Queenstown Wine Tours – Wine Tasting & Food Experiences
Updated 17th October 2026
Discover Central Otago's Wineries, Fine Wines & Local Flavours
Explore some of New Zealand’s finest wine country with our selection of Queenstown wine tours and food experiences. Discover award-winning Central Otago wineries, sample world-class Pinot Noir and enjoy local flavours surrounded by spectacular mountain and vineyard scenery. From relaxed small-group wine tastings to gourmet food and vineyard experiences, discover the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s celebrated wine region.
Explore Queenstown's Best Wine Tours & Gourmet Food Experiences
Queenstown is the gateway to Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir, boutique vineyards and spectacular alpine scenery. Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply enjoy good food and beautiful surroundings, Queenstown wine tours offer a memorable way to discover the region’s distinctive flavours.
From the vineyards of Gibbston Valley to the wineries surrounding Arrowtown and the wider Central Otago region, guided wine tasting tours combine exceptional wines, local hospitality and fascinating insights into the area’s winemaking heritage.
Discover the Highlights of Queenstown’s Wine Country
- Central Otago Wine Tasting: Visit boutique and award-winning wineries, sample exceptional Pinot Noir and discover the cool-climate wines that have earned Central Otago international recognition.
- Gibbston Valley Wineries: Explore the famous Valley of the Vines, where vineyards, cellar doors and dramatic mountain landscapes create an unforgettable wine tasting experience.
- Gourmet Food & Wine Pairings: Enjoy delicious local produce, artisan cheeses, vineyard lunches and carefully selected food and wine combinations on participating tours.
- Small-Group Wine Tours: Relax with knowledgeable local guides who share the stories behind the vineyards, winemakers and distinctive wines of Central Otago.
- Scenic Vineyard Experiences: Discover picturesque wine-growing landscapes, historic surroundings and welcoming cellar doors, with opportunities to photograph some of the region’s most beautiful locations.
- Half-Day & Extended Wine Tours: Choose from relaxed half-day wine tasting adventures or longer experiences that allow more time to explore wineries, enjoy local food and soak up the scenery.
- Whether you’re visiting Queenstown for a romantic getaway, travelling with friends or looking for a relaxing alternative to adventure activities, explore our selection of Queenstown wine and food tours below to find an experience that suits your interests and itinerary.
Queenstown's Original Wine Tour
Price: $229.00 pp
Departs daily 12.00pm – Tour operates with a minimum of 2 people per tour
Duration: allow 5 hours
Discover the flavours of Central Otago on Queenstown’s Original Wine Tour, welcoming visitors to the region’s vineyards since 1992. This relaxed, small-group wine tasting experience takes you to three premium wineries, where you’ll enjoy over 12 hosted wine tastings, including the region’s celebrated Pinot Noir and other distinctive wine varieties.
Travel through the picturesque wine country near Queenstown, enjoy a guided stroll among the vines and explore one of New Zealand’s largest underground wine caves, subject to availability. With time to enjoy a leisurely winery lunch or an extra glass of your favourite wine, this five-hour afternoon tour combines excellent wines, beautiful scenery and friendly local hospitality.
Queenstown’s Original Wine Tour Includes
- Three premium wineries – Hosted wine tastings at three carefully selected Central Otago vineyards.
- 12+ wine tastings – Sample Pinot Noir and a selection of other regional wines.
- Underground wine cave experience – Explore the impressive wine cave, subject to availability.
- Winery lunch opportunity – Time to choose lunch from an à la carte menu at your own expense.
- Small-group experience – Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable local hosts.
- Courtesy transfers – Pickup and drop-off at selected Queenstown accommodation or a central Queenstown meeting point.
QueenstownWine Tasting & Winery Lunch
Price: $279.00 pp
Departs daily 12.00pm –
Duration allow 5 hours
Discover the exceptional wines and delicious local flavours of Central Otago on this Queenstown Wine & Food Tour, combining premium wine tastings with a gourmet winery lunch. Travel through picturesque wine country, visiting three carefully selected wineries, including a renowned larger estate and two boutique vineyards, each offering its own distinctive wines and welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy hosted wine tastings featuring Central Otago’s celebrated Pinot Noir and other regional varieties, while learning about the area’s winemaking heritage. A highlight of the experience is a relaxed winery lunch, where you’ll choose a main course from the à la carte menu, accompanied by a carefully paired glass of estate wine.
