10 Food Tours in South Island That You Shouldn't Miss

January 17, 2022 Major Galusha

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim, Gibbston Valley Ride, Wine & Dine w/ Transport, Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough, Wine Gourmet and Scenic Mini Group Tour for 8-9 seats, Wine trail and Christchurch City day tour, All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch, Queenstown Beer Tours, Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour includes a Winery Tour, Blenheim Half day Wine Tour, Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton or Blenheim.
Restaurants in South Island

1. Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine. Your interests are the priority for the day and can also include the Heritage air museum, award winning gardens, local producers of crafts and talented artisans. Your tour is custom made especially for you.  Your chauffeur/guide is a professional local to ensure you receive the very best Marlborough has to offer. Your tour will be in a comfortable 6 seat vehicle with wide window view advantages. Tours depart from Blenheim with flexible tour times to suit your own schedule. Treat yourself to this tour of discovery and experience the very essence of Marlborough.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Gourmet treat tasting, Wine tasting, Chocolates, Local guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

2. Gibbston Valley Ride, Wine & Dine w/ Transport

19 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Gibbston Valley Winery
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

After being picked up from The Station Building in Queenstown you'll be transported to the Gibbston Valley Winery. Here you'll take a guided tour of New Zealand's largest wine cave and taste current release wines, amidst more than 300 barrels of ageing Pinot Noir. Next you'll relax and enjoy a delicious lunch with a glass of wine. After lunch, make your way to the Bike Centre to get kitted out with your gear, and take off on a ride along the Gibbston River Trail to explore the Central Otago wine region on wheels. The trail winds along the majestic Kawarau River, through vineyards and passes other local wineries that you may wish to visit along the way. You will then make your way back to Gibbston Valley Winery where we will transport you back to town.

Inclusions: Detailed trail map, Lunch & a glass of wine at the Winery, Return transport from Queenstown, Hard tail bike hire (E-Bike up-grade cost $40 per bike), Wine tasting in New Zealand's largest wine cave

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By chrisandton

We were lucky to visit just as they were harvesting the Pinot Noir grapes close to the winery so got to taste them! Delicious! The tour was interesting and informative. The complex also houses a delicatessen shop showcasing specialities of the area including Whitestone cheese.

3. Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching wine taste. A complimentary glass of 'bubbly' at your first gourmet tasting and a glass of menu matching wine at your mid day stop. Summer Season produce is available to taste at roadside stalls and as part of your progressive menu through the day. Take in the breath-taking  scenic landscapes as you travel from place to place or relax at each winery venue. As the sun sets you will be able to relax back with your last course of the trail before heading back to your accommodation. Please note that the attractions listed are not limited to....Honey Company for tasting, Oils, liqueurs, craft beers and cheeses are all available. The tour includes an option for a mid town wine and tapas stop at the conclusion of your day.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Complimentary chocolates and gift, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Beverages and food over and above the Inclusion value are available for purchase

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

4. Wine Gourmet and Scenic Mini Group Tour for 8-9 seats

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Marlborough wines and Marlborough gourmet treats are the highlight of this tour.  When you want a small group and a comfy small mini van style for you and your friends this is the tour for you! No more than 9 seats  gives you a relaxed and personal experience tasting delicious wines and hearing about our great wine and food region that sets the amazing passion and memories for your visit. The scenic journey along the way will knock your socks off (astound you!) and you have the option of enjoying the beautiful water ways of the Marlborough Sounds and tasting our local seafood sensations with wine of course. If you are staying in Blenheim or Picton you are picked up from your accommodation and returned at the conclusion of your tour. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

5. Wine trail and Christchurch City day tour

Canterbury Trails - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Here is your opportunity for a personally guided experience taking in Christchurch and the world renowned Waipara wine valley. You'll be picked up in a luxury mini van and shown the highlights of this wonderful city. Though badly damaged in earthquakes earlier in the decade, the progress of the rebuild is an exciting testimony of what's to come. A trip onto the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton port and beyond to the Canterbury farming plains is also included. North of the city lie a number of boutique vineyards and all are within easy reach. The area produces a range of varietals especially aromatic whites and Pinot Noir. We'll visit a selection of these vineyards as well as enjoying some of Canterbury's finest fare over a bistro lunch. A visit to " She Chocolate " is also possible.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Afternoon tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Cheezel

This was a fabulous way to travel from Greymouth to Christchurch after a road trip around the top area of New Zealand. The staff were great from check - in to leaving the train at Christchurch. Good food and refreshments were offered. The scenery is varied and the commentary informative during the journey. I would love to do this again in winter as it would be spectacular. A great way to see some of the South Island, comfortable and good information. Will do this again and highly recommend.

