Gibbston Valley Wineries

Just a short drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley is a sun-dappled pocket of Central Otago that has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir, the valley is strung with cellar doors tucked among rocky outcrops and beside the turquoise Kawarau River. The journey here is part of the pleasure — the road winds past the historic Kawarau Gorge and the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre, setting a scene that feels both rugged and refined.

Highlights & What to See

• Gibbston Valley Winery & Cheese Bar – The valley’s original vineyard offers tastings of its award-winning Pinot Noir, Riesling, and bubbly, paired with locally made cheeses. The cave tour through a natural schist cavern is a unique experience.
• Peregrine Wines – A striking contemporary cellar door with a dramatic curved roof that melds into the landscape; the Pinot Noir here is consistently excellent.
• Chard Farm – Perched on a steep slope above the river, this boutique winery offers exceptional views and a relaxed tasting room with a small-batch focus.
• Mt Rosa Wines – A family-run vineyard with a charming cellar door and a particularly good rosé; the setting feels wonderfully off-the-beaten-path.
• Kawarau Gorge & Bungy Bridge – Stop at the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, where bungy jumping began, for a dose of adrenaline and a photo op above the jade-green river.
• Gibbston River Trail – A gentle walking and cycling trail that winds along the Kawarau River, connecting several wineries and offering picnic spots with dreamy views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day to fully enjoy the Gibbston Valley wine trail. Most visitors spend 3–4 hours visiting two to three cellar doors, with time for a cheese platter and a short walk along the river trail. If you’re a keen cyclist, rent a bike in Queenstown and pedal the Gibbston River Trail — allow 4–5 hours including tastings. The valley is a perfect morning or afternoon escape from Queenstown, and it pairs beautifully with an evening meal back in town.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – The adventure capital is just 25 minutes away, offering endless dining, lake cruises, and mountain activities.
• Arrowtown – A historic gold-mining settlement with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and a charming Chinese settlement.
• Wanaka – A scenic 45-minute drive over the Crown Range delivers lakeside tranquillity and the famous Wanaka Tree.
• Cromwell – The gateway to Central Otago’s fruit-growing and wine region, with a revitalised historic precinct and more cellar doors.
• Kawarau Gorge & Bungy Centre – Combine wine tasting with a bungy jump or a scenic walk across the suspension bridge.

Please check official sources for current details.