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Private Heli and Wine Tour

Take to the skies for the most spectacular way to get around the stunning vineyards of Central Otago!

Private Heli and Wine Tour

$
NZD $1375 pp

(Min. 2 pax)

5 hours

10:30am – 3:30pm

3

Premium Locations

Take to the skies and explore the dramatic mountain ridges of the Southern Alps, then tantalise your taste buds by tasting your way through the world’s southernmost wine producing region.

Discover New Zealand’s most scenic wine region in luxury and style. Take to the sky and explore the dramatic mountain ridges then tantalise your taste buds ​by tasting your way through the world's southern-most wine producing region.

You will be collected from your hotel and dropped off to your heli and after a safety briefing, it's up and away for a spectacular scenic flight over the Gibbston wine region - this will give you an immense appreciation for the terrain and geographical relation of New Zealand’s southernmost wine growing region. Your heli ride includes an alpine landing on The Remarkables Mountains with ample time provided for photos and to soak up the phenomenal views of the Southern Alps. Your expert Appellation wine guide will meet you on arrival at a Gibbston based vineyard and after your first tasting for the day, relax and continue your wine tour experience by luxury vehicle through to the heart of the Central Otago wine region. 

Enjoy a delicious à la carte lunch showcasing regional cuisine at a vineyard restaurant in Bannockburn or Cromwell and savour premium wine tastings at two premium vineyards.

We can pick-up and drop-off from any local hotel or accommodation. There is also flexibility with the start time and if you wish, the possibility of adding any further activities or sightseeing to the tour.

Please make an enquiry and we can discuss an itinerary to create your ultimate day out.

Special Offer!

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Inclusions

  • Return hotel transfers in a luxury vehicle
  • 30-minute helicopter ride with commentary and an alpine landing with photo opportunities
  • Taste 18+ wines across 3 hosted tastings
  • Visit Gibbston and Bannockburn wine sub-regions
  • À la carte lunch and glass of premium wine at Mt Difficulty winery (or similar)
  • Array of sightseeing and photograph opportunities
  • Specialist Wine Guide with fascinating commentary on wine, local sights and early history of Central Otago
  • Stunning drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge viewing AJ Hackett bungy bridge
  • NZD $1375 Per Person (Min 2.pax)

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

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More about our Private Wine Tours...

If you are the more discerning wine lover, or would simply prefer the flexibility of a private tour, then together we can customise your Central Otago wine experience. Join one of our senior wine guides on a wine tasting journey to some of New Zealand’s most memorable vineyards, at your own pace.

Our local knowledge and familiarity with the vineyards of Central Otago is at your disposal for an intimate half or full day’s wine experience in a thriving wine region. Let us custom design your wine touring experience, or alternatively, let us know where you would like to visit and we will arrange this all for you.

Our private wine tours below are designed for 2-9 guests. If your group is more than this, you might like to check out our Custom Wine & Bespoke Tours for custom tours or, otherwise all of our Daily Wine Tours can be run privately for groups.

Lastly, we know our region well, and include visits to any sub-region. Wanaka is a popular destination to visit and we can easily combine activities, lunch and vineyard visits on private tours. Please make an enquiry with your dream tour and let us do the rest!

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.

More Private Wine Tours...

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