Wine Tours and Tastings in Queenstown

As one of the adventure capitals of the world, Queenstown welcomes adrenaline junkies, hikers and nature lovers alike. But this South Island town is far from a one-trick pony.

For those looking for a more leisurely way to explore the stunning surroundings, wine tours in Queenstown offer a perfect day out in the Central Otago countryside.

With rolling hills, stunning vistas and some of the best wineries in New Zealand, these tours provide an unforgettable experience for both wine aficionados and novices alike. Samples, of course, are aplenty.

Here's all you need to know about wine tastings, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Queenstown.

What are the best wine-tasting tours in Queenstown?

There are several amazing wine-tasting tours to choose from in Queenstown, each offering its own unique experience.

Some tours provide a more intimate experience with smaller groups, while others offer larger tours for those who prefer to explore the countryside in bigger numbers.

No matter which tour you choose, you can expect to be whisked away into some of New Zealand’s most picturesque vineyards, where lush greenery and stunning views provide the perfect backdrop.

Half-day wine sampler tours

Offering an excellent introduction to Queenstown’s varied wineries, the half-day wine sampler tour is perfect for those with limited time.

This tour visits upwards of three of the area's top vineyards and wineries, giving guests a chance to enjoy tasting flights of each venue’s best wines.

Along the way, you will learn about New Zealand viticulture, the local winemaking process, and of course, sample some of the exquisite wines.

Many of these sampler tours also visit the famous underground wine cave in the and pass by the scenic Kawarau Gorge, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

Twilight wine and craft beer tour

A great option for evening adventurers, the twilight wine and craft beer tour allows you to explore the city by day and indulge in some of the region's finest beverages and cuisine by night.

This style of tour usually takes you to three wineries in the famed Gibbston region, where you can sample both local craft beer and wines while sharing some antipasto platters.

While tours vary, many excursions will visit the Cargo Brewery, Kinross winery and Mt. Rosa Wines venue. In between, expect plenty of fun facts from your tour guide about the local winemaking industry and its history in Queenstown.

Full-day Otago region small group tour

The most comprehensive of all the wine-tasting tours in Queenstown, this full-day small group tour takes you to some of the most picturesque and renowned vineyards in the Otago area — centered around Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn.

From Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley, this journey will give you an up close and personal experience with Central Otago winemaking industry, stopping at roughly six wineries and venues.

You’ll be treated to a tasting in New Zealand’s only wine cave, sample a variety of local gourmet produce, pass by the historic Kawarau Gorge and learn about the region’s history from your knowledgeable guide.

At the end of it, you'll be driven back to Queenstown with a newfound appreciation for the area's wines and its stunning natural surroundings.

Hop-on-hop-off Queenstown wine tour

Suited to travelers who want to explore the area's many wineries at their own pace, a hop-on-hop-off wine tour is also available.

This self-guided tour allows you to create your own itinerary from an array of participating vineyards and wineries found in Queenstown's Gibbston Valley region.

Your ticket includes pick up and drop off from any of the participating venues, so you can plan your own schedule with as much or as little time at each stop.

On this tour, you’ll be able to sample some of Central Otago's best wines and craft beers while enjoying a stunning day out in nature — all without having to worry about transportation.

Depending on the company, there are 15-20 stops on the route, allowing you to customize your experience according to your own preferences.

Private Queenstown wine excursion

Perfect for travelers and wine lovers with a taste for luxury, the private-style Queenstown wine tours offer the ultimate VIP experience, allowing you to explore the area's wineries and vineyards in ultimate comfort and privacy.

These tours can be tailored according to your needs, meaning you can choose which wineries and venues you want to visit — from boutique family-owned operations to larger commercial producers.

Enjoy a variety of tastings at each location as well as informative talks on the local winemaking process and industry.

Depending on the venues on the itinerary, you’ll also have the opportunity to savor some of New Zealand's finest cheeses, chocolates and gourmet snacks along the way.

E-bike wine tour from Queenstown

These tours combine the best of both worlds — cycling and wining. The e-bike tour lets you explore the vineyards in a fun, relaxed way while still getting to taste some of Central Otago's finest wines at each stop.

The bikes are electric-assisted, meaning you don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy this tour. Most bike wine tours make a stop at the Kawarau suspension bridge, pass through Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley and visit three to four wineries.

Which places are visited?

The places you'll see on a Queenstown wine tour depend on which type of tour you choose. However, most of them will venture through small towns in the beautiful Otago region, passing by some of its most renowned vineyards and wineries.

Kawarau suspension bridge

No Queenstown wine tour would be complete without a visit to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge.

This 131-year-old bridge is the world’s first bungee jump site and offers stunning views of the gorge and surrounding landscape — making it an ideal spot for photos in between winery visits.

