Daily ToursGourmet Food and Wine TourBoutique Wine TourClassic Wine TourTwilight Stars And Wine TourQueenstown Highlights TourSoak up the sights and attractions on a morning of guided sightseeing.
Discover the best of the region on an unforgettable Private Queenstown Highlights Tour, a fully guided morning experience showcasing the area’s most iconic scenery, historic landmarks, and adventure attractions. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury Mercedes-Benz minivan with your own dedicated local guide, enjoying the flexibility to explore at your own pace with complimentary hotel transfers included.
Begin your tour with breathtaking panoramic views from Queenstown Hill, where sweeping alpine landscapes, Lake Wakatipu, and surrounding mountain ranges provide one of the most photographed viewpoints in the region. This elevated lookout offers the perfect introduction to Queenstown’s dramatic natural beauty.
Next, travel into the world-famous Gibbston Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Vines.” This picturesque region is home to award-winning Central Otago wineries, rugged river gorges, and stunning mountain scenery.
While in Gibbston, visit the iconic Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping. Watch thrill-seekers leap 43 metres above the river below in one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventure settings.
The journey continues to Gibbston Valley Winery, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting experience featuring premium local varietals, relax with a coffee at the cellar door, or explore the boutique cheesery and gift shop. This stop provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality that has made Central Otago famous around the world.
Travel through cinematic landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings, including views reminiscent of the Pillars of the Kings along the Kawarau River. Consequently, you'll gain appreciation for why the region is celebrated as both a wine destination and a filming location.
Later, step back in time in the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Stroll along the charming main street, admire preserved colonial buildings, and learn about the area's fascinating gold rush history. You can also visit the Chinese Settlement along the riverbank, which offers a unique insight into the region's cultural heritage.
On the return journey to Queenstown, pass through Arthurs Point and take in views of the dramatic Shotover River canyon, where you may even spot jet boats navigating the narrow gorge at high speed—an iconic example of Queenstown’s world-famous adventure tourism scene.
What to bring:
End your tour in style at the Shotover jet and continue your Queenstown Journey by jumping into the excitement of the a jetboat ride!
The world’s most exciting jet boat ride. A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish!
Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, our connection to the Kimiākau (Shotover River) goes back centuries. As the home of our tīpuna (ancestors), this place is part of us. Only we have access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and no one knows this area like they do!
Adult (16yrs+) - NZD $179pp
Children (5-15yrs) - NZD $99pp
*Subject to availability
*Shotover Jet to provide a complimenty shuttle from the Shotover River to Queenstown CBD
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.
Appellation 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!
