Photo: Pauline Eccles / CC BY-SA 2.0
Nestled in the heart of the Gibbston Valley, Kinross Cottages offers a serene escape surrounded by vineyards and rugged Otago landscapes. These boutique cottages blend historic charm with modern luxury, each named after local gold-mining towns and featuring private courtyards, wood burners, and indulgent spa baths. It's a perfect base for exploring Central Otago's wine country, with the Kawarau River and dramatic rock formations just minutes away.
Highlights & What to See
- Wine-tasting at Kinross – The on-site cellar door showcases Gibbston's cool-climate pinot noirs, complemented by local cheeses and charcuterie on the terrace.
- Gibbston River Trail – A gentle walk along the Kawarau River, passing historic gold-mining relics and offering stunning gorge views.
- Peregrine Wines – A short drive away, this iconic winery is carved into a schist rock face with a dramatic tasting room.
- Waitiri Creek Winery – Known for its organic vineyards and a relaxed tasting experience with mountain panoramas.
- Kawarau Gorge Bungy & Zipride – Thrill-seekers can leap from the historic bungy bridge or soar across the gorge on a zip line.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least two nights to fully unwind and explore. Spend your first day settling in, tasting at Kinross and nearby wineries, and walking the river trail. On day two, venture further afield to Queenstown (25 minutes) or Arrowtown (30 minutes) for a change of scenery. A third night allows for a leisurely drive through the Cromwell basin or a heli-tour over the Remarkables.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Queenstown – The adventure capital, with lake cruises, skiing, and vibrant dining, is a 25-minute drive.
- Arrowtown – A historic gold-mining settlement with charming cottages, autumn colours, and boutique shopping.
- Cromwell – The fruit bowl of Central Otago, offering stone fruit orchards, heritage precinct, and Lake Dunstan.
- Wanaka – A scenic hour-long drive over the Crown Range leads to this lakeside gem with hiking and the famous Wanaka Tree.
- The Remarkables & Coronet Peak – Ski fields in winter, hiking trails in summer, both within 30–40 minutes.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Arrowtown — Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wanaka — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0