The tour also includes the opportunity to explore one of New Zealand’s largest underground wine caves, subject to availability. With beautiful vineyard scenery, excellent local produce and comfortable return transport, this is a wonderful way to experience Queenstown’s wine country.
Queenstown Wine & Food Tour Includes
- Three premium wineries – Hosted wine tastings at one renowned winery and two boutique Central Otago vineyards.
- Wine tasting experience – Sample a selection of regional wines, including the famous Central Otago Pinot Noir.
- Winery lunch included – Choose a main course from the à la carte menu, accompanied by a paired glass of estate wine.
- Underground wine cave experience – Enjoy a guided wine cave tour, subject to availability.
- Small-group experience – Discover the region’s wines in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
- Courtesy transfers – Pickup and drop-off at selected Queenstown accommodation or a central Queenstown meeting point.
Central Otago Wine Tour
Price: $299.00 pp Max 8 guests
Departs daily 10.45 am – From Queenstown CBD or selected accommodation.
Duration: allow 6 hours …. return approx 5 pm
Discover the exceptional wines and breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown, exploring three of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine-growing areas: Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Limited to just eight guests, this premium small-group experience offers a relaxed and personal journey through the heart of Central Otago wine country.
Visit four carefully selected boutique wineries, sampling award-winning wines including the region’s world-famous Pinot Noir, alongside Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Your knowledgeable wine guide will share fascinating insights into Central Otago’s winemaking history, distinctive climate and the passionate people behind its internationally acclaimed wines.
Along the way, enjoy time for a leisurely à la carte winery lunch overlooking the vineyards, with a selection of dishes to suit different tastes. Depending on the day’s itinerary and available time, you may also visit historic Arrowtown or Old Cromwell, adding a touch of local heritage and spectacular scenery to your wine tasting adventure.
With comfortable transport, intimate group sizes and an outstanding selection of wineries, this full-day experience is ideal for couples, friends and wine enthusiasts wanting to explore beyond Queenstown’s nearby vineyards.
Central Otago Full-Day Wine Tour Highlights
- Four boutique wineries – Visit carefully selected vineyards showcasing some of Central Otago’s finest wines.
- Three renowned wine regions – Explore Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn, each with its own distinctive wine-growing character.
- Premium wine tastings – Sample Central Otago Pinot Noir and other cool-climate wine varieties.
- Maximum eight guests – Enjoy a more personal and relaxed small-group experience.
- Expert local wine guide – Discover the stories, history and winemaking traditions of Central Otago.
- Winery lunch stop – Enjoy time for an à la carte lunch in a scenic vineyard setting.
- Historic sightseeing opportunities – Possible visits to Arrowtown or Old Cromwell, depending on time.
- Courtesy transfers – Pickup from central Queenstown or selected accommodation, with return transport included.
Central Otago Private Wine Tour
Price: From $469.00 pp
Departs Select when booking-
Duration: allow 6 hours (approx)
Discover the finest wines and spectacular landscapes of Central Otago on this Private Central Otago Wine Tour, an exclusive full-day experience exploring the celebrated wine regions of Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn. With your own WSET-qualified wine guide, enjoy a personalised journey through one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wine-growing regions, renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and distinctive cool-climate wines.
Visit four premium Central Otago wineries, carefully selected to showcase a combination of established wine estates and boutique, family-owned vineyards. Enjoy hosted wine tastings, discover the stories behind the region’s passionate winemakers and learn how Central Otago’s unique climate, soils and landscapes influence its internationally acclaimed wines.
Along the way, relax over a leisurely winery lunch, choosing from a seasonal à la carte menu or an optional food-and-wine pairing experience featuring estate-grown wines. Lunch and additional food pairings are at your own expense, allowing you to select the dining experience that best suits your preferences.
Your private wine guide will share fascinating insights into Central Otago’s history, vineyards and winemaking traditions, with opportunities for scenic photo stops among the golden hills of Bannockburn, the picturesque landscapes of Cromwell and the beautiful Gibbston Valley.
Combining outstanding wines, personalised service and breathtaking scenery, this luxury full-day wine tour is ideal for couples, small private groups, special occasions and wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper appreciation of Central Otago’s celebrated wine country.
Private Central Otago Wine Tour Highlights
- Four premium wineries – Enjoy hosted wine tastings at renowned estates and boutique, family-owned Central Otago vineyards.
- Three celebrated wine regions – Explore Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn, discovering their distinctive wines and landscapes.
