South Island New Zealand winery experiences & private wine tours

This popular wine tasting tour introduces you to the two Nelson wine growing regions which, though adjoining, even overlapping in places, are distinctly different. The Waimea Plains, ‘River Garden’ in Maori, just to the South of Richmond is an alluvial plain with stony soils, lying under an open sky ensuring long summer days, tempered with sea breezes flowing in from Tasman Bay, which bounds one edge of the Plains. This is ideal for aromatic wines, making them vibrant with strong fruit flavours. The main varieties grown here tend to be Chardonnay, Pinot and Sauvignon. Meanwhile, just to the west of the Plains the ground rises to the gently rolling Moutere Hills region, with its weathered gravels from ancient river systems, mixed with clay. This region is renowned for the richness and texture of its wines, usually more complicated in flavour than those from the Plains. In addition to the aromatics grown on the Plains, growers in the Hills also grow Riesling, Tempranillo and other varieties.

Depart Nelson at 10:30 for McCashin’s Brewery, in time for the 11:00 daily (weekdays only) 40 minute brewery tour (closed toe shoes essential for entry), before sampling some of their ales, all included in McCashin’s $25 entry fee. Then on to the Eddyline brewery, founded by a young American couple from Colorado who have already established micro-breweries there and in Texas, to try some of their very different, US influenced brews. Stop for lunch at New Zealand’s oldest pub, The Moutere Inn, for one hour. Visit Mapua Wharf and sample Golden Bear beer at their brewery (if open), or drop[ in at the Sprig & Fern to sample some of their great beers. Explore the converted apple sheds now home to a rich variety of artisan shops and cafes.  

The two Nelson wine growing regions, though adjoining, even overlapping in places, are distinctly different and you will have the opportunity to taste the difference. Unlike many of the  of Marlborough region vineyards, the vineyards of the Nelson region are still family owned and managed, thus reflecting their owners’ passion to produce the best possible wines from their vines. This passion is reflected in the variety of wines produced and the many awards the region holds. This exclusive and personal tour takes you to some of the very best cellar doors in the region, chosen for the wine tasting experience they share with guests as well as their wine. We are usually able to include one or two cellars that only open by special request. The Waimea Plains, ‘River Garden’ in Maori, just to the South of Richmond is an alluvial plain with stony soils, lying under an open sky ensuring long summer days, tempered with sea breezes flowing in from Tasman Bay, which bounds one edge of the Plains. This is ideal for aromatic wines, making them vibrant with strong fruit flavours. The main varieties grown here tend to be Chardonnay, Pinot and Sauvignon.

The Monteith's Brewery tour starts out in the Beertopia Room which houses our very own Monteith's Museum. Here you'll get an introduction into the heritage and rich stories of the origins of Monteith's, starting in 1868 right here on the West Coast. You'll then move into the brewery to see, touch, taste (if you're up for it) and smell the New Zealand grown ingredients we use to make our range of craft beers here in our state of the art, modern brewery.  Take your time to walk through the brew house and packaging house as your expert guide talks you through the process involved with crafting our 150 year old beer recipes as well as the modern additions. You will receive video, visual and verbal prompts throughout the tour to help you to understand the various techniques and technical terms our brewers are so familiar with.  You will no doubt by this point be ready to taste the delicious range of beers and ciders right at the source. Good news for you - your tour will finish with a lesson on how to achieve the 'perfect pour'. For those over 18, you'll pour yourself your very own tap beer from our 'Brewers Table' to enjoy. For the $25NZD brewery tour, your package includes a West Coast Passport full of vouchers and discounts to enjoy including 20% off vouchers to the key activities on the West Coast including Franz Josef Glacier Guides and Hot Pools, West Coast Scenic Water Tours, Shanty Town Heritage Park, West Coast Wildlife Centre and Treetop Walks.  With the passport you will also get you three tap beers (200ml) at our modern bar, as well as a complimentary beverage at various Monteith's Brewery bars, and a number of discount offers in our retail shop so you can take something home to remember your visit to our brewery establishment here in Greymouth.  The 'Beer Free' Tour excludes the Passport of vouchers for beers and discounts, and this is suitable for participants under the age of 18 or who do not wish to consume beer. Participants 5-12 years of age are $10 and Infants (under 5 years of age) are free.  Don't miss out on your very own Personalised Monteith's beer bottle, with your name on it (or the name of that friend or family member you want to give a special surprise). Add this to any package for only $10NZD (RRP $15NZD).  

