Queenstown: Scenic Highlights Tour, Arrowtown & Wine Tasting

Queenstown’s wild hills, Arrowtown gold rush charm & Otago wine

You’ll start your morning with sweeping views from Queenstown Hill before wandering Ayrburn’s gardens over barista-made coffee. Try your hand at gold panning or bakery treats in historic Arrowtown, then relax with local wine and cheese among Central Otago’s vineyards. Expect friendly guides, small surprises, and moments you’ll want to remember long after leaving Queenstown.

Step-by-step itinerary

Queenstown scenic tour and tasting

• Meet guide in Queenstown Town Centre
• Drive to Queenstown Hill viewpoint
• Visit Ayrburn hospitality precinct
• Explore Arrowtown mining village
• Enjoy wine tasting and cheese platter

The experience

We were already winding up Queenstown Hill before I’d even finished my first sip of coffee. The air up there felt sharper than I expected: kind of sweet and cold at the same time. Our guide, Mike, pointed out the lake below (Whakatipu, he said, I still can’t pronounce it right) and the Remarkables in the distance. A couple next to me kept taking photos but honestly, I just stood there for a bit. It’s one of those views you try to save in your head for later.

After that we rolled down into Ayrburn precinct. It’s this old farm area turned into cafes and gardens: smelled like fresh bread and wet grass after last night’s rain. Mike handed out vouchers for coffee (“flat white or long black?”) and let us wander around the old stone buildings. There was a guy playing guitar under a tree but mostly it was quiet except for birds and people chatting softly. I lost track of time looking at the little details on the buildings. Someone had painted tiny gold pans on one window frame.

Arrowtown was next. Gold-mining village vibe, but not tacky: more like someone dusted off history and left it out in the sun. We tried gold panning by the river (my hands got freezing) while Mike told stories about fortune-seekers and Chinese miners who’d lived in huts nearby. I bought a ginger slice from Arrowtown Bakery that was so sticky it glued my fingers together. Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin to one of the shopkeepers, probably butchered it.

The last stop was a Central Otago vineyard tucked between hills that looked almost purple in the afternoon light. We sat outside with glasses of pinot noir (or juice if you wanted) and a cheese platter that disappeared fast. The cheese was sharp and crumbly. There was quince paste too but nobody knew what to do with it at first. Someone asked if we’d ever tasted wine this fresh before. I hadn’t, honestly. The drive back to Queenstown felt quieter than before. Maybe everyone was thinking about their own favorite bit of the day. I still think about that view from Queenstown Hill sometimes when things get noisy back home.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected locations in Queenstown or Fernhill, commentary from an entertaining local guide throughout scenic stops around Whakatipu Basin, complimentary barista-made coffee at Ayrburn precinct, free time (and maps) for exploring historic Arrowtown plus an optional gold panning experience by the riverbank, WiFi onboard during transfers, then wraps up with a relaxed Central Otago wine tasting paired with an artisan cheese platter before returning early afternoon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Altitude Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Queenstown scenic tour take?

The tour runs for about 4 hours, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Queenstown highlights tour?

Yes, return transfers from selected Queenstown and Fernhill hotels are included.

Does this tour include wine tasting?

Yes, there is a relaxed wine tasting at a local Central Otago vineyard with cheese platter included.

Can non-drinkers join the wine tasting part?

Non-alcoholic options are available during the vineyard visit.

What places will we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit Queenstown Hill viewpoint, Ayrburn hospitality precinct, Arrowtown village, and a Central Otago winery.

Is there free time to explore Arrowtown?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Arrowtown for exploring shops or trying gold panning.

What food is included on this Queenstown day trip?

A shared artisan cheese board is included at the vineyard. You can also buy treats in Arrowtown or Ayrburn.