Wine Tours

Central Otago is New Zealand's southernmost wine region, and Wanaka makes an excellent base for exploring its world-class pinot noirs and stunning vineyard landscapes. Wine tours from Wanaka take you through the dramatic gorges and lake-studded terrain of the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn sub-regions, where cellar doors sit against a backdrop of rugged mountains and turquoise rivers. Whether you join a guided tour or self-drive (with a designated driver), you'll taste cool-climate wines that rival the best in the world.

Highlights & What to See

• Gibbston Valley – Known as the 'Kingdom of Pinot Noir,' this scenic sub-region is dotted with cellar doors like Gibbston Valley Winery and Peregrine Wines, where you can taste alongside a working vineyard.
• Bannockburn – A historic gold-mining area with a desert-like microclimate, home to award-winning wineries such as Felton Road and Mt Difficulty, offering cellar-door tastings with panoramic views.
• Wanaka's own vineyards – A few boutique wineries near town, like Rippon and Maude Wines, provide lake-view tastings and a relaxed introduction to the region.
• Wine tours with transfers – Several operators offer half- or full-day tours from Wanaka, including lunch at a vineyard and behind-the-scenes looks at barrel rooms and vineyards.
• Local food pairings – Many cellar doors offer platters of local cheeses, olives, and salmon to complement your tasting.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day tour (about 4–5 hours) covers 3–4 cellar doors and is perfect for a relaxed introduction. Full-day tours (6–8 hours) allow for a more leisurely pace, including a long lunch and visits to both Gibbston and Bannockburn. If you're self-driving, plan a full day to meander between wineries and soak in the scenery. Spring (Oct–Nov) and autumn (Mar–Apr) offer mild weather and beautiful vineyard colours.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Roys Peak Track – A challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, best done on a separate day.
• That Wanaka Tree – The iconic lone willow in Lake Wanaka, a short walk from town and a perfect photo stop before or after your wine tour.
• Queenstown – Just an hour's drive away, Queenstown offers more wine tours, adventure activities, and a vibrant dining scene.
• Cromwell – A historic gold-rush town at the heart of the fruit and wine region, with excellent farmers' markets and heritage trails.
• Arrowtown – A charming gold-mining settlement with boutique shops, a Chinese settlement, and autumn colours.

Please check official sources for current details.