1/2 day wine tour without lunch lasting about 4 hours. We will pick you up from your accommodation about 1pm*. Visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. Enjoy the various varieties of grapes and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.    Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. We have flexible tours and not one of our tours are the same. You have the opportunity to request a winery or varieties of grapes that you would like to taste. We take on board all our guests’ requests to try and satisfy them all. All standard tasting fees are included in the price of the tour. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. * Pickup time will vary depending on where you are staying. 

1/2 day wine tour with lunch lasting about 5 hours. Start with a beautiful winery lunch** and tasting then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.  Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. * Pickup time will vary depending on where you are staying.  ** Lunch cost is not included in this tour to allow you to choose what you like. Main courses are between $20 and $30

For those guests who want to have day long experience tasting wines from around the region. We pick you up from your accommodation about 9.30am. We visit 2 or 3 wineries in the morning and then stop for a winery lunch**. After lunch taste their wines and then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. Enjoy the various grape varieties that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.  Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. You have the opportunity to request a winery or grape varieties that you would like to taste. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. ** Lunch cost is not included in this tour to allow you to choose what you like. Main courses are between $20 and $30

4.5 to 5 hour wine tour designed especially for cruise ship passengers arriving in Picton with times to fit the ship schedule. Most of these tours will stop for lunch* at a winery and visit approximately 4 wineries as well as the Makana chocolate factory.  Enjoy the scenery during the 1/2 hour drive from Picton to the Wairau Valley. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. All standard tasting charges are included in this tour. A great way to spend your day in Marlborough. * Lunch cost is not included in this tour to allow you to choose what you like. Main courses are between $20 and $30

Enjoy a private wine tour in our Mercedes for between 4 and 7 hours (maximum of 4 guests). You can choose the length of the tour and work with your guide to define your itinerary with the opportunity to visit appointment only wineries. No working to a group tour schedule, achieve what you are looking for. The pickup time can be flexible during the day to suit your requirements. All the wineries in the Wairau valley are within 5-10 minutes of each other. If you don't know the region and would like to have an idea of tours may we suggest; The big players; Visit Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, Wither Hills and have lunch at the Brancott Heritage Centre with lovely views over the Brancott and Wairau Valleys. Organic wineries tour; Visit Clos Henri (small French owned winery with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir), Te Whare Ra (taste Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir) , Fromm (a whole range of Pinot Noir wines as well as Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, Lunch at Rock Ferry (Bubbles, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo) also the possibility to visit Huia and Hans Herzog. Tasting fees and Lunch is extra to the hourly charge. Lunch main courses are usually between $20 and $30. Tasting fees at most wineries are $5 each with the exception of Cloudy Bay and Hans Herzog who have different options and prices.

1/2 day wine tour without lunch lasting about 4 hours. We will pick you up from your accommodation about 1pm*. Visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. Enjoy the various varieties of grapes and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.    Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. We have flexible tours and not one of our tours are the same. You have the opportunity to request a winery or varieties of grapes that you would like to taste. We take on board all our guests’ requests to try and satisfy them all. All standard tasting fees are included in the price of the tour. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. * Pickup time will vary depending on where you are staying. Blenheim or Renwick approx 1pm

1/2 day wine tour with lunch lasting about 5 hours. Start with a beautiful winery lunch** and tasting then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.  Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. * Pickup time will vary depending on where you are staying. Blenheim or Renwick approx 12pm,  ** Lunch cost is not included in this tour to allow you to choose what you like. Main courses are between $20 and $30

