Day 1: The Central Otago Grand Circuit
Departing 9am from Queenstown this is a spectacular day for scenery as we head over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest alpine pass, to Lake Wanaka. On route there are many great photo opportunities with views to Arrowtown, Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and the Cardrona Valley.
Our first stop is Rippon Winery, one of only five vineyards in New Zealand with a five star rating with Robert Parker. Rippon is an organic and biodynamic vineyard making beautifully crafted wines, and one of the most picturesque vineyard settings in the world.
From Wanaka we drive along the shores of Lake Dunstan to the small family run vineyard of Aurum. The visit to Aurum includes a tour of the winery and a tasting of their elegant, French influenced wines made by the owners French daughter in law, Lucie Lawrence.
Midday we lunch at “The Shed” at Northburn, a high country sheep station and vineyard. Lunch starts with a wine and food matching where each wine is matched with a tasty morsel. This is followed by Northburn’s speciality - a seasonal platter of cheeses, house smoked salmon, rocket salsa verde, smoked high country merino lamb terrine, chicken liver paté, zucchini trifolati, our now renowned pinot noir jelly, and pickled cherries all served with freshly made breads.
Following lunch we take a leisurely drive back through the Kawarau Gorge to visit one of the vineyards in the Gibbston area near Queenstown.
We arrive back in Queenstown around 3.30pm allowing free time to explore the town and its many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The evening is free
Day 2: The Iconic vineyards of Gibbston and Bannockburn
Departing Queenstown at 9.30am we first visit historic Arrowtown and then explore the iconic vineyards of Gibbston and Bannockburn.
After strolling through the picturesque streets of Arrowtown we make our first vineyard stop at one of the regions pioneering vineyards, Gibbston Valley. At Gibbston Valley we take a tour through their vineyard and wine cave before tasting a range of their limited release wines. Following the wine tasting there is an opportunity to taste some local cheeses at Gibbston Valley cheesery.
Departing Gibbston we drive through the Kawarau Gorge to have a delightful vineyard platter lunch and wine tasting at Carrick Winery, recently certified BioGro organic status.
Following lunch we visit one of our long term favourite vineyards and the regions true cult vineyard, Felton Road for a wine tasting.
From Felton Road there is the option to visit the historic Old Cromwell town before the return drive to Gibbston.
Our last visit for the day is a meeting with the wine maker at Valli Vineyard to be taken through a flight of their single vineyard Pinot Noirs.
We arrive back in Queenstown around 4.30pm. The evening is free.
Day 3: Explore the region
A free day to explore the region at your leisure or take one of our recommended day options:
• Shotover Jet – A thrilling ride through the canyons (morning)
• Milford Scenic Helicopter Flight (half day weather permitting)
• Ziptrek – An adventure in the trees above Queenstown (for all ages)
• Guided nature walk – A beautiful Lakeside Nature Walk (morning)
Tour itineraries may be subject to seasonal variation.
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