- WSET-qualified private wine guide – Benefit from expert wine knowledge, personalised commentary and a relaxed touring experience.
- Exceptional Central Otago wines – Sample internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir and other outstanding cool-climate varieties.
- Flexible winery lunch – Choose a seasonal à la carte lunch or optional food-and-wine pairing experience, at your own expense.
- Personalised private itinerary – Enjoy a thoughtfully planned wine experience tailored to your interests.
- Scenic sightseeing stops – Capture photographs of Central Otago’s vineyards, historic surroundings and spectacular landscapes.
- Wine region insights – Learn about local winemakers, vineyard history, regional terroir and the craft behind Central Otago’s finest wines.
Queenstown Heli Wine and Food Tour
Price: $825.00 pp Min 2 people
Departs 11.00am approx-
Duration: allow 6 hours
Experience the ultimate combination of alpine adventure and fine wine on this unforgettable Queenstown Heli Wine Tour. Take to the skies above Queenstown for a spectacular helicopter flight, enjoy an alpine landing on The Remarkables mountain range, then continue into the heart of Gibbston Valley for premium wine tastings and a delicious winery lunch.
Your adventure begins with a courtesy pickup from your Queenstown accommodation and transfer to the airport. From here, lift off for breathtaking aerial views of Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding mountains and Queenstown’s dramatic alpine landscapes. Touch down high on The Remarkables, where you’ll have time to admire the scenery and capture memorable photographs before continuing your scenic flight over the vineyards of Gibbston Valley.
After landing in Gibbston, meet your friendly wine guide and join a relaxed guided tour of three boutique wineries. Discover Central Otago’s celebrated Pinot Noir and other premium wines through hosted tastings, explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and enjoy a delicious winery lunch featuring a main course selected from the à la carte menu, paired with a glass of estate wine.
Combining an exhilarating scenic helicopter flight with outstanding wines, local cuisine and beautiful vineyard scenery, this six-hour experience is ideal for couples, special occasions and visitors seeking something truly memorable in Queenstown.
Queenstown Heli Wine Tour Includes
- Scenic helicopter flight – Fly from Queenstown Airport over spectacular alpine landscapes towards Gibbston Valley.
- Remarkables alpine landing – Touch down on The Remarkables mountain range for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
- Three boutique wineries – Enjoy hosted wine tastings at three selected Gibbston Valley vineyards.
- Central Otago wine tastings – Sample award-winning Pinot Noir and other distinctive regional wines.
- Wine-paired winery lunch – Enjoy an included à la carte main course accompanied by a glass of estate wine.
- Underground wine cave tour – Explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave.
- Expert local wine guide – Discover the region’s winemaking heritage, vineyards and local stories.
- Courtesy transfers – Pickup from selected Queenstown accommodation or central Queenstown, with return transport included.
Queenstown Jet Boat Wine and Food Tour
Price: $418.00 pp
Departs daily 9.45am – Tour operates with a minimum of 2 people per tour
Duration: allow 7 hours
Combine Queenstown’s legendary adventure activities with the outstanding wines of Central Otago on this exciting Queenstown Jet Boat & Wine Tour. Experience a thrilling 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, followed by a relaxed afternoon exploring Gibbston Valley’s boutique wineries, complete with hosted wine tastings and a delicious wine-paired lunch.
Your adventure begins in central Queenstown with KJet, the town’s original jet boat operator, established in 1958. Enjoy 45 kilometres of exhilarating jet boating as you speed across Lake Wakatipu, cruise along the willow-lined Kawarau River and experience the shallow, fast-flowing channels of the famous Shotover River. Along the way, discover spectacular mountain scenery and some of Queenstown’s most beautiful river landscapes.
After your jet boat adventure, join Queenstown Wine Trail, welcoming wine lovers since 1992, for a leisurely afternoon exploring Central Otago’s renowned wine country. Visit three boutique Gibbston Valley wineries, sampling exceptional Pinot Noir and other regional wines while learning about the area’s winemaking heritage.
A highlight of the afternoon is a delicious winery lunch, featuring your choice of main course from the à la carte menu, accompanied by a carefully paired glass of estate wine. You’ll also explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, discovering more about the wines and winemaking traditions that have made Central Otago internationally famous.
Perfect for couples, friends and visitors who enjoy a little adventure with their Pinot Noir, this seven-hour experience combines two of Queenstown’s favourite attractions in one unforgettable day.
