Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

The Gibbston Valley Wine Trail is a scenic driving route through Central Otago's premier wine region, known for its world-class Pinot Noir. Winding along the Kawarau River, this trail connects a string of boutique cellar doors, each offering tastings in stunning settings from rustic stone buildings to modern architecture. The region's cool climate and schist-rich soils produce elegant wines, and the trail itself is dotted with historic gold-mining relics and dramatic river gorges.

Highlights & What to See

• Chard Farm – Perched on a dramatic cliff above the Kawarau Gorge, this cellar door offers exceptional Pinot Noir and jaw-dropping views.
• Peregrine Wines – Famous for its striking subterranean cellar carved into the rock, with a tasting room that showcases the winemaking process.
• Gibbston Valley Winery – The region's original vineyard, featuring guided tours of its historic caves and a popular cheese pairing experience.
• Waitiri Creek Wines – A family-run winery with a relaxed tasting room and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the vines.
• Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge – Stop to admire the historic bridge and the bungee jumpers at the world's first bungee site.
• Goldfields Mining Centre – A short detour to explore preserved gold-mining tunnels and machinery along the river.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to explore the wine trail at a relaxed pace. Most cellar doors are open from late morning to late afternoon, so start around 10am and plan to visit 3–5 wineries, with a lunch stop at one of the vineyard restaurants. If you're short on time, a half-day covering 2–3 wineries is feasible, but you'll miss the leisurely atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arrowtown – A historic gold-rush town with charming streets, boutique shops, and the Chinese settlement.
• Queenstown – The adventure capital, offering lake cruises, hiking, and vibrant dining just 25 minutes away.
• Cromwell – Another wine-growing area with a historic old town and the famous Cromwell Fruit Bowl.
• Wanaka – A scenic lakeside town with great hikes and the iconic Wanaka Tree, about an hour's drive.

Please check official sources for current details.