Gibbston Valley

Nestled in between rocky mountains, Gibbston Valley is known for its world-renowned wineries and picturesque scenery. On a tour, you’ll likely make stops at some of the local vineyards here — Peregrine Wines, Chard Farm, Mt. Rosa Wines and Kinross, to name a few.

Cromwell

Known for its renowned stone fruit and wine industry, Cromwell is a small town located in the heart of Central Otago.

Here you’ll find some of the region’s most underrated vineyards — such as Scott Base Vineyard, the family-run Pisa Range Estate, Quartz Reef and Aurum Wines.

Bannockburn

The rolling hills of Bannockburn are home to some of the region’s most iconic vineyards. On a tour, you’ll likely make stops at Desert Heart and Felton Road Winery.

Kawarau Gorge

A common stop on many Queenstown wine tours, the Kawarau Gorge is a stunning natural landscape that’s framed by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.

The river here has carved its way through the canyon over thousands of years — making it one of Central Otago’s most iconic landmarks.

The Gibbston Valley Wine Cave

Located just a 25-minute drive from Queenstown, The Gibbston Valley Wine Cave is exactly what you imagine: a cellar door built into a century-old cave.

Here, you can taste a variety of award-winning wines while admiring the unique architecture and design of the space.

The Gibbston Valley Winery is also officially the region's oldest vineyard, so expect to hear plenty of stories about the area's history during your visit.

Queenstown city

All Queenstown wine tours start and end in the city center. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy some drinks or snacks before heading back home.

Some tours will stop at local restaurants or wine bars for lunch or dinner as part of the tour.

If you choose a private tour you can spend more time in Queenstown, however, most wine tours will spend most of the day in the surrounding townships and countryside.

How much do wine-tasting tours in Queenstown cost?

The price of a Queenstown wine tour starts at around US$40 but varies depending on the type of tour you choose.

The cheapest options are hop-on-hop-off buses, which don't include any tastings — priced at US$40 to US$60 per person.

Half-day sampler tours range from around US$110 to US$180 per person and full-day range between US$170 to US$200.

E-bike tours range from US$150 to US$190 per person.

Prices for private tours are most expensive due to their personalized nature, but they offer a unique experience, ranging from US$200 to US$450 each, often with a minimum of 2 guests.

What is included?

Every tour package varies in what’s included, but most include wine tastings at each stop, a knowledgeable guide and transport between wineries, as well as to and from Queenstown. Some tours also offer snacks or light lunches.

Some of the more luxurious packages may include additional extras such as gourmet meals and exclusive access to private vineyards. Private tours usually come with a personal driver and vehicle, as well as a dedicated tasting host.

Hop-on-hop-off tours only include transport between wineries and usually do not include any wine tastings.

Where does it start?

All  Queenstown wine tours start in the center of Queenstown, usually at one of the centrally located landmarks or at your hotel with pre-arranged pickup.

The exact pick-up location will be provided to you when booking your tour, so double-check when booking.

How long does it last?

The duration of a Queenstown wine tour depends on what type you choose. Generally, they will either be half-day tours or full-day tours, taking 4-5 or 7-8 hours respectively.

It's recommended to double-check the duration of your tour before starting, to ensure you have enough time to complete it.

When is the best time for a wine-tasting tour in Queenstown?

The best time for a wine-tasting tour in Queenstown is during the summer months, from November to April.

During this time, you’ll get to experience some of the region’s most stunning scenery and enjoy tastings at vineyards when they are open and buzzing with activity.

However, most wineries do remain open year-round, offering ample indoor seating and a welcoming experience.

Are there any combos available with wine tasting tours in Queenstown?

Yes, there are a variety of combo packages available with Queenstown wine-tasting tours.

Some of the more popular combination tours for adventures include the Thunder jet boat and wine tour, helicopter flight and wine tour and zipline and wine tour.

Meanwhile, the Maori culture experience cross wine tour is a popular choice for those wishing to learn more about the region’s history and traditions.

Regardless of which you choose, combos are considered to be great options for those looking for a more comprehensive experience, mixing adventure, relaxation, food tours, wine and sightseeing into one day of exploring.

Most combination tours start at around US$130 per person, except for helicopter adventures which cost upwards of US$600.

Travel tips

• Book your Queenstown wine tour in advance to get the best deals, as prices tend to increase closer to departure.
• If you’re on a budget but still want an authentic experience, look for sampler tours or hop-on-hop-off buses which offer more affordable options.
• Since you'll be drinking, be sure to eat beforehand and drink plenty of water in between tastings.
• Finally, remember to bring a spare bag for all the wine bottles you’ll be buying!