Queenstown Wine Tours are the ideal way to relax, experience our stunning scenery, and sample some amazing local wines

A glass of Central Otago pinot noir in hand, mountain air in your lungs, and the Remarkables or the Kawarau Gorge stealing the show between sips—this is what Queenstown wine tours feel like.

Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with vines just a short, scenic drive away, Queenstown is the ideal base for discovering New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned taster, guided tours here make it effortless to explore boutique cellar doors, meet passionate winemakers, and taste the region’s cool-climate magic without having to navigate winding roads.

Here’s a warm, insider’s look at wine tours in and around Queenstown—where you’ll go, what’s usually included, which companies visitors love, and how to get the most from your day among the vines.

Here's the essential information about Queenstown Wine tours

Why Queenstown is a brilliant base for wine lovers

Central Otago’s reputation is anchored by pinot noir—perfumed, precise, and often layered with dark cherry, thyme, and schist-driven minerality. But you’ll also find elegant chardonnay, crisp pinot gris, lively riesling, and increasingly impressive rosés. The region’s continental climate (a rarity in New Zealand) brings hot, dry summers, cold winters, and big day–night temperature swings, which help develop flavor while preserving acidity. It’s a recipe for wines with verve and finesse.

Queenstown sits within striking distance of several subregions

• Gibbston: Often called the Valley of the Vines, it’s the closest to Queenstown—roughly 20–30 minutes east. Expect dramatic gorge views, pioneering wineries, and some of the region’s most accessible cellar doors.
• Cromwell and Bannockburn: About 45–60 minutes from town, this warmer pocket is famed for concentrated pinot noir and striking landscapes of gold hills and turquoise rivers. The cellar door scene here is compact and rewarding.
• Alexandra and Clyde: A little further afield (around an hour or so), these historic towns open the door to smaller, often family-run producers and a more off-the-beaten-path feel.

Most Queenstown wine tours focus on Gibbston for half-day excursions, with full-day tours venturing deeper into Cromwell and Bannockburn.

What’s typically included on a Queenstown wine tour

Guided Queenstown wine tours take the guesswork (and the driving) out of your day. Inclusions vary by operator and tour type, but you can usually count on:

• Comfortable, climate-controlled transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Queenstown or Frankton
• Tastings at three to four cellar doors, often with a mix of well-known and boutique producers
• A relaxed winery lunch or shared platters (included on some tours, pay-as-you-go on others)
• Commentary from a knowledgeable, often locally based guide
• Scenic photo stops—think the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Arrowtown’s heritage streets, or Lake Hayes’ mirrored waters
• Time to purchase wine at cellar-door prices, with help arranging shipping if needed

Special treats sometimes included or available as add-ons to Queenstown wine tours

• A guided wine cave experience in Gibbston
• Cheese or charcuterie boards
• Barrel tastings or a behind-the-scenes vineyard talk
• Non-wine options for your beer/cider-loving companions

Smaller groups are the norm in Queenstown, which keeps the experience friendly and flexible; private tours are also widely available if you’re celebrating or prefer a custom route.

Please use this information as a guide only, as inclusions vary by tour and are subject to change. 

Tour companies visitors love

You’ll be spoiled for choice in Queenstown. Three operators consistently praised for their itineraries, guides, and polish are Appellation Wine Tours, Altitude Tours, and Queenstown Wine Trail. Each brings a slightly different flavor to the day.

Appellation Wine Tours

A long-standing specialist, Appellation Wine Tours is known for thoughtfully curated itineraries and a genuine connection to the region’s boutique producers. Their small-group and private tours often balance well-known names with lesser-seen cellar doors, so you get variety without feeling rushed.

What stands out:

• Boutique focus: Expect a mix of intimate, family-run wineries and established stars, with time to talk to cellar-door staff and, when possible, the winemakers themselves.
• Scenic extras: Guides weave in local history, geology, and photo stops so you experience the place as much as the wine.
• Flexibility: Private tours can be tailored around particular styles (say, a pinot noir deep dive) or subregions, and they’re happy to accommodate preferences and pace.

