Top Queenstown Wine, Beer & Spirits - page 2

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

Discover Central Otago’s wine country by bike on this full-day tour from Queenstown. Ride down the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers and across the iconic Kawarau suspension bridge. Go at your own pace as you follow the wine map to many wineries along the easy biking trail. Take in the magnificent scenery and stop to taste delicious wine as you go. A wine purchase pickup service is available for your convenience.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

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.

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.

Cyclists who enjoy spending time in nature will love this easy shuttle and rental option. After a transfer from Queenstown to Arrowtown, get kitted out with a mountain bike or e-bike and helmet. With bike rental included, you won’t worry about whether your bike is suitable for the trails. A detailed map is included, so you won’t get lost, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle at your own pace.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 half-day tour is not just a superb introduction to the Central Otago wine-growing region: it’s also an invitation to experience the culture and manaaki, or hospitality, of the local Māori community. Start with a traditional Māori greeting and receive the power of the ceremonial haka in a picturesque Otago location. Then visit several local wineries across the region to sample popular wines and enjoy a cheese platter.

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.

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a scenic helicopter flight over Queenstown, soaring above stunning vineyards and mountain ranges before landing on a peak to enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine to kick start your bucket list wine tour. Touch down at your first cellar door where your guide will host you across four tasting experiences, including New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Along the way you’ll taste award winning wines, hear fascinating stories of the region and have the option to enjoy a winery lunch (additional cost). This experience takes wine touring to new heights, pairing fine wine with unforgettable views and people. Taste some of New Zealand’s best wines, on the World's Best Wine Tour (voted 2021). Venues typically include Gibbston Valley, Ayrburn, Kinross and Mt Rosa, though they may vary if a venue is unavailable.

What sets this tour apart is its ability to turn a simple drive into a story-rich journey through the heart of New Zealand wine country. As you wind through Gibbston Valley, your phone becomes your guide — unlocking the voices of winemakers, tales of Māori heritage, and the deep connection between land, people, and wine. It’s more than just a tasting — it’s a chance to experience Central Otago’s soul, one glass and one story at a time. No buses, no crowds — just you, the open road, and the unforgettable beauty of Aotearoa.

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.

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.***

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.

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

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.

Explore the landscapes that featured in “The Lord of the Rings” movies on this small-group full-day tour. Traveling in a 4-wheel drive enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area. Get out into the wilderness in the morning, with the chance to dress up in movie costumes and pose with props. Return to town for lunch, then spend the afternoon checking out more sites around 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.