Scenic Wine Tours Since 1992! Learn about Otago Wines

The Queenstown Wine Trail offers a fun, personalised and friendly sightseeing wine tour of vineyards and wineries in New Zealand’s premier wine regions – Queenstown and Central Otago.

Whether your palate is well developed or simply enthusiastic, as long as you love wine , we have an experience to suit you, ranging from daily wine tours and wine combination tours to private wine tours where we can offer something perfectly tailored to you.
Our extensive knowledge of the area, the vineyards and the people means we provide an experience no one else can. Our wine tours are small and personal and we keep travelling time to a minimum. This means you have time to taste a variety of wines, sample local cheeses, enjoy a winery lunch and experience spectacular scenery while relaxing at award winning wineries.

Queenstown Wine Trail is owned by Lance Benseman and Heather McDonald, long time locals, who are passionate about Queenstown’s Original Wine Tour. Gibbston Valley Wines released the region’s first commercial wine vintage in 1987 and Queenstown Wine Trail was founded just five years later, in 1992. We love sharing our passion for wine and showcasing our spectacular surroundings whilst visiting an array of award winning cellar doors in the Queenstown and Bannockburn wine regions. Frequently visited Central Otago vineyards which are just a short journey from Queenstown include Gibbston Valley Winery, Amisfield Cellars at Lake Hayes, Peregrine Winery, Waitiri Creek Wines, Chard Farm, Brennan Winery, Mt Rosa Winery, Remarkable Wines, Kinross Tasting Room and Wild Earth Winery.These Wineries have become world famous for their production of premium wines and in particular the New Zealand Pinot Noir.Other varieties include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc and Methode Traditional.

QUEENSTOWN WINE TRAIL – ORIGINAL

Departs daily at 12.30pm all year round. Allow 5 hours.

For first time tasters or wine connoisseurs join us for an introduction to four Queenstown wineries and a tour through an underground wine cave. Your friendly, knowledgeable wine guide and winery personnel will offer an understanding of the unique Central Otago wine growing conditions and wines tasted.

DETAILS

The Original Wine Tour operates all year round and is an all weather activity. Each season offers a unique experience: al fresco dinning in summer, grape harvest in autumn and cosy winter tastings.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Wine Tastings and presentations at four wineries in the Queenstown and Gibbston Valley wine regions
Unique wine tasting tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave
Time to relax at wine bar or Cheesery
View Queenstown’s original AJ Hackett Bungy jump and the historic Kawarau Bridge
Free pick up from selected Queenstown accommodation

Time for an optional a la carte winery lunch (own expense)

PRICE

$160 per person
Valid until 30th September 2017

QUEENSTOWN WINE TRAIL – WINE & FOOD SAMPLER

Departs daily at 12.30pm all year round, except May & June when on demand.

Allow 4 hours.

DETAILS

Let us deliver an unforgettable taste of wild sophistication in the heart of the Central Otago’s wine region. This afternoon tour lets you experience quality wine and food, with wine barrel cooked tasting dishes including both traditional and wild foods. Your lunch at Wild Earth is expertly matched with the best of their wines on offer. The wine tour then takes you back through the scenic Kawarau Gorge taking in the wonderful views of mighty Kawarau River before arriving at New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave where you will hear lots of wine stories whilst savouring premium wine. Your afternoon is complete after a delicious cheese tasting at Gibbston Valley.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Wine Tastings at two wineries
Unique wine tasting tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave
Cheese presentation and tastings
Wine barrel cooked lunch consisting of 5 tasting dishes, with wine match
Free Pick up from selected Queenstown accommodation

PRICE

$182 per person
Valid until 30 September 2017

PRIVATE WINE TOURS

Private Wine Tour

Our friendly and relaxed private wine tours are ideally suited for a couple, family or small group of friends who prefer the exclusivity and flexibility of a private guide and vehicle. Evening, Half Day or Full Day Tour options are available

Operating wine tours for over 20 years has allowed us to established great relationships with wine makers and winery personal giving clients a close up perspective of our world class wines and local cuisine.

PRIVATE TWILIGHT FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a unique unforgettable food and wine experience .This late afternoon departure is carefully designed for you to indulge in Central Otago’s award winning wines, followed by a sumptuous dinner, whilst taking in spectacular alpine scenery. The tour includes wine tasting and presentation at three wineries and dinner at the award winning Amisfield Bistro OR The Millhouse Restaurant which is part of Millbrook, a five star resort.

