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

November 6, 2021 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup, Wine Tour from Queenstown: Full Day, Wine Tour from Wanaka & Cromwell: Full Day, Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown, Exclusive Central Otago Wine Tour - Departs Queenstown, Wine Tour From Wanaka: Half Day, Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities , Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Cromwell, Central Otago, Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Queenstown, Central Otago, Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Wanaka, Central Otago.
Restaurants in Central Otago

1. Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

Queenstown Winery Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

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

Reviewed By Pioneer615939

Susana was a great guide, very friendly and knowledgeable. The choice of wineries was excellent. Vety good value for money.

2. Wine Tour from Queenstown: Full Day

1 Gray Street, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Wineberry Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

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.

Reviewed By Exploration202242

We had a wonderful day of wine tasting with Greg. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about wine and the region. Spending a day with him was an absolute blast. We can’t stop recommending this tour to all our friends and family. Overall experience absolutely 5 star! Thank you Greg :)

3. 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!)

4. Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown

Remarkable Scenic Tours
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4.9 based on 56 reviews

The Original and top rated Arrowtown & Wanaka Small Group Full Day Tour. This tour has been the top rated small group experience of this type for the last five years. 6 Regions : Arrowtown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Crown Range, Cardrona, Gibbston & Kawarau Gorge 13 Amazing Stops : LOTR & Bungy Bridge, Kawarau Gorge, Fruit Tasting, Cromwell, 45th sign, Wanaka township, high view over Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka tree, bra fence, Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range, Crown Terrace and Arrowtown/Chinese Village. Small group tour to Arrowtown, Wanaka plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being the top rated and original Arrowtown & Wanaka small group tour your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide.  Morning refreshments and an a afternoon beverage included. Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions: Fun Local Guide, Morning refreshments in a cafe including a hot drink and snack, Cardrona ale or a non alcoholic Ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, No children under five

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

5. Exclusive Central Otago Wine Tour - Departs Queenstown

Appellation Wine Tours
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4.9 based on 13 reviews

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

Reviewed By karmynb2021

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour which included a jetboat and then the winery tour with Martin. It was a great day and I would highly recommend it. The jet boat was so much fun. Then the winery tour was excellent. The tour guide was friendly and very informative. The vehicle was comfortable. The wineries were lovely and the selection of wines and local expertise was excellent too. We had a good group of us on the tour too. Thank you once again for a lovely tour and all the best for what is hopefully a better year for your business than 2020 was. Kind regards, Karmyn Billing

6. Wine Tour From Wanaka: Half Day

1 Ballantyne Road, Mount Aspiring National Park 9305, New Zealand Wineberry Tours
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

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.

Reviewed By Exploration202242

We had a wonderful day of wine tasting with Greg. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about wine and the region. Spending a day with him was an absolute blast. We can’t stop recommending this tour to all our friends and family. Overall experience absolutely 5 star! Thank you Greg :)

7. Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.8 based on 121 reviews

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

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

8. Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Cromwell, Central Otago

Heliview Flights

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.

Reviewed By NikkiMurray72

My 3 kids and I had a fantastic helicopter experience with Richard and Yolanda. All dealings with Yolanda leading up to the day were friendly and professional and the flight itself was amazing. Great views and really interesting commentary from Richard along the way. It was awesome to be able to get out and have a snowball fight on the mountain. A real highlight for us and great to have it captured on camera. Overall a great experience.

9. Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Queenstown, Central Otago

Heliview Flights

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)

Reviewed By NikkiMurray72

My 3 kids and I had a fantastic helicopter experience with Richard and Yolanda. All dealings with Yolanda leading up to the day were friendly and professional and the flight itself was amazing. Great views and really interesting commentary from Richard along the way. It was awesome to be able to get out and have a snowball fight on the mountain. A real highlight for us and great to have it captured on camera. Overall a great experience.

10. Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Wanaka, Central Otago

Heliview Flights

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)

Reviewed By NikkiMurray72

My 3 kids and I had a fantastic helicopter experience with Richard and Yolanda. All dealings with Yolanda leading up to the day were friendly and professional and the flight itself was amazing. Great views and really interesting commentary from Richard along the way. It was awesome to be able to get out and have a snowball fight on the mountain. A real highlight for us and great to have it captured on camera. Overall a great experience.

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