Things to do in Central Otago, South Island: The Best Private Tours

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. Before we get to the first winery there will be a stop at a scenic location and travellers will learn about wine-tasting techniques and wine aromas while soaking up the fabulous views. In one of the wineries, we will savour a vineyard platter or a cheese board to pair with the wines. There will be time for you to order more food if you think you need (at your own expense). We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Tasting of up to 20 of the best of Central Otago wines in all the wineries visited, Shared cheese platter, Professional photos

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

This exclusive wine tour of 5 wineries is perfect for small groups of family & friends. In Central Otago wine country you'll discover a wide range including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. I will pick you up at your accommodation in Queenstown at 11.40 am. Travelling in a premium SUV we head up the Kawarau Gorge to our first wine tasting which takes place at one of the most awe inspiring settings in the winemaking world. We then head to Cromwell where wineries are set amongst the historic remnants of the gold rush era. Here you will visit three wineries and taste distinctive wines in dramatic terrain. At one of the wineries a platter lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you directly to the cellar door. We then return to Queenstown and stop at a winery on the way for our final tasting. I am also a photographer; pictures are free of charge and are sent to you via link after the tour.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Over 24 wines available for tasting, Wine tasting fees, Coolbox for drinks & food, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Photos free of charge, Wine tasting guide

Exclusions: A platter lunch can be booked on your behalf with all expenses (from $20 per head) payable by you direct to the vineyard ; platter menus available on request.

This is a relaxing wine tour for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for food and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and crackers are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through four distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. A platter lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you directly to the cellar door. I am a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day free of charge a send them to you via download link.

Inclusions: Wine tasting fees, Bottled water, Crackers for palate cleansing between tastings, Coolbox for your drinks, food, over 24 wines available for tasting, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Wine tasting guide

Exclusions: A platter style lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you (from $20 per head) ; platter menus available on request.

For the more discerning wine lover, or simply people who prefer the flexibility of a private tour.  Join one of our trained wine guides on a wine tasting journey to some of New Zealand's most memorable vineyards, at your own pace. Our local knowledge and familiarity with the vineyards of Central Otago is at your disposal for an intimate half or full day's wine experience in a thriving wine region.  Packages are tailor made for you, and we encourage you to advise us of any varietal or vineyard preferences when booking.

Inclusions: Match a glass of wine with your lunch, Wine tastings at a selected number of vineyards stated on each tour type, Bottled water, Knowledgeable Driver Guide with fascinating commentary, Courtesy hotel/port pick-up & drop-off (please contact us if yours is not listed).

Exclusions: Extra alcoholic drinks or wine purchases (available to purchase), Gratuities

See four wineries on this fantastic wine tour. Great for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for your snacks and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and crackers are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through three distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. I am also a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day trip free of charge and send them to you via download link after the tour.

Inclusions: Wine tasting fees, Wine tasting guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, over 20 wines available for tasting, Bottled water, Crackers for palate cleansing between tastings, WiFi on board, Umbrellas

Exclusions: Please ensure that you have your lunch prior to departure.

Explore the Mt Cook area on this one day, fully guided small group tour from Queenstown with free time to participate in the best activities. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon • Free time for activities & walks While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. You also have time to enjoy extra activities of your choice, unlike many other tours. On tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water, Transport to Hooker Valley Track

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Food and drinks (unless otherwise specified), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

The package includes: Wine tasting at six Cromwell Basin Vineyards A 45 minute Private helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin vineyards including an alpine landing en route Exclusive Vineyard experiences, Winery lunch and wine tastings Chauffeured Open-Top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day Transport from and to your Cromwell Basin accommodation An all-day tour with a boutique family business. Personalised service guaranteed.

Inclusions: A 2 coures a la carte lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery with a gls of Bannockburn Estate wine per person, Scenic helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin with Alpine Landing, Landing and facility fees, All wine tasting fees at individual wineries as stated in the itinerary, Chauffeured open-top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day, Cloudy Bay Winery: a private wine tasting experience with a Cloudy Bay Ambassador, Tannacrieff Winery: a behind the scenes experience of a boutique winery, followed by a tasting, Scott Base Winery: taste a “Flight of 5 Wines” from the whiteboard options, Ceres Winery: wine tasting and a look through Odelle Morshuis' onsite art gallery, Te Kano Winery: private wine tasting and vineyard tour

Exclusions: Individual bottle puchases at each winery, wineries will post purchases as requested (to be organised at time of purchase with each winery), Wineries may be substituted without notice due to availability or vineyard workflow restrictions.