Queenstown Jet Boat & Wine Tour Includes
- 60-minute KJet adventure – Experience 45 kilometres of exciting jet boating across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
- Three boutique Gibbston wineries – Enjoy hosted wine tastings at three carefully selected Central Otago vineyards.
- Premium Central Otago wines – Discover the region’s famous Pinot Noir and other distinctive wine varieties.
- Wine-paired winery lunch – Enjoy an included à la carte main course accompanied by a glass of estate wine.
- Underground wine cave experience – Explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and learn about the region’s winemaking history.
- Expert wine guide – Enjoy a relaxed, informative afternoon discovering Gibbston Valley’s wineries and local stories.
- Courtesy return drop-off – Transport back to selected Queenstown accommodation following the wine tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queenstown Wine Tours
What are the best wine tours in Queenstown?
Queenstown offers a variety of wine tours, from relaxed half-day tastings in Gibbston Valley to full-day adventures exploring Central Otago’s celebrated vineyards. Popular options include Queenstown’s Original Wine Tour, guided wine and food experiences, private winery tours and combination adventures featuring helicopter flights or jet boating. The best choice depends on your interests, available time and budget.
How much do Queenstown wine tours cost?
Queenstown wine tours on our page start from NZ$229 per person for the Original Wine Tour. The Wine & Food Tour costs $279, while the extended Central Otago Wine Tour is $299. Private wine tours start from $469 per person, with premium experiences including the Jet Boat Wine & Food Tour at $418 and Heli Wine & Food Tour at $825 per person. Prices are subject to change.
Which wineries will I visit on a Queenstown wine tour?
Most Queenstown wine tours visit selected wineries in Gibbston Valley, renowned for its Pinot Noir and spectacular mountain scenery. Extended Central Otago tours also explore vineyards around Cromwell and Bannockburn. Depending on your chosen experience, you’ll visit three or four wineries, ranging from boutique family-owned vineyards to larger established wine estates.
Are wine tastings included in Queenstown wine tours?
Yes, hosted wine tastings are included in all six featured tours. Depending on your chosen experience, you’ll visit three or four wineries and sample a selection of Central Otago wines, including the region’s internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir. Queenstown’s Original Wine Tour includes more than 12 wine tastings across three wineries.
Do Queenstown wine tours include lunch?
Lunch inclusions depend on the tour selected. The Queenstown Wine & Food Tour, Heli Wine & Food Tour and Jet Boat Wine & Food Tour include a winery main course paired with a glass of estate wine. The Original Wine Tour, Central Otago Wine Tour and Private Central Otago Wine Tour offer opportunities to enjoy a winery lunch at your own expense.
How long do Queenstown wine tours take?
Most Queenstown wine tours last between five and seven hours. The Original Wine Tour and Wine & Food Tour take approximately five hours, while the Central Otago, Private Central Otago and Heli Wine tours allow around six hours. The Jet Boat Wine & Food Tour takes approximately seven hours, combining a 60-minute jet boat adventure with an afternoon of wine tasting.
Can I book a private wine tour in Queenstown?
Yes. The Private Central Otago Wine Tour offers a personalised experience with your own WSET-qualified wine guide. Explore four premium wineries across Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn, enjoy hosted tastings and discover the region’s winemaking heritage at a relaxed pace. Optional winery dining and scenic sightseeing stops add to the experience.
What wines is Central Otago famous for?
Central Otago is internationally recognised for its outstanding Pinot Noir, produced in a distinctive cool-climate wine-growing environment. Queenstown wine tours also offer opportunities to sample Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and other regional varieties. Guided tastings provide insights into the vineyards, winemaking techniques and landscapes that influence these wines.
Can I combine a Queenstown wine tour with a helicopter flight or jet boat ride?
Yes. The Queenstown Heli Wine & Food Tour includes a scenic helicopter flight, an alpine landing on The Remarkables, three winery visits and a wine-paired lunch. Alternatively, the Jet Boat Wine & Food Tour combines a thrilling 60-minute KJet adventure across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with an afternoon of Gibbston Valley wine tasting and lunch. Both experiences are weather-dependent.
Do Queenstown wine tours include accommodation pickup and return transport?
Most featured wine tours include courtesy pickup and drop-off from selected Queenstown accommodation or central meeting points. The Jet Boat Wine & Food Tour operates differently: guests make their own way to the KJet departure point and subsequent wine tour meeting point, with a courtesy drop-off following the wine tour. Check your selected tour’s booking details for exact pickup locations and departure arrangements.