6. All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch

Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand Cheeky Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Begin your amazing day with a pickup from one of our very friendly team members. Sit down and relax for the 45-min drive to the Waipara Region. Waipara is a picturesque valley in the north of Christchurch. This is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions where pinot noir and riesling grapes do very well here. We will visit a series of cellars and tasting rooms, which may include Waipara Hills, Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, and Torlesse Wines (wineries are subject to change without notice depending on availability). We are all about the experience, so we want to make sure that you have 100% worry-free tastings of NZ's finest wine. Lunch, tastings, and snacks and photographer are included so all you need to do is join us, seat and enjoy your day. We are super flexible and the day is all about you. Want to make a stop or do something extra just let us know With Cheeky Wine Tours you will alwyas See More, Do More & Spend Less

Inclusions: Snacks, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Alcoholic Beverages, All Fees and Taxes, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Breakfast

7. Queenstown Beer Tours

Queenstown Beer Tours
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

Your afternoon craft beer brewery tour will take you to 3 different local craft beer breweries in and amongst Queenstown's mountains, lakes and surging craft beer scene. After your hotel pickup, your 4th generation born and raised local guide, Lewis will comfortably drive you around the surroundings, answering your questions and putting you at ease. Enjoy 13 tastings in your afternoon, thats 4+ included craft beer tastings at 3 stops scattered around the Wakatipu Basin with a beer & food matching lunch at the second stop. Enjoy free time in-between the first and second brewery in Arrowtown. Don't know much about beer? We will do an educational and interactive brewery tour at our third brewery. After the final stop you can be dropped in town at one of our great local Craft Beer Houses if you wish to taste more kiwi Craft Beers. There is Wine or Cider options at each stop or even a local Alcoholic ginger beer. Sound like you? Don't hesitate, book now and enjoy a Brew With a View!

Inclusions: Water available at each stop, Beer matched Lunch which can be swapped for Wine, 13 different Craft Beer Tastings, Hotel Pickup and Drop off or a kiwi Craft Beer Bar, Wine or cider can be substituted at each stop, Allotted free time between the 2nd & 3rd breweries

Exclusions: Extra food and drinks are available at each stop

Reviewed By JimKat2

Great fun. 3 very cool breweries. I went on my own but small group made it very inclusive. Lewis is very knowledgeable and looked after everyone well

8. Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour includes a Winery Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Alpine Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 71 reviews

Discover and savour our world-class Central Otago wines on the Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour exclusively for adults only! Wine-lovers are transported on a journey through the 'Valley of the Vines' to indulge in an afternoon of wine tastings and delicious local cheeses in the world's southernmost wine region. Relax and unwind as you visit three renowned vineyards and wineries, experience a behind the scenes winery and wine cave tour where you will immerse the senses in New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Imbibe some of the best vintages on offer, and beyond the grape enjoy a shared cheese board at a latitude of 45° south, an unforgettable experience. Created exclusively for adults only to ensure that the rest of the group experiences an unforgettable day while travelling in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter.

Inclusions: Winery & Wine Cave Tour, Shared Cheese Board, Local Guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By seeleyg

This was our 2nd tour( and QT visit) in 6 months. All thanks to Vicky ???? fun and information. All 3 wine tour/tastings (15 in total!!!) Were great, bought from each place???? Totally worth the price!!!!

9. Blenheim Half day Wine Tour

Jade Tours
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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Travel in a luxury minibus to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour tour. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle; then visit the barrel rooms and chat about viticulture and wine making. You will visit up to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run estates. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at our chocolate factory.

Inclusions: Pick up and return to your Blenheim accommodation (Picton $50 per group), Expert local guides, Small group tours for that personal experience, All standard tasting fees, Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch at own cost, Any wine purchases

Reviewed By B3342BDcarolynp

Mike is a fantastic host - the first question he asked us is what type of wine we like and he tailored the tour to suit us. He has an enormous amount of local knowledge and made the tour interesting and informative.

10. Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton or Blenheim

Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, The Foreshore, Picton 7220, New Zealand Marlborough Tour Company
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5.0 based on 28 reviews

Indulge your senses with this special Marlborough Wine Tour, a full day exploring behind the scenes of the world-renown Marlborough wine region near Blenheim at the top of New Zealand's South Island. On this intimate wine tour, you’ll visit a select number of exclusive Marlborough wineries where you’ll taste award-winning reserve-grade Marlborough wine, talk with respected senior wine staff, explore beautiful Marlborough vineyards and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch made with fresh local produce.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local taxes, 2 course set menu lunch at winery

Exclusions: Not suitable for children

Reviewed By Kiwi5

From the moment we stepped onboard we were welcomed and looked after by Summer and Skipper. Lucky enough to see a seal devouring a large salmon, we also saw a large pod of dolphins and spent some time with them following the boat and putting on an aerial display, at no time did we feel that there was a schedule, rather plenty of time to experience what the sounds offered. Both staff were informative and genuinely keen for us to enjoy the day. The bread and dip was great and there were more mussels and clams than we could eat. The final treat was some excellent salmon ( not the one the seal was eating) expertly cooked by Skipper. Thank you for a lovely day.

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