Top 10 Tours in Central Otago, South Island

Our flight encompasses Central Otago's breathtakingly different and vast undulating landscapes, rugged snow-capped rocky mountains, clear blue rivers and lakes, deep gorges and tussock-clad hills. The flight offers a glimpse into the area's goldmining history, both present day and days gone by, and showcases the basin's award-winning vineyards and orchards. Enjoy a complimentary refreshment at the alpine landing site whilst you take in the remoteness and grandeur of the open space. During the flight you'll see Cromwell (inc Old Cromwell Town), Lake Dunstan, Alpine Landing site, Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, Highlands Motorsport Park, Bannockburn, AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy

Inclusions: Complimentary Hot Chocolate or local fruit juice

Exclusions:

Experience the beautiful landscape of Central Otago on horseback! Golden Hills Horse Treks offer stunning views of Lake Dunstan and Mount Pisa range, great horses and personalised treks. Riding in a small group we always match the pace to your individual experience and confidence level. We also offer lead rides for younger kids.

Inclusions: Riding helmets

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Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

• This private photo session provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photo shoot option between late February and early November. • Your local photographer holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification, DOC (Department of Conservation) permit to operate in public conservation areas and the Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, 40 or more high resolution professional digital photographs , Bottled water, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Personal insurance

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.

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

On this full-day 12-hour tour you’ll experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us from Queenstown through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (‘Cloud Piercer’). Upon arrival, enjoy approx 3.5 hours in Mt Cook Village to explore some of the incredible walks and activities available (at your own expense), or extend your stay and opt for an overnight stay at the Hermitage Hotel. Altitude Mt Cook tours are limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, ensuring small groups so everyone can enjoy the best New Zealand hospitality that we have to offer as well as enjoying lots of fun and informative commentary from your local guide and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers, On board Kiwi music (download our Spotify playlist!)

Exclusions: Lunch, Activities are an additional cost

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, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Hooker Valley Hike. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

An indulgent and varied full-day tour seeing local sights, enjoying fresh cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines, cheeses and handcrafted chocolates. Taste wines at 4 premium vineyards over 2 Central Otago wine regions. Included is the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave Tour, a splendid cheese and wine presentation and a divine local cuisine lunch. Visit the historic precinct of Old Cromwell and return to Queenstown via the must-see Arrowtown with time to take a stroll and sample locally made chocolates at one's leisure.... and step back in time to the gold rush, exploring heritage buildings!  To ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers, numbers are limited to 12 people on the tour.

Inclusions: An exquisite lunch consisting of 5 dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matched with wines., Wine tastings at 4 vineyards over 2 contrasting wine sub-regions, Knowledgeable Wine Guide with fascinating commentary, Transport by luxury vehicle, Courtesy hotel pickup and drop-off (write to us if yours is not listed)., Enjoy a lovely cheese platter at one of the vineyards, and take home artisan chocolates.

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