For those guests who want to have day long experience tasting wines from around the region. We pick you up from your accommodation about 10am*. We visit 2 or 3 wineries in the morning and then stop for a winery lunch**. After lunch taste their wines and then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. Enjoy the various grape varieties that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.  Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. You have the opportunity to request a winery or grape varieties that you would like to taste. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process. * Pickup time will vary depending on where you are staying. Blenheim or Renwick approx 10am ** Lunch cost is not included in this tour to allow you to choose what you like. Main courses are between $20 and $30

Savour some of Central Otago’s internationally acclaimed wine and food on this fabulous odyssey. Relax where art meets science in one of the world’s most scenic wine regions. Match premium wines with superb local produce at one of the region’s top winery restaurants. Platters include local produce such as cheese, meats, seafood, breads, dips & more. Wine tasting at a minimum of four wineries chosen from Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn Gourmet platter at top winery restaurant (approximately 3:45pm) Sightseeing with fully guided commentary including the historic Kawarau Gorge, home of the world’s first Bungy jump Learn how wine evolves from the vine to the glass

A fabulous half day full of wine tasting, sightseeing, and adventure in this youthful and exciting wine region. Learning about wine can be fun when you get amongst the vines and discover how the wine evolves from the vine to the glass.   • Wine tasting at 4 awesome wineries • A cross-section of wineries chosen from Gibbston Valley, Cromwell or Bannockburn • Pizza and Pinot (or craft beer) later in the afternoon • A wine history of Central Otago and New Zealand

You will be in awe of the natural surroundings whilst savouring absolutely world class wines. The half day trip starts in the morning at  about 10.30am (depending on your pick up location). We will visit 3 to 4  different wineries. At one winery we will have the opportunity to order a light or gourmet lunch while tasting wine.  As we travel along the Waimea Plains and into the Hills of Upper Moutere you have the opportunity to see the best of Tasman's outstanding scenery. Your tour guide will  provide you with information on the local history within the area. All wine tastings are included, lunch at your own cost.  A lot of sunshine, river stones from riverbeds, good soil with clay and creativity: This is Tasman's and Nelson's secret mix for creating unique artisan wines. The region's reputation says it produces some of New Zealand best Chardonnay and aromatics. Learn from our guides at this Winery Tour about the regions Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,  Riesling, Pinot Noir and other varieties. Tasman area wines are sold around the world. Boutique family-owned wineries craft exquisite wines from the hills to the plains.

INCLUDES: One wine tasting or other local drink DEPARTURE: according to demand DURATION: 4 hours can be extended to full day trip FITNESS LEVEL: has to be discussed WALKING TIME: flexible PICK-UP :At your accommodation in Nelson, Mapua or Motueka This is a personalized half day or day trip with a guide with a lot of local knowledge. Your guide is an experienced traveller, who lives locally and enjoys to deliver a personalized fun experience in our area. Tell us what you would like to do or Tell us about your interest and we create a trip for you or Choose some some blocks of our other tours: - Wine tasting - Food tasting, visiting good local restaurants or cafes  -Beer tasting - Beach stops - Stops at historical places - Stops at local towns or harbours - Abel Tasman National Park - Short walks in a National Park or in our area - Takaka with Waikoropupu Springs - Golden Bay with Wharariki Beach, Farewell Spit, Waikoropupu Springs (only available on full day trip)

