Our CENTRAL explorer WINE TOUR in queenstown
Fill your life with memorable moments.
Experience Central Otago with our introductory Central Explorer Wine Tour, designed for those looking for a relaxed introduction to the region and its wines. Explore multiple wine subregions, visit carefully selected boutique vineyards and taste a range of exceptional cool climate wines while enjoying the spectacular landscapes of Central Otago.
What to expect
Private Experience
New to Central Otago wine? This is where your journey begins. Our Central Explorer Wine Tour is thoughtfully designed as the perfect introduction to the region, combining exceptional wines, spectacular scenery and local knowledge into one memorable day.
UP TO 15 GUESTS
Contact us for larger groups
Duration
9:45am- 5:30pm
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Explore three distinctive Central Otago wine subregions, taking in spectacular landscapes and discovering the character of each area.
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Visit three carefully selected boutique vineyards for relaxed tastings of Central Otago wines and an introduction to the region’s signature varieties.
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Enjoy a regional lunch at one of Central Otago’s favourite restaurants, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Sample Itinerary
Queenstown
Journey starts with pick up from Queenstown, enriched by stories of its historic past en route to your first boutique vineyard in the award winning Gibbston region.
Gibbston Region
Known as the "Valley of the Vines," Gibbston is Central Otago's most iconic wine region. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, visit a boutique vineyard and a hosted tasting of current vintage wines while discovering cool climate wines that have made this region world renowned.
Bannockburn
Travel to Bannockburn in luxury, journeying through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge while taking in breathtaking scenery and engaging historic regional commentary on route in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.
Historical Locations
Journey through Central Otago's rich history as you visit charming heritage locations, discover stories of early pioneers and gold miners, and experience some of the region's most scenic and culturally significant sites.
Gourmet Lunch
Enjoy a memorable lunch in a rustic setting overlooking Lake Dunstan, featuring dishes cooked over Pinot Noir barrels and infused with Manuka wood chips, showcasing seasonal local produce and the distinctive flavours of Central Otago with wine pairing.
Northburn/Bannockburn
Journey beyond Queenstown into the warmer subregions of Central Otago. Discover how subtle variations in climate, altitude and ancient soils shape each vineyard, revealing the unique nuances that make every glass a true expression of place.
Arrowtown
Conclude your journey with a visit to historic Arrowtown and take in the charm and history dating back to the gold rush on route back to Queenstown.
WHATS INCLUDED
Premium Luxury Vehicles
Travel in comfort and style with Queenstown's most luxurious fleet, including Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes V-Class and Mercedes Sprinter Executive vehicles. View our premium fleet in the Our Fleet section of our website and discover the Latitude 45 difference.
Artisan Cheeseboard
Enjoy a beautifully presented artisan cheeseboard featuring a selection of locally sourced cheeses, seasonal accompaniments and regional produce. Carefully curated to compliment Central Otago wines, it provides the perfect opportunity to relax and savour the flavours of the region.
Gourmet Lunch & Wine Pairing
Enjoy a gourmet lunch showcasing the flavours of Central Otago. Depending on availability, dine on a three course vineyard lunch or visit an iconic regional restaurant where food is traditionally cooked In X Pinot Noir wine barrels and for a truly memorable experience.
Current Release Wines
Drink award winning current release wines. If you are looking to taste back vintages, aged wines or more premium and rare releases, we recommend exploring our Wine Experiences and Ultra Exclusive Experiences.
What's NOT Included
Please note that any wine purchases made during the day, along with any associated shipping or freight costs, are arranged directly between the guest and the vineyard. These costs are not included in the tour price. Gratuities for guides are also not included and remain entirely at the guest's discretion.
faq's
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY CHOOSE our central EXPLORER tour?
The Central Explorer Wine Tour is a private full day Central Otago wine tour from Queenstown, designed as the perfect introduction to the region’s world renowned wine country. Explore multiple Central Otago wine subregions including Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell, visiting carefully selected boutique wineries and cellar doors for tastings of Pinot Noir and other cool climate wines. Combining private luxury transport, spectacular Central Otago scenery, local history and a regional lunch, it is an ideal Queenstown wine tour for couples, small groups and first time visitors wanting to experience several of Central Otago’s leading wine regions in one day.
Which regions are covered
On this experience we explore the greater Central Otago region, venturing further to small, boutique vineyards in lesser-known areas. Our main areas covered are Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell and Bendigo however we also travel to Alexandra and Lowburn.
Why choose a private Central Otago wine tour from Queenstown?
A private wine tour allows you to experience Central Otago at a relaxed pace without joining a shared group tour. The Central Explorer includes private transport from Queenstown and visits multiple wine subregions, allowing you to experience Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell in one full day.
Need to know more?
