Spend a relaxed day touring six boutique vineyards around Wanaka, tasting roughly 30 Central Otago wines and enjoying a barrel-cooked five-course banquet. Small groups and local guides make this a personal, informative introduction to the region’s distinctive pinots and aromatics.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light lifts off Lake Wanaka and the tour minibus hums away from town, vineyards sliding past like pages in a well-thumbed guidebook. On this full-day circuit you move between small, rocky terraces and low-slung cellar doors where growers still hand-tend rows of Pinot Noir and Riesling. The air carries a mineral edge—Central Otago’s schist soils and the region’s sharp diurnal swings give the wines a signature clarity you taste in the first sip.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires only short, flat walks between cellar doors
Wildlife
History
Central Otago’s viticulture is comparatively young, growing rapidly since the 1980s when pioneers began planting Pinot Noir on schist terraces left by glaciation.
Conservation
Many boutique producers practice low-intervention viticulture and water-conscious irrigation; visitors are asked to respect organic blocks and avoid trampling vine rows.
Reserve your spot on the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book early for peak season
Tours fill fast in summer and during harvest; reserve at least a few weeks ahead to secure preferred dates and pickup times.
Hydrate between tastings
Drink water between pours and eat the provided lunch to keep palate fatigue at bay and stay comfortable all day.
Check pickup and drop-off
Confirm your exact pickup point in Wanaka when you book—operators usually collect from central accommodations but confirmation avoids delays.
Advise dietary requirements
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, notify the operator at booking so the vineyard restaurant can adapt the gourmet platter and banquet.
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable footwear for uneven vineyard surfaces and short walks around cellars.
Light rain shell
Weather can change quickly in Central Otago—compact rain protection keeps you dry without bulk.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated helps you enjoy multiple tastings and the full day.
summer
Cash or card for purchases
Many small vineyards sell bottles on-site and may accept only limited card payments.