New Zealand, an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, offers a rich and diverse history characterized by the arrival of the Māori people over a thousand years ago and subsequent European colonization in the 18th century. The country’s unique flora and fauna are unparalleled, with lush green landscapes, rugged mountains, and pristine coastlines. Iconic […]

If you asked me to spend 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 our early Galentine’s weekend in Queenstown had […]

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 connections to the transport industry since the 1920s, Appellation Wine Tours has a long history of showcasing fine wines, local sights and heritage attractions. Having successfully switched 80 per cent of Nelson’s public bus fleet to electric in 2022, the […]

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 Leave your rental wheels behind and allow the team from Appellation Wine Tours to drive you direct to Central Otago's premium vineyards. A highlight of the half-day "Valley of the Wines" tour is a visit to the impressively carved wine cave at the venerable Gibbston Valley Winery where you can sample and […]

Want to learn how to taste and evaluate a glass of wine like a wine connoisseur? 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 of wine drinking can be an overwhelming experience for new wine […]

Combining activities into 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 the process. As locals with […]

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 addressing the growing demand for more environmentally responsible holidays. Here you can do […]

Alluxia Founder & Freelance Travel Writer Sally Scott was commission by International Traveller Magazine to write a 850+ word story on the 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 Queenstown

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 and wow they really live The Sweet Life there! The area around Queenstown, New Zealand is surrounded by soaring snow capped mountains, glacier lakes and […]

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 […]