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Looking for the best wine tours in Queenstown? You’ve come to the expert!
As a self-proclaimed wine aficionado, I’ve tried most of the wine tours in Queenstown. Sure, I could go visit the wineries on my own, but I love taking organized tours so I don’t have to worry about driving! That way I can try as much wine as I want, learn from the experts, and find a few new places along the way.
Luckily, there are a ton of amazing wine tours on offer in Queenstown. To help you maximize your tasting abilities, I’ve narrowed down the top 5 wine tours. All you have to do is pick your favorite, book it, and prepare for wine tasting!
Quick Pick: My Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My personal FAVORITE wine tour is this boutique wine tour from Queenstown! You’ll visit four of the top wineries for tastings, learn from your expert guide, and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
Check out the 500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is popular, book your spot in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Best Wine Tours in Queenstown
1. Central Otago wine tour from Queenstown
- Price: $259 – $385 NZD
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 10 or 11 am
- Highlights: Visiting four boutique wineries, learning about wines from an expert guide, small group experience, optional jet boat ride
- Inclusions: Wine tastings, lunch, local guide, transportation from select hotels, jet boat ride (if selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This boutique wine tour takes you from Queenstown to four different wineries in the Gibbston Valley. It offers the perfect variety of wines along with beautiful scenery and a super tasty lunch. You really get the full Gibbston Valley experience!
On your way to Gibbston, you’ll take the scenic drive past Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes, which really makes the drive fly by.
As soon as you reach Gibbston, you’ll dive straight into your first wine tasting. My group’s guide, Maryann, did a great job making us feel super comfortable and understand what each wine was all about. Afterwards, you’ll head to Bannockburn to enjoy a light lunch paired with a glass of wine (of course!).
I like that this tour gives you the chance to stretch your legs while you stroll around Old Cromwell before heading to your third tasting. On the journey back, you’ll stop at another winery in Gibbston for your final wine tasting before returning to Queenstown. Four wineries felt like the perfect amount, and the whole day was paced well.
If you’re looking to meet some new people, this wine tour is perfect because it’s a nice, small group with a maximum of 12 guests. This tour also makes a point to ensure you’re getting a good variety of wine, and the guides were fantastic at teaching us all about the different wines.
And if you’re up for it, you can add on a 45-minute jet boat ride before the wine tour which makes this tour all the more unique!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
2. Gourmet food and wine tour
- Price: $299 NZD
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Sampling Gibbston Valley’s best wines, gourmet lunch at The Stoaker Room, wine and cheese pairings, exploring the historic Arrowtown and Old Cromwell
- Inclusions: Wine tastings at four wineries, gourmet lunch, expert guide, roundtrip transportation from your hotel
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This small-group wine tour takes you to three different subregions around Gibbston Valley, so you can sample some of the best wine Queenstown has to offer!
This tour hits a wide variety of wineries, restaurants, and quaint towns. You’ll stop at the iconic Gibbston Valley Winery and explore the wine cave. As New Zealand’s largest wine cave, this is a must-visit in my book!
One of my favorite parts of this tour (other than the wine) is lunch at The Stoaker Room. All of the food is cooked in Stoakers, which are French Oak Pinot Noir barrel cookers, and it really adds to the unique setting and overall atmosphere. And since this is a wine tour, lunch will be paired with local wines from a Cromwell winery as well.
After a full stomach, you can walk it off with a visit to historic Arrowtown. Explore the old Chinese settlement, take a walk down the popular main street, or, my personal favorite, find candy from all over the globe at the Remarkable Sweet Shop.
The last stop is for one more wine tasting in Bannockburn or Cromwell, just to ensure you’ve had enough wine throughout your day! There’s even a cheese pairing to go with it.
I love how this tour combines food, wine, and sightseeing, along with a visit to a cute local town!
This tour is popular – book it here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Hop-on hop-off wine tour
- Price: $80 – $90 NZD
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 11:20 am, 12:10 pm
- Highlights: Flexibility to visit 23 different locations at your own pace, transportation is included, visiting Queenstown’s top wineries
- Inclusions: Transportation from downtown Queenstown, discounts at some stops
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This hop-on, hop-off wine tour is perfect for those who need a little more flexibility. I personally love hop-on, hop-off tours because you can cater them to fit your schedule.
This option offers a full or a half-day experience, so you can choose based on how much time and/or energy you have. And while there are plenty of stops at wineries, there are also opportunities for non-drinking activities and sightseeing.
This bus route includes stops at 23 places! What’s even better is you can choose which wineries you want to visit, and I’ll tell you some of my personal favorites below.
This tour stops at Nockie’s Palette, which is a newer establishment that really fuses art and winemaking together. From here, you can also visit Lake Hayes!
Another favorite of mine is Kinross. This is technically a cellar door, and they offer wines from different local vineyards, so it’s a great stop if you want to try lots of different varieties.
While this tour definitely caters to those who want to visit wineries and breweries, it’s also a fun option if you want to sightsee or enjoy non-drinking activities. If you want to see some incredible views of the Shotover Canyon, there’s a stop at Canyon Brewing, a craft micro-brewery and restaurant. You can see the whole list of stops here!
I want to clarify that this tour doesn’t include tasting or activity fees, just transport. You get to decide which stops to get off on to fill your day. However, when you purchase a ticket, there are some local discounts you’ll get, so that’s a plus.
