Top South Island Spring Break in 2026

Tour one of New Zealand’s up-and-coming wine regions the easy way from Christchurch on this hassle-free day trip. Leaving the city behind, you’ll be driven to the scenic Waipara Valley region, which is dotted with vineyards. Visit several of the best and sample a range of red and white wines. Don’t worry about who is going to drive as transfers are taken care of.

Enjoy the benefits of both guided and independent travel on this Marlborough wineries day tour by bike. Check out the vines with a guide in the morning, then set off on your own in the afternoon. Sample wines at three guided winery visits, then continue the adventure independently, armed with a wine map, a warm glow, and some helpful local tips. Includes a pickup from Blenheim or Renwick accommodation.

The wineries around Queenstown are a must-visit attraction, but it’s not safe to drive yourself if you want to sample wine, and many bike tours are self-guided. Avoid the risk of getting lost while enjoying some easy exercise on this guided e-bike tour that’s suitable for families. Spend the first part of the trip cycling between the wineries, surrounded by beautiful mountains, then partake in wine tastings at two wineries.

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards, but it’s risky to sample wines and drive around the region. On this afternoon tour, visit four boutique wineries and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind the wines from the winemakers themselves, and enjoy a platter lunch matched with award-winning wines. The small-group tour provides an intimate atmosphere.

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and with more than 30 wineries along the designated cycle trail through the vineyards, it’s an idyllic place for a cycling tour. Enjoy wine tasting along the Marlborough wine trail at your own pace with a self-guided tour, which includes bike rental, maps, recommendations on where to visit.

When your cruise ship arrives in the port of Picton, located in Queen Charlotte Sound, take a shore excursion to Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region with a guide. Enjoy wine tasting while you learn about the area’s cultural heritage. Travel with a small group along a scenic route and relax in winery gardens and cafés overlooking the Wairau Valley.

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn the intricacies of winemaking from local experts, and savor gourmet food pairings. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you visit top wineries like Pegasus Bay and Waipara Hills. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike, this tour provides a delightful insight into New Zealand's premier wine country.

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

Take a full-day wine tour from Blenheim to discover the wines of the Marlborough region, which are famous throughout the world. You’ll visit six or seven wineries for tastings and a winery lunch (own expense). Relax on this comprehensive tour that includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, so there’s no need to risk drinking and driving or to designate a sober driver.

Embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of Marlborough wine country on this full-day tasting tour from Blenheim. Set out to explore the picturesque vineyards of the Wairau Valley, stopping along the way to visit local wineries, enjoy wine tasting and sample delicious local treats, including handmade chocolate. This intimate, small-group tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Blenheim.

Go beyond a basic wine tasting with this full-day, small-group tour. After getting picked up from Blenheim or Renwick, explore several of the region’s most popular wineries and vineyards in the Marlborough wine-growing region. Learn the history and winemaking process behind several locally grown varieties, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir.

Ride Tasman's Great Taste Trail from Nelson on an e-bike, at your own pace, to a wine tasting at Seifried, the South Island's oldest family winery. Choose Bronze, Silver or Gold: ride there and back, ride one way and take the shuttle home, or carry on through Rabbit Island to Māpua for a second tasting at the wharf. Tour highlights: -Self-guided e-bike ride on Tasman's Great Taste Trail, flat and mostly off-road -Wine tasting at Seifried, the South Island's oldest family winery, on every option -Choose your day: 44 km return, 22 km with a shuttle back, or 30 km to Māpua -Gold adds Rabbit Island, a boat crossing to Māpua and a second tasting at the wharf -E-bike, helmet, trail map and a personal briefing from our team -17 years on the Great Taste Trail, with 130% of carbon emissions offset

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.

On this half-day tour, experience two unique sides of the Wanaka area: the wine made from grapes grown in the whenua (land), and the culture of the tangata whenua themselves—the indigenous Māori who live on the land. Visit four boutique wineries in Wanaka, Tarras, and Cromwell, sampling various wines and a platter of local produce. Receive the manaaki (hospitality) of the local Māori community and experience a stirring live haka.

Our talented Wine Advisors are the characters of Kinross. Let them take you on a journey through the world of our wine partners - Hawkshead, High Garden, Valli and Wild Irishman, as well as our own Kinross wine.

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.

Enjoy some of Central Otago's finest Pinot Noir wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and learn about the legends who pioneered Pinot Noir production in Central Otago.

Embark on an extraordinary wine journey guided by our talented Wine Advisor. They will lead you through a tasting experience with the exquisitely crafted, award-winning wines from Valli.

A Premium Cruise Experience Step aboard Pacific Jemm, the southernmost superyacht on a lake, and experience Lake Wakatipu on an intimate luxury sightseeing cruise unlike any other. Be welcomed with genuine New Zealand hospitality, a complimentary glass of mulled wine (or your preferred beverage) and a local grazing board as you relax in refined comfort. Cruise past iconic locations such as: -The Remarkables -Cecil Peak -Walter Peak -Lord of the rings locations -Bobs Cove and other stunning bays. Our experienced captain selects the best route for the day's conditions, ensuring the smoothest ride and spectacular views. With strictly limited guest numbers, you'll enjoy a spacious, uncrowded atmosphere with plenty of room to move about the yacht, making it perfect for photography, uninterrupted panoramic views and complete relaxation. If you are celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring Queenstown, Pacific Jemm delivers an unforgettable alpine experience on the water.

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 3-4 of the best wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a New Zealand winery and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. This tour is tailored to the needs of Cruise Ship passengers who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. The tour usually departs at around 9.30am but flexible to suit your ships arrival time. You can relax knowing that we will return you safely and on time for your ship. This tour is for a maximum of 2 people. But the van holds 11 so For larger groups please contact us for a quote. Lunch is at own cost at the vineyard restaurant.

Jade Tours are fun and informative, suited to any level of wine knowledge. We pick you up early afternoon from accommodation in and around Blenheim (pick ups further afield can be arranged at extra cost). Travelling in the comfort of our air-conditioned van, we head to the “golden mile” of vineyards in Rapaura for the first of 3 cellar doors visits. This tour is about wine tasting rather than lunch but offers the option to pre-order a platter if you would like something to eat during the afternoon. We focus on family-owned wineries who are keen to share the story behind their wines. If you have a particular label you want to visit we will try to tailor the itinerary – please enquire. You return to your accommodation between 4:00pm and 4:30 pm (in time for an afternoon nap before dinner).

Leave the choice of wineries up to a guide while you relax on a wine-tasting tour of Marlborough. With a small group you’ll visit the vineyards and step through the cellar doors of several wineries in this famed wine region. You can purchase lunch at a scenic vineyard restaurant. Take in the scenery aboard transport from Blenheim. Then top off your day with a sampling of gourmet chocolates.

Discover New Zealand’s largest wine region in the off-season on this winter wine tour from Blenheim. Make the most of your private guide and enjoy a custom-made itinerary, including activities including wine and food tastings at local purveyors. Sample the region’s most prized wine varietal, sauvignon blanc, as well as others. Hotel transfers are included so you don’t need to worry about finding a meeting place.