Queenstown is a good starting point for your visit to wine tastings and tours in Central Otago. There are several flights in a day between Wellington and Queenstown. Flights are the simplest and easiest way to get there as it is perfect choice for travelers with limited time. The duration of the flight is 1 hour 30 minutes.

It is easily accessible to get to wine tastings and tours in Central Otago by car from Queenstown, which is a 1-hour road.
However, if your travel starts from Wellington there is a possibility too. It might take a couple of days to get from capital city, as Wellington is separated from the South Island by the Cook Strait. To drive to Queenstown you’ll first need to take the ferry to Picton, at the top of the South Island. Drive from Picton down the east coast, past Kaikoura and Christchurch, and then inland, past Twizel and Tekapo in the Mount Cook district, finally to Queenstown.

Wineries are carefully organized for the visit of guests, focusing on comfort and aesthetics. During your wine tastings and tours in Central Otago well-designed tasting rooms with the view of mountains and lakes will leave you impressed. Under the guidance of a tour, you will be able to get to know about local winemaking history and practices. After the tour, the well-selected wines are combined with seasonal local dishes and snacks.

Here are some wine suggestions you should definitely try during wine tastings in Central Otago:

Pinot Noir – a standout variety with an increasing reputation as the region and its vines evolve. Fruits that are fragrant and lush, with a strong frame, silky feel, and true strength. The sub-regional types vary significantly.
Chardonnay – citrus and mineral characters, tightly structured, delicate and refined; can be constrained when young but reveals great sophistication and beauty as it matures.
Sauvignon Blanc – mineral and gunflint of herbaceousness, with pineapple and passionfruit on top. Crispy structure, soothing acidity, and stony finishes are defining characteristics.

Every season here brings with it a new series of changes: vibrant blossom-filled spring, glorious summer, golden glowed autumn and icy winter. However, summer and autumn are the seasons for full-on outdoor living and fun. It’s the ideal time to try anything from the vast valley floors to the rock tor skyline, and of course to have a wine tastings and tours in Central Otago.

There is much more to do once you fully enjoy wine tastings and tours in Central Otago. You can experience the life of New Zealand’s Early Gold Miners, get charmed by Ophir town of Central Otago, and make sure to visit the City of Alexandra, where the wine and nature meet.

– Cycling on a trail through incredibly beautiful landscapes of Lake Dunstan.
– Get your adrenaline levels up in Highlands Motorsport Park Cromwell.
– Enjoy to the fullest with the home of the Lord of the Rings.

English is the predominant language spoken in New Zealand. However, the Māori language of Indigenous  Māori people is also an official language of the country.

We put together some of  Māori words you might find useful while experiencing wine tastings and tours in Central Otago:

“Wāina” – Wine

“Winiiti” – Winery

“Māra wāina” – Vineyard

“Harikoa!” – Cheers!