Check out all the stops and reserve your spot in advance here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
4. Bike the wineries full-day ride to Queenstown
- Price: $110 – $160 NZD
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 9:20 am
- Highlights: Bicycling through the South Island’s scenic landscape, flexibility to stop at any wineries, ease of transportation
- Inclusions: Mountain bike or e-bike, transportation from Queenstown to the trail
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
If you love biking local trails, I have a treat for you! This self-guided bike tour is a beautiful and unique way to experience Queenstown’s wineries.
A shuttle will pick you up at 9:50 am from central Queenstown and then drive you to Arrowtown, where you can select a mountain bike or an e-bike. The choice depends on how much effort you’d like to put in!
You’ll get a map of the area’s best trails, like the Gibbston River Trail and the Arrow River Trail, along with a list of the top wineries in each area. I love this option because you can go at your own pace and stop at the wineries as you please. If it’s not obvious, I’m a fan of flexible options!
I know I’ve mentioned how scenic the Gibbston Valley is, but there’s really something magical about exploring this area on the ground. It’s a beautiful place, and I personally love biking or hiking around here whenever I get the chance.
Along your way, I recommend stopping into one of Arrowtown’s quaint cafes for a coffee or maybe even a chocolate truffle. The path will also take you over the Kawarau Suspension Bridge where you could see bungy jumpers taking the dive.
If you love the outdoors and wine tasting, this is the perfect tour for you! I personally loved this experience and think it’s one of the most unique ways to experience Queenstown’s wine region.
Check availability and book this tour in advance here.
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
5. Queenstown afternoon wine and craft beer tour
- Price: $219 NZD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 3 pm
- Highlights: Visiting three different wineries, tasting beer or wine, local expert guide, small group experience
- Inclusions: Three tastings, shared antipasto platter, transportation from Queenstown
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
I love wine tasting during the day. However, if you don’t have long in Queenstown, you can opt for this late-afternoon wine tour. It’s a great way to fit wine tasting into a busy sightseeing schedule. Plus, you get to sample craft beer too!
If someone in your group is not a huge wine drinker, then this tour is perfect because you get to choose between wine and craft beer at the spots you visit.
You’ll begin around 3 pm and spend the afternoon exploring the Gibbston Valley. There are three stops on this tour, including the GT Tasting Room, which has excellent service and even better rosé.
Then there’s Canyon Brewery in Arthurs Point, which has one of the best views of any brewery or vineyard I’ve ever been to. You’ll get a shared antipasto platter here to coat your stomach. Since you’ll be in a small group with a super friendly guide, this tour just feels like hanging out with friends!
We also stopped by my favorite winery, Kinross! I’ve never had a wine that I don’t like from Kinross, and I’ve been there too many times to count.
Overall, this wine tour is super relaxed, and I love the itinerary because you get to visit some true Gibbston Valley gems. To top it off, you’ll be back around 7 pm, so you can still enjoy dinner in Queenstown.
If you’re looking for a laidback tour that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is the ideal experience!
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
Once you’re back in Queenstown after exploring the Gibbston Valley, there are plenty of other activities that will keep you busy. Honestly, there are so many things to do in Queenstown that it’ll be hard to choose which ones to do! Below are some of my favorites:
- Take a cruise – Aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, you’re in for a scenic and relaxing cruise in Queenstown that’s great for any afternoon. This is one of the last coal-fired steamships in the world and you get to watch the crew add coal to the flames to power the vessel as you take in mountain ranges and lush green valleys. You can also upgrade this tour here to include dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
- Watch a sunset – As the day draws to a close in Queenstown, make sure to head to the shores of Lake Wakatipu to watch a sunset. It’s one of the best viewpoints to watch the sun sink behind the Southern Alps. I like watching from Queenstown Beach or Perky’s Floating Bar, where you get a view of the lake and delicious food and drinks too!
- Go canyoning – Climb and jump off waterfalls, rappel, swim, and trek as part of this Queenstown Canyoning Adventure with a qualified guide. This thrilling full-day activity is perfect for those who love adventure and exploration! As long as you aren’t afraid of heights and have a basic swimming ability, you won’t need any other skills.
- See Milford Sound – This day trip to Milford South with a picnic lunch will give you the ultimate ability to explore the beauty of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Not only will your guide stop at several impressive viewpoints on the way from Queenstown but there is also a cruise in Milford Sound included.
- Extreme Jet Boating – Looking for a thrill? This jet boating tour delivers! You’ll zoom up the Shotover River through narrow canyons at high speeds and make 360-degree spins. Trust me, it’s epic!
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.
Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance… you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.
Kamana Lakehouse – $$$
For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town. Although it’s super peaceful, it’s just a 5-minute drive into the center of town. The place overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!
The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.
La Quinta Queenstown – $$
If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider La Quinta Queenstown. This beautiful hotel is right by the airport but still very quiet. Plus, the views are amazing (although you won’t find me recommending a place without great views!). The rooms are all studio or one-bedroom apartments, which is really handy if you want to cook or even just have breakfast in your room.
Prices start at $200 NZD and you can book online here.
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $
My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!
Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
I love wine tours almost as much as I love Queenstown (hint hint: that’s a lot!). No matter what tour you find yourself on, I know you’ll have a fabulous time! There are tons of amazing wineries just outside of Queenstown, and I love the ease of a tour so I can sit back and relax.
Thanks for reading! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my other blogs. As a Queenstown local, I have a lot of resources to help you plan the best visit ever. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you find more hidden gems and top activities!
23 BEST Stops on the Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound
The BEST 5 Days in Queenstown Itinerary – From a Local!
10 BEST Helicopter Tours in Queenstown +My Review and Booking Tips