Typical inclusions:

• Tastings at three to four wineries in Gibbston and/or Bannockburn/Cromwell
• Hotel transfers and a relaxed lunch stop (often included on full-day tours)
• A knowledgeable guide with easy, insider commentary

What customers say:

• Warm, unhurried hosting and a sense you’re visiting friends, not just businesses
• A knack for reading the group’s interests and adjusting on the fly
• High satisfaction with the variety and quality of wines poured

Check out this highly rated tour:

Altitude Tours

Altitude brings a modern, polished feel to the wine-touring experience. Think late-model vehicles, smooth logistics, and a fun, social vibe—with plenty of substance under the style. Their half-day and twilight tours are particularly popular if your Queenstown itinerary is busy but you still want a taste of Gibbston.

What stands out:

• Half-day heroes: Well-paced, three-to-four stop itineraries that maximize your tasting time without an early start or full-day commitment.
• Social energy: Ideal for couples and small groups who enjoy meeting fellow travelers; there’s usually a relaxed, upbeat rhythm to the day.
• Beyond wine: If your group has mixed interests, Altitude also runs scenic and adventure tours, making it easy to keep everyone happy.

Typical inclusions:

• Tastings at multiple Gibbston cellar doors, often with a wine cave visit on select itineraries
• Transfers from central Queenstown
• Optional food pairings or platters, depending on the tour

What customers say:

• Friendly guides who keep things light yet informative
• Comfortable, stylish vehicles and seamless timing
• A great “snapshot” of the region for those short on time

This tour is one of our favourites:

Queenstown Wine Trail

One of the pioneers of guided tasting in the region, Queenstown Wine Trail has been introducing travelers to Central Otago wines for decades. That experience shows—in the smooth pacing, long-standing relationships with cellar doors, and consistency of guest satisfaction.

What stands out:

• Depth of local ties: Years of partnerships translate into reliable access, informative hosts, and well-chosen stops.
• Range of options: From classic half-day tours to wine-and-food-focused experiences and private outings.
• Easygoing, welcoming tone: A great pick for first-time tasters who want to learn without any fuss.

Typical inclusions:

• Tastings at well-known Gibbston wineries, often with a guided cave visit on select tours
• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Lunch or tasting platters on certain itineraries

What customers say:

• Friendly, patient guides who make wine approachable
• A good balance of education and fun
• Smooth organization and excellent value

Here's one of their popular tours:

Where you’ll taste: sample stops and scenes

The cellar doors change by day and by tour, but here’s the kind of variety you can expect:

• Architectural icons and pioneers: Striking tasting rooms and early trailblazers whose names helped put Central Otago on the map.
• Boutique gems: Family-owned wineries pouring small-batch bottlings you won’t easily find elsewhere, sometimes with the chance to chat to the people behind the wines.
• Vineyard viewpoints: Patios overlooking vines and river terraces, perfect for photos and lingering over lunch.

In Gibbston, gorge vistas frame your tastings; in Bannockburn and Cromwell, the mix of rugged hills, fruit orchards, and river flats showcases just how diverse Central Otago’s terroir can be.

What a day looks like on these Queenstown wine tours

Half-day Queenstown wine tours typically run morning or afternoon for around four to five hours. Expect:

• Three to four tastings in Gibbston
• A light lunch or shared platters on some departures
• Photo stops and commentary along the way
• Back in Queenstown in time for other activities or dinner

Full-day Queenstown wine tours stretch to six to eight hours, and often venture into Bannockburn/Cromwell, in addition to Gibbston. You’ll likely enjoy:

• Three to four tastings across two sub-regions
• A relaxed winery lunch with time to soak in the setting
• Additional scenic stops and deeper regional insights

Private tours can be tailored—perhaps a focus on pinot noir single-vineyard flights, a longer lunch at a favorite bistro, or a mix of wine and sights (Arrowtown, historic bridges, or lakeside strolls).

