What to do and see in Otago Region, South Island: The Best Bus Tours

May 18, 2022 Timmy Ribble

Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Full-Day Small-Group Central Otago Wine Tour, Wine Tour from Wanaka & Cromwell: Full Day, Wine Sampler Tour, Queenstown - Arrowtown Sightseeing and Tasting Half-Day Small-Group Tour, Lord of the Rings Tours - One Day in Middle Earth , Valley of the Vines Lunch & Wine Tour with a Wine Cave Adult Tour, Gourmet Food and Wine Tour From Queenstown with Lunch Included, Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown , Premium Glenorchy & Paradise Valley Expedition , Exclusive Central Otago Wine Tour - Departs Queenstown.
Restaurants in Otago Region

1. 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????

2. 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!)

3. 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! ????

4. 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

5. Lord of the Rings Tours - One Day in Middle Earth

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

• Take in the diverse landscape of an ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier-carved valleys. • Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to animals and birdlife. • Explore Gladden Fields, Ford of Bruinen and Argonath, Isengard, Amon Hen, the Misty Mountains and Ithilien in one day • Handle and photograph $15000 worth of weapon and costumes • View "Top Secret" items from the movies • Entertaining and Knowledgeable guides. Your guide will help you relive the action for your camera • Travel in small groups for a personal and interactive experience

Inclusions: Lunch, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided Tour

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, No Smoking

Reviewed By Ettykaryati

We had fun during our "Middle Earth" tour. We visited the LOTR filming locations in Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge and Lake Hayes. Shane is very knowledgeable guide. Fully recommended!

6. Valley of the Vines Lunch & Wine Tour with a Wine Cave Adult Tour

Alpine Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 117 reviews

Discover and savour our world-class Central Otago wines on the Valley of the Vines Lunch Tour exclusively for adults only! Join us as we transport wine-lovers to Gibbston, also known as the ‘Valley of the Vines’. It’s part of the greater Central Otago wine region and well-known as one of the world’s most scenic vineyard journeys.  Relax and unwind as you visit three renowned vineyards and wineries where you will sniff, swirl and savour over 16 wines including our famed Pinot Noir and other varietals.  Immerse your senses in New Zealand’s largest wine cave, and beyond the grape enjoy a seasonal lunch at renowned winery restaurant, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan. Our Valley of the Vines Lunch Tour has been created exclusively for adults only to ensure that the rest of the group experiences an unforgettable day.

Inclusions: Wine Tastings, Wine Cave Tour, Shared Lunch Platter, 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!!!!

7. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour From Queenstown with Lunch Included

Appellation Wine Tours
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4.9 based on 114 reviews

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)

Reviewed By JudeCatherwood

Great tour and great tour guide (Logan). We went to wineries I would not have considered visiting and they were all awesome. We had great receptions at each place. Domain Road was our favourite.

8. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

9. Premium Glenorchy & Paradise Valley Expedition

12 Athol Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Queenstown Expeditions
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

Premium Glenorchy & Paradise Valley Expedition Mystical Morning & Afternoon tours Mystical morning & afternoon half-day expeditions to Glenorchy and Paradise! Take in the Spectacular Dart River, discover storytelling and learn about Maori Mythology. Enjoy our kiwi style morning or afternoon tea. Travel with Queenstown Expeditions into the Heart of this region’s stunning beauty towards Glenorchy, Paradise and Diamond Lake, home to Many movie locations such as “The Lord of The Rings”. Meet and talk to real New Zealand people! View the amazing scenery through our Luxury safari off road 4X4 glass roof vehicle with large viewing windows. The ultimate platform for your half day adventure. Hear about Maori Mythology from this area with our state-of-the-art storytelling system offering cultural history and stories from a different time and place in New Zealand. Our stories are professionally themed with music sound and voice transporting you to a different place in time.

Inclusions: Driver commentary, Multilingual* GPS themed commentary with individual headsets., Glenorchy town visit, Plenty of photo opportunities, Multilingual: English, Spanish & Mandarin, WiFi on board, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Road68676838957

Fantastic day out! Prompt and friendly pick up. Expert local knowledge in a late model comfy van! Morgan was very accommodating and helpful. We visited 5 wineries and had plenty of time to enjoy each one. Will definitely recommend and will come back and do again. Thank you!

10. 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

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