Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Wine Tours & Tastings

October 28, 2021 Agatha Simes

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough, A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch, Full-Day Small-Group Central Otago Wine Tour, Wine Tour from Wanaka & Cromwell: Full Day, Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour includes a Winery Tour, Wine Sampler Tour, Blenheim Half day Wine Tour, Full Day Winemaker's Tour in Marlborough, Queenstown - Arrowtown Sightseeing and Tasting Half-Day Small-Group Tour, Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting .
Restaurants in South Island

1. Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough

Your Local Chauffeur
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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!

2. A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch

8A Mona Vale Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Giles Tours
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a wine-tasting tour with a delicious lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Torlesse, Greystone and Terrace Edge or Waipara Springs. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique micro-climate as you taste a range of world class red and white wines. Booking essential - we need a minimum of 4 people to run and you should be prepared to share your tour with others (Maximum of 6 per tour)

Inclusions: Lunch, Wine tasting

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3. Full-Day Small-Group Central Otago Wine Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Altitude Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This is an immersive, fun and educational wine tour visiting five of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors through the BIG 4 wine regions of Gibbston, Cromwell Bendigo and Bannockburn. Sample over 20 spectacular cool-climate wines and enjoy an (optional) exceptional lunch at the renowned Bannockburn Hotel (additional cost ordered on the day) whilst learning information, stories and facts about the region and wine from your charismatic guide and cellar staff educate. Travel in style with transfers in a luxury Mercedes van, and make use of our complimentary WiFi and bottled water. We have regular cellar doors we visit however we have the flexibility to tailor the tour to suit where possible. If you have specific requests please let us know through ‘special requirements’ at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate. Sample itinerary for the day: Kinross, Scott Base, Misha's Vinyard, Te Kano and Cloudy Bay.

Inclusions: Wine tastings at 5 unique cellar door locations, Bottled water, WiFi on board, Complimentary branded wine glass, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers

Exclusions: Lunch at premier renown location is at customers expense

Reviewed By HotRoc77

Everything about the day was great including the cheese sampling stop over in Arrowtown. The different types of vineyards were a good introduction to the local area & how they go about what they do. Having little knowledge of wine & more of a beer participant I was impressed by the knowledge & passion to all those that we met & we all enjoyed sampling the different types of local wines. Alia our knowledgeable, very pleasant & ‘designated’ driver certainly made our trip something to remember. None of our group had been on a wine tour before & this won’t be our last. Highly recommend Altitude????

4. Wine Tour from Wanaka & Cromwell: Full Day

1 Ballantyne Road, Mount Aspiring National Park 9305, New Zealand Wineberry Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

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.

Reviewed By divyanz

Greg was super generous with his knowledge of the region and its wines, and it was a real privilege enjoying the wine experience with him. He took us to cellar doors at boutique wineries we wouldn't have been able to access otherwise, definitely not 4 in half a day. Absolutely recommend a wine tour with Greg for a true Central Otago wine experience (and he does the driving!)

5. 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!!!!

6. Wine Sampler Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Altitude Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 264 reviews

We’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But we are your glass of wine. Join us on a classic and fun top-rated wine tour in the Gibbston region. Visit four of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to the famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines whilst your charismatic guide and knowledgeable cellar staff educate and amuse you with local winemaking facts and stories. Travel in style in a luxury Mercedes van, enjoy learning how to taste wine through onboard videos and make use of our WiFi and Spotify playlists. We are all about pairing good people with good wine so whether you are an adventure junkie recharging your batteries, an avid sightseer hunting more jaw-dropping views, or a wine enthusiast eager to taste some world-class wines, a wine tour with Altitude Tours is a must. The 5.5 hour Wine Sampler tour departs Queenstown at 10 am and returns around 3:30 pm.

Inclusions: Wine tastings at 4 cellar doors, Guided tour of New Zealand's largest underground wine cave, Optional lunch at a premier cellar door (at your expense), Complimentary bottled water, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers, Free Onboard Wifi, Complimentary branded wine glass, Fun Onboard videos

Exclusions: Lunch at a premier cellar door is at your expense

Reviewed By Jazzwhenua

We went out today with Aliah who was truely awesome and great at her job ! She made us feel safe through the drive and was very welcoming from the get go . It almost felt like we were touring with a friend. This product is well worth the money and all the staff along the journey were polite funny and very informative! Thanks Altitude we will definitely be recommending this to everyone we meet! ????

7. 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.

8. Full Day Winemaker's Tour in Marlborough

Hop n Grape Tours
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5.0 based on 82 reviews

With a winemaker as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery where you can taste grape juice fresh from the press, sample a young Pinot Noir from the barrel, or try a freshly filtered Sauvignon Blanc. You can ask all those curly questions, and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. Next, we’ll get up close and personal with the Marlborough wine region and you’ll taste any delight that isn’t tied down. In our full day tour you visit 4-6 wineries which can include local breweries, with over 40 cellar doors to choose from, if you’ve got a favourite we’ll do our best to get you there. Lunch at a vineyard restaurant is always a highlight. There is opportunity to do a Cheese tasting, Olive oil tasting or a visit to Makana Chocolate Shop. Visit 4-6 wineries.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas, Picton, Havelock, Rarangi transfers may be available with additional charge., Lunch stop during the tour - at your own cost

Exclusions: Lunch - at your own cost on the day, Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes (no heels) for our winery visit, Note: We encourage our guests to have a good breakfast before the wine tour.

Reviewed By Jo D

Absolutely recommend Cam! If your visiting the Blenheim region and want the nicest and most knowledgeable guy in town - Cam your man! Thank you for the the best day ever Cam!

9. Queenstown - Arrowtown Sightseeing and Tasting Half-Day Small-Group Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Remarkable Scenic Tours
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

3 Regions : Queenstown, Arrowtown & the Gibbston  7 Amazing Stops : Queenstown Hill, Lake Hayes, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Arrowtown & the Chinese Village Small group half day tour around Queenstown plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being one of the top rated Queenstown local scenic small group tours your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide. Visit historic Arrowtown & the Chinese village, make a photo stop at Lake Hayes (the Mirror Lake), the Kawarua bridge bungy jump, enjoy cheese tasting in Gibbston Valley, see the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, visit a working honey farm and taste honeys including Manuka, enjoy a photo stop over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Inclusions: Manuka Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Small-group guided tour in modern eleven-seat minivan, Central Queenstown pickup and drop-off, Local taxes, Optional wine tasting ($5.00)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Merrycoco

Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much

10. Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting

Marlborough Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 204 reviews

Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar door. Our tour is door to door so you don't have to worry about driving, just relax and enjoy your tour. Outside of peak times we don't have preset cellar doors so if you have somewhere you would like to go please message us and we will do our best to schedule your visit. There are over 30 cellar doors to choose from on a daily basis so plenty of variety.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Picton 9.30am or Blenheim 10am. Times are approximate, Havelock Pick up may be available by prior arrangement before booking, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch Stop - at your expense on the day, Gratuities

Reviewed By MargaretG2064

The driver was really informed both about the wines and about the region. We had a lovely selection of wines followed by a superb meal. Highly recommended - even for people like us who are only very occasional wine drinkers and know very little about the subject.

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