DETAILS

Season:   All year round – prearranged on request
Timing:    3.00pm – 8.00pm (departure time may vary on request)
Pick up: From accommodation or central Queenstown
Dinner:    Trust the Chef Menu at Amisfield Bistro OR Millhouse Restaruant

TOUR INCLUDES:

Tastings at three wineries visited
Complimentry glass of wine with dinner
Dine at the award winning Amisfield Bistro (picture adjacent) where you will enjoy their signature style of dining ‘Trust the Chef Menu’, five course plated meal

OR Dine at The Millhouse where your contemporary 3 course meal includes changing seasonal dishes,(example dinner below)

PRICE

$429 per person 2-4 people $365 per person 5-10 people
Valid until 30th September 2017

PRIVATE ‘ORIGINAL’ TOUR

Join us for a full afternoon of wine tasting, just a short journey from Queenstown. Take in the local flavour and perspective by meeting the vineyards owners, key personnel or wine makers. We allow plenty of time for sightseeing and wine tasting at four vineyards of your choice in the Gibbston Valley wine region, such a short journey from Queenstown. Lunch is optional at own expense.

DETAILS

Season: All year round – prearranged on request
Timing: 12.30pm – 5.30pm ( Departures may vary on request)
Pick ups: From accommodation or central Queenstown
Lunch: A la carte winery lunch – guests select their preferred winery. Optional at own expense

TOUR INCLUDES:

Underground Wine Cave Tour
Tastings at four vineyards of clients choice
Sightseeing which may include bungy viewing, photo stops or a drive through Arrowtown

PRICE

$325 per person 2-4 people $275 per person 5-10 people
Valid until 30th September 2017

PRIVATE BANNOCKBURN/GIBBSTON TOUR

Our full day food and wine experience allows you to discover the best of Central Otago’s wine land. Relax and indulge your senses at four/ five wineries of your choice, whether they be in Gibbston, Bannockburn, Lowburn, Pisa or Bendigo sub regions. Enjoy an a la carte winery lunch.ok now

DETAILS

Season:   All year round – prearranged on request
Timing:    10.30am – 4:30pm (departure time may vary on request)
Pick ups: From accommodation or central Queenstown
Lunch:      Included – guests select their preferred luncheon destination.
Our   recommendations :
Mt Difficulty, Carrick Winery and Wild Earth Winery.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Tastings at five wineries of your choice
Lunch – select your preferred winery
Sightseeing in the heart of the Central Otago Wine region
Five winery locations

PRICE

$419 per person 2-4 people $355 per person 5-10 people
Valid until 30th September 2017

COMBINATION TOURS

We have created some combination tours for those who do not have a lot of time in Queenstown yet wish to experience a range of activities.

Join us for a relaxed day experiencing Queenstown’s best loved attractions. These combinations may include wine and jet boat, helicopter and wine, spa or during the summer months a garden tour or walk and wine along the Gibbston River Trail.

Please choose which combination tour interests you:
COMBO TOURS INCLUDE A WINERY LUNCH !

JET BOAT AND WINE COMBO

Your morning begins with some real fresh air. Take an exciting jet boat ride into the channels of two of New Zealand’s most scenic rivers. Across the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and through the tranquil beauty of the willow-lined Kawarau River, the jetboat then speeds into the shallow, fast-moving braids of the Shotover River. The 43-kilometre, hour-long adventure highlights the magnificent diversity of Queenstown’s waterways.

You will be dropped back at the Queenstown Pier and directed to your afternoon tour where you will experience quality wine and food, with wine barrel cooked tasting dishes including both traditional and wild foods. Your lunch at Wild Earth is expertly matched with the best of their wines on offer. The wine tour then takes you back through the scenic Kawarau Gorge taking in the wonderful views of mighty Kawarau River before arriving at New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave where you will hear lots of wine stories whilst savouring premium wine. Your afternoon is complete after a delicious cheese tasting at Gibbston Valley.

DETAILS

The Jet Boat and Wine Combo operates all year round weather permitted. The Jet Boat departs at 11am from main own pier. Allow 5 1/2 hours.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Jet Boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau and Shotover rivers
Wine tastings
Underground Wine Cave Tour
Cheese tastings
Lunch with wine match
Drop off at selected accommodation or central Queenstown

PRICE

$305 per person, $195 per child
Valid from 1st October 2016 until 30th September 2017

Helicopter on mountain top

HELICOPTER AND WINE COMBO

Join us for an exciting tour – The Helicopter & Wine Trail Combo. Enjoy wonderful wines of the Gibbston Valley region and marvel at the views over Queenstown and the wine growing region.

