Where to drink · NEW ZEALAND
Every trip has one free afternoon too few. These 15 new zealand drinks tours justify the slot, priced and timed, so you can decide in minutes and get back to the glass.
Join guides such as Oliver, Glenn, or Melita for a six-hour Waiheke tour capped at 11 people. Visit three different vineyards, enjoy premium tastings and a food pairing, hear island stories, and finish with lunch time in Oneroa. Ferry tickets are not included.
“Loved going to the wineries and learning about each one. They were all unique! Tour guide was great.”
Take the 35-minute ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then visit four or more wineries with a local guide such as David, Justin, Luca, or Sherrie. Tastings are included, while lunch and the ferry cost extra. Expect beautiful views, a relaxed van ride, and a small group of no more than 10 people.
“Such an awesome day on the island! We actually had a guide that’s not regularly with the company since there was a last minute emergency (appreciate the company hunting someone else down for us instead of cancelling!!) and she was amazing! She had so many interesting facts and experiences to share about Waiheke and the other islands around Auckland, as well as just New Zealand in general. All of the wineries we went to were lovely and the place we went to for lunch had great food as well.”
From Queenstown, you’ll visit four Central Otago wineries across Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell, tasting mostly Pinot Noir alongside other cool-climate wines. Guides such as Ben, John, Phil, and Evie add local stories, while a shared platter lunch and hotel transport keep the day easy.
“Awesome experience - not just wine but also a lovely scenery along the way. Good guide. I would only recommend a bit of light music on the way back”
Spend about six hours tasting Central Otago wines at Gibbston Valley Winery, Kinross, Mt Rosa, and Ayrburn. A guide such as Leonie, Do, Lee, or Allegra drives the Mercedes van, shares local stories, and keeps the day moving. Tastings are included, with hotel pickup at selected Queenstown hotels.
“Allegra was an amiable, knowledgeable, informative and positive host who drove us very competently to four winery destinations. The second venue provided a tasty lunch. We found the first two wine tasting stops very appealing along with the forth experience which offered a delightful garden to enjoy.”
Meet your Waiheke guide at Matiatia Wharf for a five-hour tour of three Onetangi Valley vineyards, with tastings, island commentary, transport, and lunch at 372 on Onetangi Beach. Guides such as Nooroa, Karen, Caleb, Rob, and Debbie are known for warm, social hosting.
“Staff involved were very helpful - we arrived early and they arranged transport for us to the village and for us to be picked up there when our tour started. Great flexibility and customer service. The tour guide, Karen, was very friendly and knowledgeable and even managed to quickly adapted our schedule to accommodate the delays in the restaurant where we had lunch.”
Meet your guide at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a six-hour Waiheke wine tour. Visit three or four changing boutique vineyards, taste three to five wines at each, and buy lunch at one stop. Guides such as Michelle and David add island stories and keep the group moving.
“We visited 4 wineries. In terms of the quality of wine one was good ( Postage Stamp ), one was ok (Batch ) and 2 were awful. Whilst called the ‘premium’ tour we were given the ‘standard’ tasing when there was a choice. Batch for lunch was good. Guide (Mish )was pleasant but was still trying to find wineries to go to on the journey.”
Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke, then explore its wine country by air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Victor or Kai. Taste olive oil, visit Batch, Cable Bay, and Mudbrick, enjoy a two-course lunch, and return by ferry.
“The guide was lovely - the island beautiful and lunch was great - the wine tours nice in that the sites were beautiful but the wines chosen were just ok.”
Spend about six hours visiting five Marlborough wineries with a guide such as Gavin, Lynley, Hamish, or Keith. Expect several tastings at each stop, relaxed vineyard time, air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and a lunch break at Saint Clair or another local winery.
“An exceptional day with tour guide Gavin. He was outstanding and really made the day with our family. The tour was comfortable, giving us time when we needed it and unpretentious if you are new to wine. Gavin really made the day with our group!”
Meet Grant at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a six-hour small-group tour of Waiheke Island. After coffee in Oneroa, visit family-run wineries, taste up to 15 handcrafted wines, enjoy food pairings, and see quiet roads, native bush, and coastal views.
“Did a tour with Grant who took us to 3 wonderful vineyards. He also provided nice commentary on the island and its history. A very memorable time.”
Spend 6.5 hours tasting Central Otago wines with a small group of up to 12, including a guided Gibbston Valley cave visit, four vineyard tastings, a five-dish Stoaker Room lunch, cheese pairings, and stops in Cromwell and Arrowtown. Guides may include John, Lindsay, Al, Craig, or Martin.
“Our guide, Al, was fabulous and gave an informative and amusing commentary during our trip. The wine cave at Gibbston was very interesting and the wines were great. The view and setting of the second winery (Te Kano?) were the best. Lunch was huge and very enjoyable, followed by the 4th wine tasting and cheeseboard! You'll see amazing scenery, taste a variety of great quality wines and definitely won't go home hungry.”
Start at noon and let guides such as Andrew, Claire, Angus, or Kiki shape your six-hour wine day. Visit cellar doors across Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, and Arrowtown at an easy pace, adding lunch, cheese, craft beer, gin, or a dinner drop-off at Ayrburn.
“Great driver- Angus! Such a great ambassador for Queenstown, wineries and NZ He organised an outstanding wine experience for us all”
Meet your Ananda Tours guide at Matiatia Wharf for five hours of Waiheke food, wine and scenery. Taste oysters or smoked salmon, olive oil, honey and boutique wines, then enjoy a family-style lunch at Casita Miro before beer or whisky at The Heke. Guides such as Grant, Craig and Nick add local stories.
“Amazing tour, Jessie went out of her way for us after an issue with getting to the venue. On late arrival to the tour, Craig did so much to make us feel at ease and part of the group even though we were late. Thank you, you were both amazing and the tour itself is full of great samples of food and wine. I definitely recommend this to all adults who want a easy and beautiful way to see Waiheke and sample the local delicious foods.”
Join Prinsy’s Tours for a 4 to 5 hour afternoon wine trip from Napier, Hastings, or Havelock North. A local guide such as Amanda, Deidre, Grant, or Jonathan drives a maximum of 11 people to up to four wineries, with tastings, commentary, water, and a cheeseboard included.
“Great choice of wineries. Deidre was very informative. We covered a lot of area geographically which was great because it let us see more of the surrounding area. I liked the number of wineries at four. Any more would be too many.”
Start near Renwick with a comfortable bike, helmet, lock, and a practical wine map. Rory, Roo, or another Explore Marlborough team member can arrange hotel pickup, explain the routes, and point you toward cellar doors, food stops, and winter alternatives. Ride independently between nearby wineries, then return by about 4:30 to 5 PM.
“Had a great day out. The map and information from the guides is handy and allows you to plan your own day out. Would suggest perhaps extra picnic food as many of the venues doesn’t have substantial food at cost effective prices.”
Join a local Kiwi guide such as Nooroa or Caleb for a scenic Waiheke wine tour from Matiatia Wharf. Choose four wineries over five hours, or a four-hour double-decker route with two wineries, onboard tastings, a charcuterie board, Oneroa Village, and a beach walk.
“We had an excellent time on the tour and enjoyed the company of the guide / driver who was called Rob - he was informative.”
Pick a bottle and see where it is poured properly.
