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Twilight Wine and Stars Tour

$

Shared Tour

NZD $599 pp

Private Tour

NZD $849 pp
5 hours

4.30pm – 9.30pm

3

Premium Locations

An indulgent and diverse evening of fine dining, wine tasting and stars

As the sun begins to dip behind the Remarkables mountains, your winter twilight tour begins with a complimentary hotel pick and introduction to your wine guide and host for the evening. Be introduced to the night ahead - a celebration of Central Otago wine, seasonal cuisine, and one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most spectacular night skies.

Your first stop is the luxurious Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, nestled in the pioneering Pinot Noir region. Here, your expert guide will take you on a storytelling journey, bringing to life the rich history and significance of this remarkable landscape. Once seated, enjoy an à la carte main course thoughtfully paired with a duo of wines. Relax into your surroundings, soak up the atmosphere, and savour the refined elegance of this five-star lodge.

The journey continues with a short drive to Waitiri Creek Cellar Door for a privately hosted wine tasting. Beautifully complemented by a decadent dessert platter, this experience is a treat in every sense. As you indulge, you’ll gain deeper insight into the region’s winemaking heritage and distinctive terroir.

As night falls, the final stop evokes a true sense of wonder. Settle in for a guided stargazing experience at Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park. Using telescopes and laser pointers, your host brings the southern night sky into vivid focus, revealing constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena. Wrapped in blankets or warmed by heaters, you may choose to enjoy an additional glass of wine beneath the stars.

As your evening draws to a close, you’ll be returned to your hotel, taking with you the memories of an unforgettable night of fine wine, outstanding food, and a deeper appreciation for Central Otago after dark.

Inclusions

  • Complimentary return hotel transfers
  • À la carte meal at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
  • Hosted wine tasting and dessert at Waitiri Creek Wine
  • 90 minute guided star gazing experience
  • Full commentary on the sights, wine and history of the region
  • NZD $599 per adult on a shared tour
  • NZD $849 per adult on a private tour (minimum of 2 adults)

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Frequently Asked Questions

All tours include complimentary hotel pickups from central Queenstown hotels. If you are staying outside central Queenstown or in alternative accommodation, we can usually arrange a pickup for you.

Please select your hotel from the dropdown menu when booking. If your accommodation is not listed or you are unsure, simply note where you are staying in the booking notes and we will confirm your pickup location and time with you.
We keep our daily tours to a maximum of 12 adults to ensure a personalised and interactive experience. If you have a larger group or would like a private tour, we can accommodate almost any size. Just send us your details through the enquiry form.
While our tours require a minimum of 2 people to run, single travellers are generally welcome, as there are usually other guests booked on the tour.
Children aged 6-17 are welcome on our daily wine tours. Children of any age can join our Queenstown Highlights Tour, while those aged 5 or under are welcome on private tours.
Yes – all vineyards offer shipping, though availability depends on the destination country. Each vineyard will run through these options at the end of your tasting. If there is a particular wine you are interested in trying or purchasing, please let us know when booking.
Our tours are all inclusive, with food, transport and wine tastings at each winery included in the price. You are more then welcome to purchase any favourite wines during the tour to take home or have shipped to your address.
We believe that to truly experience Central Otago wine, you need to go beyond the Gibbston Valley.
Appellation Wine Tours specialises in exploring Central Otago’s most celebrated wine sub-regions, including:

• Gibbston Valley (Valley of the Vines): home to pioneering vineyards and dramatic scenery.
• Bannockburn: renowned for its concentrated yet elegant Pinot Noir.
• Cromwell/Lowburn: known for beautifully balanced aromatic wines and outstanding Chardonnay.

To gain a genuine “Central Otago” experience, we believe it’s essential to venture into the Bannockburn and Cromwell regions and tastes their award-winning varietals.

Our Gourmet Food and Wine Tour and Boutique Wine Tour both visit the Gibbston wine sub-region (approximately 25 minutes from Queenstown) and the Bannockburn/Cromwell

Wine sub-regions (a further 25 minutes through the stunning Kawarau Gorge).

Our Classic Wine Tour focuses solely on the Gibbston Valley, visiting a carefully curated mix of larger, well-known wineries and smaller, family-run boutique vineyards.

Each sub-region has its own microclimate and story. We hand-select vineyards known for quality, warm hospitality, and distinctive winemaking philosophies. Expect a mix of iconic estates and hidden gems that give you a true taste of Central Otago.
We like to vary our vineyard visits from day to day, however some vineyards are exclusive to specific tours. Below is a selection of vineyards that may be visited on each tour, but please feel free to mention any preferences in the notes section when booking.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Domain Rd, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (tasting only), Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Stoaker Room (lunch venue), The Church.

Boutique Wine Tour
Peregrine, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Matt Dicey, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (lunch venue), Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Church.

Classic Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Amisfield, Peregrine, The Church.

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