Our Tour Guide will pick you up at your accommodation at around 7.30am. The walk starts in Marahau at about 8.45am before all Watertaxi services enter the park. We will follow  the Coast Track to Tinline Bay for about 30 minutes. Here  we turn off the main track and climb up the hill climbing steadily away from the coast and then steeply through regenerating forest. Later we will have stunning views over the coastline.  After about  2 h ½ hours Holyoake Clearing is reached, where there is a shelter and a camping area, where we can have lunch. Later we climb down to Anchorage Bay (1 ½ hours) to  one of our favourite Abel Tasman beaches with golden sand. You can have a swim, a stroll along the beach or another short walk to Cleopatra's Pool is possible.  Plenty of time to enjoy the area before we head back with a Sea Shuttle to Marahau.  You will be back in Motueka at about 4.30pm.  Fitness Level 4 At times challenging tramping track Can include uneven track surfaces and river crossings For hiker who look for a challenge Very good fitness required  Altitude gains up to 600m A day pack has to be carried Walks up to 6 hours

The wild northwestern coast of the South Island is the perfect place for a day adventure.Number one on every to do list of Golden Bay is Wharariki Beach.Not far behind is  Farewell Spit, a 26 km long arm of fine golden sand which is the country's longest sandspit. Golden Bay is nestled into the South Island's north-west corner. A chain of steep and rugged mountains cuts its fertile river plains and valleys from the rest of the island. We will stop at Te Waikoropupu Springs, the largest resurgence in the Southern Hemisphere.  ‘Pupu Springs' is a colourful little lake refreshed with around 14,000L of water per second surging from underground vents. It is a sacred Maori place.There will definitely be time to explore alternative  livestyler town Takaka. Takaka is full of character.  Enjoy outstanding cafes and an interesting choice of shops and art galleries. If you do not want to miss out and are ready to come with us on a long day trip in our comfortable bus, book soon. Our day trip begins at 8.30am from the information centre in Motueka or at 7.3 am from the Bus Depot in Nelson.  You can get a pick up from your accommodation or close to your accommodation. We try to orientate our trip on the tide in Wharakiki Beach. Our order of how we do the trip may change. We will first drive over the Takaka hill (791m)  On the way we pass dramatic lookouts over Tasman Bay,  Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay. We will have a stop at Te Waikoropupu Springs, the largest freshwater springs Australasia and reputedly the clearest in the world. We will have a stop at Farewell Spit Cafe (The cafe is open during summer season). You will be able to take in the stunning views over Farewell Spit. At low tide  you will be able to walk the length of the 1km long beach at Wharariki Beach (15 min. away from Farewell Spit). At high tide you walk over farmland first. The walk over farmland is stunning. You arrive at the most amazing beach, sand dunes and huge rock formations. If you are lucky you might see seals. In Takaka - halfway on our trip from Motueka to Wharariki Beach - there is time for shopping and cafes. Driving time for the whole day, starting from Motueka, is about 5 hours in total. Walking time on the beach is about 1 hour, partly though sand. This part of the West Coast can be very windy. Please be prepared for a walk with a lot of wind on the beach.

Whats on offer Pickup 9.30(Picton) 10-10.15 am (Blenheim).  Finish 4.30 pm - 5 pm Free pick up from your accommodation in Blenheim/ Renwick. (For Picton there is an additional NZ$40 Picton Transfer)  Sample wine straight from the tank. Get insights from your winemaker/tour guide. Capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. Taste world famous, and boutique wines of Marlborough. 40 Cellar doors to choose from the tour may include Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, Saint Clair Visit 4-6 Wineries but tailor your tour to include visits to local breweries or the chocolate factory…  All tasting fees included in the tour.

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special!  You decide the start and finish time of the tour. Visit only your favourite wineries.  Get behind the scenes. Focus on boutique, or organic wineries, breweries, combine wine and food, eat at Marlborough’s finest… anything is possible with a private tour. This option is recommended for families with children under the age of 12.  We can visit wineries more suited to young families, to keep everyone happy. If you are arriving on a cruise ship to Picton we can arrange a tour that works around your ship’s schedule. Private tours can be arranged on request.  Please contact us for a quote if you have more than 4 guests.  Tour can cater for large corporate or sports team groups.