The package includes: Wine tasting at six Cromwell Basin Vineyards Private helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin vineyards including an alpine landing en route Exclusive Vineyard experiences, Winery lunch and wine tastings Chauffeured Open-Top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day Transport from and to your Queenstown accommodation An all-day tour with a boutique family business. Personalised service guaranteed.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees at individual wineries as stated in the itinerary, Mt Rosa Wines: wine tasting experience and a great last stop and a good laugh with the owners., Chauffeured open-top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day, Cloudy Bay Winery: a private wine tasting experience with a Cloudy Bay Ambassador, A 2 coures a la carte lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery with a gls of Bannockburn Estate wine per person, Scenic helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin with Alpine Landing, Scott Base Winery: taste a “Flight of 5 Wines” from the whiteboard options, Landing and facility fees, Gibbston Valley Winery: private wine tasting, wine cave and winery tour, light nibbles, Misha's Vineyard and Tasting Room: taste 5 wines from the 12 wines on offer., Private luxury vehicle pickup and dropoff from your Queenstown accommodation., Scenic helicopter flight from the Cromwell Basin through the Kawarau Gorge to Gibbston

Exclusions: Wineries may be substituted without notice due to availability or vineyard workflow restrictions., Individual bottle puchases at each winery, wineries will post purchases as requested (to be organised at time of purchase with each winery)

The package includes: Wine tasting at six Cromwell Basin Vineyards Private helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin vineyards including an alpine landing en route Exclusive Vineyard experiences, Winery lunch and wine tastings Chauffeured Open-Top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day Transport from and to your Wanaka accommodation An all-day tour with a boutique family business. Personalised service guaranteed.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees at individual wineries as stated in the itinerary, Chauffeured open-top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day, Cloudy Bay Winery: a private wine tasting experience with a Cloudy Bay Ambassador, A 2 coures a la carte lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery with a gls of Bannockburn Estate wine per person, Rippon Winery: private wine tasting overlooking Lake Wanaka., Misha's Vineyard and Tasting Room: taste 5 wines from the 12 wines on offer., Maude Wines: wine tasting experience in an intimate setting, Private luxury vehicle pickup and dropoff from your Wanaka accommodation., Scenic helicopter flight from the Cromwell Basin through the Kawarau Gorge to Gibbston, Scenic helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin with Alpine Landing, Scott Base Winery: taste a “Flight of 5 Wines” from the whiteboard options, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Wineries may be substituted without notice due to availability or vineyard workflow restrictions., Individual bottle puchases at each winery, wineries will post purchases as requested (to be organised at time of purchase with each winery)

Make the most of your trip to Central Otago and fly over the many vineyards of our award winning wine region. Departing from Cromwell the flight, whilst short, explores Bannockburn, then follows Lake Dunstan to the banks of Lowburn before ascending on the Pisa Range, to arrive atop Mount Michael. From the top is a 360 degree view of the Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, Lowburn, across the lake to Bendigo and down to Wanaka. From the landing point guests are within a couple of hundred metres of the 45th Parallel – that mysterious line which circles the globe and marks the theoretical halfway point between the equator and the South Pole. The climate is ferocious, to say the least, with extremes of hot and cold. This makes for perfect conditions for growing pinot noir grapes. The only way to test out those perfect growing conditions is of course to taste the finished product. In the elements each of our three wines will be provided for a tasting along with some seasonal nibbles.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight over Cromwell Basin vineyards, Exclusive alpine landing on Mount Michael (1163m), Mount Michael Wine Tasting: Pinot Gris, Pinot Rose, and Pinot Noir, Seasonal Tasting Platter from The Little Platter Company, Relaxed natural alpine environment and good company, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Additional bottle purchases to take home