Wine Maker Experience - a rare opportunity to meet a winemaker from Central Otago. This exceptional opportunity allows you to stroll through the vineyards, explore the barrel halls and engage in personal conversations with an acclaimed winemaker and grower. Discover the vineyard, immerse yourself in the passion and learn the fascinating backstory behind the production of the wine from vine to bottle. This experience is perfect for those eager to dive deeper into the contents of the bottle. Gain firsthand knowledge from award-winning winemakers and growers. Discover diverse terroirs within the vineyard, delve into the techniques employed and journey to various vineyard sections to learn about the soils where the vines thrive.

Perfect for wine buffs, get ready to explore the stunning Central Otago wine region of Bannockburn on this self-guided eBike tour from Cromwell. Pedal approximately 30km along beautiful trails, starting at the Kiwi Journeys hub in Cromwell. Be sure to check out renowned wineries like Mt. Difficulty and Dicey. Stop in at Carrick Cellar Door & Garden for a private Cabana Wine & Dine Retreat overlooking Bannockburn Inlet where there'll be wine tastings and a sumptuous lunch on the menu. There is time before and after Carrick for cellar door visits along Felton Road - heart of Bannockburn wine country. - Self-guided cycling tour covering approximately 30km - This tour offers a true taste of the world renowned wines for which Central Otago is famed - Visit top wineries in Bannockburn, known for their world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay including Mt. Difficulty, Carrick Cellar Door, and Te Kano - Be treated to an exclusive Wine & Dine Cabana experience at Carrick Cellar Door & Garden

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing private tasting sessions showcasing award-winning local wines. It combines deep-rooted history with visits to iconic sites, and exclusive boutique vineyards. Our tours are all private and you will not be joining others. Guests will travel in luxury, indulge in a gourmet lunch, and savour cheese boards alongside their tasting journey while exploring historical landmarks and picturesque locations. Experience the beauty of Central Otago as you embark on a journey to explore three unique subregions. We visit boutique vineyards favoured by locals and sample a range of exceptional wines, from cool climate varietals. Discover the unique characteristics of each region and take in the breathtaking views spanning from Queenstown, the Kawarau Gorge, to the historic gold fields of Bannockburn and Cromwell.

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.

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. In one of the wineries, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch in a stunning setting, soaking up the views and the relaxed atmosphere. We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff. Please contact us in advance to inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests for your tour.

Enjoy a mixture of scenic cruising and action as you blast across Lake Wakatipu and down the world-famous Shotover and Kawarau Rivers with 45km of unforgettable thrills, 360 degree spins and exhilaration in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Enjoy tastings at four premium vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions; Gibbston and the lesser-known Cromwell and Bannockburn basin. Stop in for lunch at a vineyard restaurant and take a stroll around the stunning grounds, viewing the barrel hall and wine-making facilities if this is of interest. Savour a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and paired with a flight of wines. Sit back and relax in our luxury Mercedes-Benz minivans, taking in the sights while our specialist Wine Guide provides a full commentary on the wine, sights and early history, ensuring an entertaining drive with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.