Private, flexible, relaxed wine touring. With a minimum of two people, you can secure a private vehicle and a personal driver-guide and create your own adventure in the vines. Or get some friends together and indulge in an unforgettable afternoon of scenery, wine and good company. ​Queenstown Winery Tours is a family-friendly wine tour company, so children are more than welcome to join our excursions and we will definitely help to keep them busy so that you can enjoy your tastings! We reccomend booking a private wine tour for your family, but we also know that sometimes parents could use a little downtime. If you’d like to leave your little ones with a babysitter, we can arrange a qualified carer for the day. Find out more about babysitting services: Babysitting Queenstown Duration:            approx. from 11pm-5pm (allow 5-6 hours) Includes:            Visiting 4 cellar doors;                            Tasting of up to 20 of the best of Central Otago wines in all the wineries visited;                            Return transfers to and from your Queenstown accommodation;                            Complimentary bottled water;                            Professional commentary;                            Sightseeing in the heart of the Central Otago wine region;                            Professional photos.

The accent is on leisure as you immerse yourself into the flavours and  sights of this vineyard paradise. We’ll take you to the little places  that are quietly making a big name for themselves with their dedication  to produce the best possible wine. Here you’ll get up close and personal with the vineyard owners and wine makers. This tour is an unhurried amble through up to six of the regions finest, pausing only to admire the ever-present  views. Savour the unique atmosphere of the arts, crafts and history of  Old Cromwell Town and enjoy the indulgence of an award-winning gourmet platter lunch, made from local fresh produce.

Discover some of Wanaka and Central Otago’s wonderful vineyards and scenery, while meeting some of the numerous characters that produce these gorgeous, award winning wines. We’ll take you to the little gems that are quietly making a big name for themselves with their dedication to produce the best possible wine. Here you’ll get up close and personal with the vineyard owners and wine makers.

Don’t want to spend the whole day tastings delicious hand crafted wine? … but a half day…Yes!! Maybe you don’t like sharing your experience with others (apart from your best mates) If this is the case, then this tour is perfect for you. Spend half your day experiencing some of Wanaka and Central Otago’s amazing Boutique family owned vineyards. Your knowledgeable, friendly wine guide will talk you through these delicious wines and food, while also entertaining you with numerous stories and anecdotes.

This exclusive tour is perfect for those who want to be able to dictate timings and choice of vineyards within the world famous, Central Otago wine region. Have a penchant for Pinot Noir? Or perhaps a crisp off-dry Riesling is more your thing. Let us know and we’ll plan this tour accordingly. Central Otago is full of amazing Boutique family owned vineyards that produce exquisite, vibrant wines that have to be tasted to be believed. Many of these are not generally open to the public, but come with us and experience the magic that lies behind the cellar door.

A tasting flight of 4 organic White Wines: Bannockburn Pinot Blanc, The Electric No1, Bannockburn Chardonnay, Cairnmuir Terraces EBM Chardonnay Booking requests need to be made 48hrs in advance. Please don't consider your booking is confirmed until you receive your booking confirmed email.

A tasting flight of 4 organic Pinot Noir: Billet-Doux, The Magnetic, Bannockburn Pinot Noir, The Excelsior Booking requests need to be made 48hrs in advance. Please don't consider your booking is confirmed until you receive your booking confirmed email.

Guided tour through our organic vineyard and winery with a tasting of 4 wines from our Estate Range. Booking requests need to be made 48hrs in advance. Please don't consider your booking is confirmed until you receive your booking confirmed email.

This immersive communal experience hosted by one of our passionate wine professional includes a stroll through the wonderful gardens, an introduction our organic Estate vineyard, an unveiling of the wine production and a journey to the holy grail - the barrel hall and ageing cellar. This unique tour culminates with a tasting of our iconic, Estate-grown wines. Highly recommended for fun-loving novice wine buffs, as well as the accomplished wine aficionado. Booking requests need to be made 48hrs in advance. Please don't consider your booking is confirmed until you receive your booking confirmed email.