Guest satisfaction: what travelers consistently love about their Queenstown wine tours

• Great wine without the drive: The number-one benefit. Central Otago roads are stunning but winding; letting someone else drive means everyone in your party can taste.
• Small groups and personal touches: It’s easier to ask questions, learn, and discover wines suited to your palate.
• Knowledgeable guides: People rave about guides who can decode tasting notes, share vineyard stories, and keep the mood relaxed.
• Variety and pacing: A balance of larger names and hidden gems, with just enough time at each stop to savor rather than rush.
• Scenic dividends: Even non-wine drinkers often come away wowed by the landscapes and photo opportunities.

When things feel less than perfect, it’s usually due to factors like peak-season crowds (summer and harvest), a pace that feels brisk to slow sippers, or changing cellar-door lineups. Booking a full-day tour or a private experience can help dial in the depth and tempo you prefer.

When to go

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Long, warm days, buzzing cellar doors, alfresco lunches. It’s busy—book ahead.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Harvest energy, cooler evenings, spectacular gold foliage. A lovely time to taste.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Crisp, clear days, cozy fireplaces, fewer crowds. Pair a morning on the mountain with an afternoon among the vines.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Blossom, new releases, and a sense of anticipation before peak season kicks in.

Practical tips for a smooth, satisfying tour

• Book early in peak season: Popular departures and private tours can fill weeks in advance.
• Share your preferences: Love bone-dry riesling? Curious about chardonnay? Tell your guide—they’ll often tweak the lineup where possible.
• Dress in layers: Mountain weather changes quickly; comfortable shoes are a must.
• Hydrate and snack: Most tours include water and some food, but it’s smart to sip water between tastings.
• Bring ID: The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18, and you may be asked to show ID.
• Shipping and luggage: Many cellar doors can help arrange shipping. If you’re flying onward, check baggage allowances and your home country’s alcohol import rules.
• Consider a private tour: Celebrating a special occasion or traveling with family? A private guide lets you control the pace, preferences, and privacy.

Budgeting and value

Prices vary by season, inclusions, and whether you choose a group or private tour. As a general guide:

• Half-day small-group tours often start around the mid-hundreds in NZD per person, with tastings included and food optional or light.
• Full-day small-group tours typically cost a bit more, often including lunch or substantial platters.
• Private tours are priced per vehicle or per group and offer the most flexibility.

Many visitors consider wine tours in Queenstown excellent value, given the curated access, transport, and local knowledge. If you’re choosing between operators, look closely at inclusions (number of tastings, lunch, cave visit, pick-up locations) to compare apples with apples.

Alternatives if you want to go your own way

If you prefer independence, you can self-drive (with a designated driver) or pair e-bikes with the Gibbston River Trail, which links a string of cellar doors with spectacular scenery. There are also hop-on, hop-off shuttle services in the region. Still, for most visitors, a guided tour wins for convenience, safety, and the extra context that brings wines to life.

A few suggested styles of day

• The Taster: A half-day Gibbston tour—three to four wineries, a cave visit, and time back in Queenstown for dinner by the lake.
• The Indulgence: A full-day tour mixing Gibbston and Bannockburn—a leisurely lunch at a winery, diverse styles in your glass, and a sunset return.
• The Celebration: A private tour customized to your wish list—with a special bottle reserved for sunset and maybe a surprise stop your guide knows you’ll love.

Final sip

Queenstown’s wine tours offer more than transport between tastings. They’re a gentle immersion into Central Otago’s landscapes, people, and flavors. From the first pour in a sunlit tasting room to that last glance at a vine-striped hillside, it’s a day you’ll remember long after your suitcase is packed. With reputable operators like Appellation Wine Tours, Altitude Tours, and Queenstown Wine Trail, you’re in very good hands—whichever itinerary you choose.

Book ahead, bring your curiosity, and trust your guide. Queenstown’s valley of the vines has a way of turning a simple tasting into a lasting travel story—one that’s best told with a glass of pinot in hand and mountains on the horizon.

You can search availability for a range of Queenstown wine tours, and other activities below. Enjoy!