The afternoon launches when you are picked up from your accommodation and transported to the airport. Lift off for a spectacular alpine flight landing on the Remarkables Mountain Range and enjoy dramatic views of the Wakatipu basin. Continue your one way flight into the Gibbston Valley with spectacular views of the regions wineries and vineyards where Queenstown Wine Trail meets you to continue on your wine journey in one of our vans. This tour offers a unique food and wine experience at a relaxed pace in picturesque surroundings.

DETAILS

The Helicopter and Wine Trail Combo operates all year round weather permitted. You will be picked up from your accommodation at 12pm. Allow 5 1/2 hours.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Helicopter flight into the Gibbston Valley with alpine landing
Tastings at the four vineyards visited
Underground Wine Cave Tour
Special menu lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery
Complimentary Pick up from accommodation.

PRICE

$569 per person for 2 people, $449 for 3-10 people
Valid from 1st October 2016 until 30th September 2017

QUEENSTOWN SPA AND WINE COMBO

This is the ultimate relaxation package – a day to unwind, indulge and discover…

Start your day at the Day Spa at 10am. You choose your combination of treatments.
Both options are available to be enjoyed in the dual treatment room for couples and friends to share the experience together.

The pampering of a 60 minute full body massage, followed by a luxurious customised spa facial. You will leave relaxed and radiant.

A 90 minute full body massage followed by a 30 minute “Pure Fiji Foot Revival” Your feet are bathed, exfoliated and massaged with exotic oils. A thoroughly reviving and invigorating experience.

After your spa treatment you will be picked up by the Queenstown Wine Trail for your afternoon wine tour. Experience quality wine and food, with wine barrel cooked tasting dishes including both traditional and wild foods. Your lunch at Wild Earth is expertly matched with the best of their wines on offer. The wine tour then takes you back through the scenic Kawarau Gorge taking in the wonderful views of mighty Kawarau River before arriving at New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave where you will hear lots of wine stories whilst savouring premium wine. Your afternoon is complete after a delicious cheese tasting at Gibbston Valley.

DETAILS

The Spa and Wine Experience operates all year round and is an all-weather activity. Allow 6 1/2 hours.

TOUR INCLUDES:

The choice of a full body massage and spa facial OR a full body massage and foot revival treatment
Wine tastings
Underground Wine Cave Tour
Cheese tastings
Lunch with wine match
Drop off at selected accommodation or central Queenstown

PRICE

$425 per person
Valid from 1st October 2016 until 30th September 2017

This tour is also available as private tour if prearranged.

GIBBSTON WALK AND WINE COMBO GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL

Walk along the Gibbston River Trail, taste fine wines and sample local cheeses. Follow the same river route as the early Maori travellers, who passed through here for seasonal hunting and gathering the prized Pounamu / Greenstone.

We pick you up from your accommodation at 12.30pm and drive you to the Gibbston Valley Cheesery. Here, you collect your backpack light lunch hamper and we take you to Peregrine Wines, the start of the 7km walk to the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. You are unaccompanied and have the freedom to taste wines at the cellar doors and picnic along the way. We pick you up from the end of the track at A J Hacket Bungy Bridge , joining the wine tour for a formal tasting at an additional winery, then traveling back to Queenstown. The 7km walk is ideal for regular walkers.

DETAILS

Departs daily at 12.30pm from October to May weather permitting.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Transport to and from the Gibbston River Trail
Visit Gibbston Valley Cheesery
Backpack light lunch hamper
Time for optional tastings at Peregrine Wines and Gibbston Valley Winery. Plus tastings included at an additional winery.

WHAT TO BRING

The trail is exposed to the elements so please dress appropriately. We recommend sunblock, hat, rain and wind proof jacket, water bottle.

PRICE

$129 per person
Valid from 1st October 2016

QUEENSTOWN PRIVATE SCENIC SITES

This morning tour is yours to enjoy!. There are plenty of opportunities for photo stops from spectacular viewpoints. Scenic Sites is highly personalised with guests having their own tour guide and luxury car or van. Tour takes in historical Arrowtown where clients are free to walk through the Chinese Miners Village, Museum or browse through the quaint Boutique Shops. Next stop is a country morning tea in a garden setting followed by an art gallery visit meeting the resident artist. At completion of the tour we are happy to drop you at your accommodation or at your next activity.