What to do and see in Wanaka, South Island: The Best Wine Tours & Tastings

August 6, 2021 Cedrick Jardin

The South Island town of Wanaka appeals to both adventure lovers and relaxation-minded travelers. Situated on the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. The city also hosts Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Wanaka

1. Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka

WanaHaka Tours
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

The Wine tour with Maori Culture Wanaka is the only wine tour in Wanaka and Cromwell that connects Maori culture with the local wines and land where you receive the authentic New Zealand experience. You will visit four boutique and more personalised Central Otago wineries in the Wanaka, Tarras and Cromwell area with approximately 18-22 wine tastings and food. This is the only wine tour in Central Otago that offers both the wine experience with the Māori culture footprint including the potential LIVE Haka experience. Don't delay, BOOK NOW. There is a minimum of 2 required per tour, if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered another day or time or complete refund.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages (including all wine tastings), Food (cheese platter), Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Live entertainment (Haka), Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By TGaudin-Brady

What an amazing trip! Joe was so friendly and went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. His Maori knowledge of the region was second to none. The vineyards we went to were great, being able to try many different varietals of wine and the staff were also very friendly and welcoming. This trip is definitely recommended, especially if you want something a bit more special than your standard wine tour. A must do if you are in Queenstown or Wanaka. Thanks again Joe!!

2. 'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka

103 Ardmore Street, Otago 9305, New Zealand WanaHaka Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

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

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Reviewed By TGaudin-Brady

What an amazing trip! Joe was so friendly and went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. His Maori knowledge of the region was second to none. The vineyards we went to were great, being able to try many different varietals of wine and the staff were also very friendly and welcoming. This trip is definitely recommended, especially if you want something a bit more special than your standard wine tour. A must do if you are in Queenstown or Wanaka. Thanks again Joe!!

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. 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 :)

5. Classic Wanaka Wine Tour

Wanaka Wine Tours
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4.8 based on 26 reviews

Enjoy a full day small-group wine tour in and around Wanaka and Central Otago. You'll experience award winning wines, gourmet food and stunning scenery with your knowledgeable and friendly guide. This tour includes a gourmet platter-style lunch at one of the best vineyard restaurants in the region, plus tastings at up to 6 award winning boutique vineyards. Whether you are a complete wine novice, or a dedicated wine connoisseur, you will be ensured of an enjoyable time.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Lunch, Snacks and bottled water, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board, Professional/local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By reneeanddonald

We had a fantastic half day wine tour with our guide Toni she picked us up from our accommodation at was informative not just on the wine regions but history of the central Otago region. We visited four wineries, Aitkins Folly, Scott Base, Domain Road and Aurum. Scott Base was a real highlight we had a beautiful lunch and the staff were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be recommending to my friends back home. A half day well spent it was so much fun.

6. Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka

Wanaka Wine Tours
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4.7 based on 44 reviews

Explore the remarkable vineyards and stunning scenery throughout Central Otago and Wanaka.  You will taste gorgeous award winning wines from the little gems that are quietly making a big name for themselves while meeting some of the numerous characters that produce these wines.  You will be able to chat with the vineyard owners and wine makers. Your wine tour includes tastings at 4 vineyards, a gourmet food and wine match, and a knowledgeable friendly guide. This tour is for everyone whether you are a complete wine novice, or a dedicated wine connoisseur.

Inclusions: Beverages, Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Local Driver/Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Lunch, Wine Purchases

Reviewed By reneeanddonald

We had a fantastic half day wine tour with our guide Toni she picked us up from our accommodation at was informative not just on the wine regions but history of the central Otago region. We visited four wineries, Aitkins Folly, Scott Base, Domain Road and Aurum. Scott Base was a real highlight we had a beautiful lunch and the staff were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be recommending to my friends back home. A half day well spent it was so much fun.

7. Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board

Wana Jet, 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand Lake Wanaka Cruises
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4.7 based on 18 reviews

Relax with a glass of chilled Pinot Gris as you bask in the evening light on the lake! This one hour cruise has one local wine or beer included in the ticket and is a great way to see the lake scenery (including the 'Wanaka Lone Tree' ) before your evening meal.  The cruise is fully licensed so further drinks can be purchased on board.

Inclusions: One complimentary wine or beer, Cheeseboard, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Snacks, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By TaniaB2608

We could not have asked for better, 5 hours later and we are still buzzing. It was so relaxed, Jim and his offsider were brilliant. (I am so sorry I missed your name) You both were very knowledgeable of the history and area. It really was perfect, from the picturesque snow capped mountains to the stillness of the lake. Once we reached the island, there was a picture perfect photo opportunity with every turn. Hearing the native birds and just taking in the environment was amazing. Thank you guys so much for offering this cruise, we would highly recommend this to anyone.

8. Wanaka Wine Tour by Trike

103 Ardmore Street, Otago 9305, New Zealand Wanaka Trike Tours
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4.7 based on 9 reviews

The most exhilarating and unique way to do a wine tour in the region with nothing in the way to block your view - all on the back of 3-seater cruising trikes! A Wanaka Wine Tour by Trike includes visiting three local vineyards around the Wanaka region where you can sample their unique wines and hear some of the history of the wines and the land they are produced from. The cellar door owners are very passionate about their wines and give excellent personal service.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Use of helmet with Bluetooth intercom to hear the guide clearly, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By cathers1958

The ride out to see the blue pools was amazing . The owners were very helpful they could tell us about all sorts of things, they were very patient with us as we had a couple of slower walkers in our group they didn't rush us at all. The ride in and out was just great and felt very safe all the way , We felt that this trip was the highlight of our holiday and would recommend it to anyone to try.

9. 18 day - North & South Island Tour (All inclusive)

TMACS Backpackers, 118-122 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Kiwi Experience

Tour includes: Accommodation x17 nights. Breakfast x17 Dinner x2 Activities include; Waitomo Glowworms Caves tour, Te Puia entry ticket, Tamaki Maori Village overnight experience, Spa thermal park reserve, Te Papa museum, Winery Tour (FROMM), Lake Tekapo Dark Sky reserve observatory, Queenstown Skyline and buffet dinner, Lots of hiking. From the secluded beaches and volcanic craters of the north to the glaciers, mountains and fjords in the south, this is our most immersive experience possible. Adventure activities aplenty throughout the trip, with accommodation and some activities included, our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. From Auckland to Christchurch and everything in between, this tour has New Zealand covered.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation (17 nights), Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

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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