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Latest Updates

Taste • Hear • See • Feel • Central Otago

Latest Updates from Appellation Wine Tours

February 26, 2025
Expedition Kristen: The Land of Hobbits, Waterfalls, Flightless Birds and Wineries - Written by Kristen

New Zealand, an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, offers a rich and diverse history. This is characterized by the arrival of the Māori people over a thousand years ago and subsequent European colonisation in the 18th century. If you are wondering what to do in 10 days in New Zealand, exploring its renowned […]

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February 19, 2025
Rova: Here's how to spend 48 hours in Queenstown on the ultimate girls' trip - Written by Sophie van Soest

If you asked me what to do in Queenstown in 48 hours, spending my weekend 140 metres above a gushing river, strolling through one of New Zealand’s largest wine caves, and undertaking an 18km e-bike ride, the only way you’d get me to say ‘yes’ is if you were my bestie. But that’s exactly what […]

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January 23, 2025
BBC - The world's adventure capital's massive gamble - Written by Craig Tansley

The fuel-guzzling town of Queenstown, New Zealand, has an audacious goal to become the first tourist destination on Earth to have a completely carbon-zero visitor economy – and all by 2030. By 2030 – if things really go to plan – you'll land in Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island (possibly even aboard an electric-powered Air New […]

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January 23, 2025
Appellation Wine Tours: Going Further, Exploring More, Emissions Free - Written by Queenstown, NZ

Now these tours aren’t only enjoyable, they’re on the road to an emissions free future with electric vehicles emission free. With connections to the transport industry since the 1920s, Appellation Wine Tours has a long history of showcasing fine wines, local sights and heritage attractions. They are committed to sustainability. Importantly, they have embraced electric […]

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January 29, 2024
Introducing Sustainable Transportation with New Ford Transit Electric Vans (EVs)

Appellation Going Greener Appellation Wine Tours, the leading provider of immersive wine experiences in the Central Otago region for over 24 years, proudly announces the addition of two new Ford Transit EVs into their transportation fleet. This significant investment underscores the company's commitment to long-term sustainability and sets a new standard for eco-conscious tourism in […]

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July 15, 2022
Nine must-do highlights of Queenstown, New Zealand - Written by Anthony Dennis

THE WINERY TOUR If you're planning what to do for 10 days in New Zealand, leaving your rental wheels behind and allowing the team from Appellation Wine Tours to drive you direct to Central Otago's premium vineyards is a must. A highlight of the half-day "Valley of the Wines" tour is a visit to the […]

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November 24, 2021
Top tips you need to know to taste wine like an expert

Want to learn how to taste and evaluate a glass of wine like a wine connoisseur? With the right approach, you can taste wine like an expert. If you want to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro then check out these top tips from award-winning Central Otago boutique winemaker, Waitiri Creek Wines. Navigating the world […]

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October 22, 2021
Save Time & Money with these Queenstown Combo Tours!

Combining activities into combo tours, such as wine combo tours, is becoming increasingly popular among busy travelers looking to save both time and money. In a bustling destination like Queenstown, with countless “must-do” activities, maximizing time is key. Over the years, we’ve noticed clients juggling schedules to fit everything in, which inspired us to simplify […]

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October 19, 2021
A delightful twist and turn through Queenstown

I must admit that I’ve never been game enough — or is it silly enough? — to go for a bungy jump, but I have flown into Queenstown. Not that I found that so bad, despite the proximity of some pretty rugged terrain, though I’m told that when the clouds and turbulence close in it […]

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April 1, 2020
VOGUE – Treading Lightly – Written by Mark Sariban

QUEENSTOWN IS BEST known as New Zealand’s adventure travel capital, with its ski fields on the imposing Remarkables and surrounding mountains, jet-boat rides and, of course, bungee jumping. But this South Island town has also become an epicentre for sustainable tourism ventures. These ventures address the growing demand for more environmentally responsible holidays. Embrace the […]

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October 29, 2019
Freelance Travel Writer Sally Scott writes article on best cellar doors in Central Otago!

Alluxia Founder & Freelance Travel Writer Sally Scott was commission by International Traveller Magazine to write a story on the best cellar doors in Central Otago and Best Cellar Door Experiences in Queenstown. She chose Appellation Wine Tours to show her around the best of the Gibbston region. Read what she had to say here: Best cellar door experiences in […]

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March 21, 2018
Robin Lensi: Whose up for a wine tour or bungy jumping?

Where can you find La Dolce Vita? The Sweet Life can be found wherever you are in my opinion, not just in Italy. Recently I had an amazing chance to travel to New Zealand, which offers the best wine tour experience, and wow they really live The Sweet Life there! The area around Queenstown, New Zealand is surrounded by soaring snow […]

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March 2, 2018
A Tour Down Under Otago - Written by A March Among the Vine

A Tour Down Under, Otago We love it when people either blog about us, or blog about the Central Otago Wine region. Its a win win for us, because it helps get this fantastic cool-climate wine region on the international radar. There are enough international award-winning wines coming from Central Otago, with vines only just […]

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