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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]