Queenstown Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Cave & Cheese Tasting

Summary

Central Otago pinot noir tastings wine cave walks cheese by the river

You’ll taste Central Otago’s famous pinot noir straight from three different vineyards around Queenstown, walk through New Zealand’s biggest wine cave with your local guide, snack on fresh cheese beside mountain vines, and catch glimpses of wild river views along the way. Expect laughter and real stories—plus pickup so you can relax.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the late sun hit the vines just outside Queenstown — kind of golden, almost syrupy. Our guide, Anna, waved us onto the minibus with this big grin and a “ready for some pinot?” that made everyone laugh (even the couple from Auckland who said they were more into beer). The drive out to Gibbston Valley felt quick, maybe because Anna kept pointing out odd things — like where people bungee off the Kawarau Suspension Bridge. We actually saw someone jump as we passed. You could hear them scream even through the window, which is… not something you expect on a wine tour.

I didn’t know much about Central Otago wines before this day trip from Queenstown, but apparently it’s all about pinot noir here. The first stop was a small cellar door where the winemaker himself poured our glasses — he had purple-stained hands and told us how frost can wipe out half a season in one night. The air inside smelled like wet stone and berries. At the second vineyard, we went underground into New Zealand’s largest wine cave. It was cool and echoey; you could feel moisture on your skin and there was this faint oak smell everywhere. Anna handed me a glass and whispered, “Don’t spill — these barrels are worth more than my car.” I probably looked nervous.

Cheese came out at the last place — local stuff, sharp and crumbly, with grapes on the side. Honestly, I’m not usually into cheese boards but something about eating it next to rows of vines just felt right. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second, just tasting and looking at that glacial-blue stretch of Kawarau River below us. I still think about that view sometimes when I open a bottle at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon wine tour and tastings

• Start wine tour at 1:30pm
• Visit three unique cellar doors
• Enjoy cheeseboard with wine tasting
• Tour New Zealand's largest wine cave
• View Kawarau Suspension Bridge and bungy
• See Kawarau River views
• Return to accommodation by 5pm

Top questions

How long does the Queenstown wine tour last?

The tour runs from 1:30pm to around 5pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this Queenstown wine tour?

Yes, return transport from your accommodation is included.

Do you visit New Zealand’s largest wine cave?

Yes, there is a guided tour inside New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave.

Are food or snacks provided during the tour?

A cheeseboard is served with one of the wine tastings.

Is this Central Otago wine tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What is the minimum drinking age for this tour?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Please advise any specific dietary needs at booking time.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transport with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Queenstown, guided tastings at three different Central Otago vineyards (including entry to New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave), commentary from an experienced local guide throughout, plus a cheeseboard served alongside one of your tastings before heading back around 5pm.