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Planning a trip to New Zealand and thinking about doing a winery tour?
With world-famous wine regions like Marlborough and Central Otago, New Zealand is an incredible destination for wine lovers — and one of the best ways to experience it all is on a guided winery tour.
We’ve explored New Zealand on multiple trips, including a campervan road trip through the South Island, and wine tasting has always been one of our favourite ways to slow down and take in the scenery.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best New Zealand winery tours across both the North and South Island — from relaxed day trips to full gourmet experiences — to help you find the right one for your trip.
Is a New Zealand wine tour on your New Zealand bucket list?
🍷 New Zealand Winery Tours – Quick Guide
Planning a wine tour in New Zealand? Here’s a quick snapshot to help you choose the right experience:
- ✔ Best region: Marlborough & Central Otago
- ✔ Best from Queenstown: Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
- ✔ Best from Auckland: Waiheke Island Food & Wine Tour
- ✔ Best experience: Arrowtown to Gibbston Cycle Tour
- ✔ Worth it? Yes — no driving, more tastings, and a relaxed day out
These tours are very popular, so it’s worth booking ahead during peak travel seasons.
New Zealand Wine Regions
The wine industry is booming in NZ! Both the North and South Island of New Zealand have distinct wine regions that are perfect for visiting many wineries in close proximity. Each of these wine regions has its own specialities, so it’s worth doing some research first.
With over 500 wineries in New Zealand, it helps to group them by region.
The vast majority of the NZ wine regions fall along the East coast of New Zealand.
New Zealand has several world-class wine regions, each with its own specialties:
- Marlborough – Sauvignon Blanc
- Central Otago – Pinot Noir
- Hawke’s Bay – Red blends & Chardonnay
- Waiheke Island – Boutique vineyards
👉Most winery tours are based around these regions, making them easy to explore in a single day.
PLANNING A NZ ROAD TRIP?
Our favourite way to explore NZ is by motorhome! Check out Jucy Campervans for a budget option or for extra comfort try Star RV.
New Zealand Winery Tours
New Zealand is renowned for its high-quality wines and the best way to experience this new world wonder is through a New Zealand winery tour.
If you love sampling wines, this is something that should definitely be on your New Zealand bucket list!
Booking a guided winery tour means you can relax, enjoy tastings, and visit multiple vinyards without worrying about transport.
But, you don’t have to take a tour if you have your own transport. Most wineries in New Zealand are open to the public so you can pop in on your way to your next NZ road trip stop!
North Island Winery Tours
The North Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most established wine regions, including Waiheke Island, Auckland, and Hawke’s Bay.
With warmer climates and diverse landscapes, this part of New Zealand produces everything from bold reds to crisp whites — and there are plenty of great winery tours to choose from.
Auckland & Waiheke Island Winery Tours
If you’re based in Auckland, Waiheke Island is one of the best places to experience New Zealand wine.
As New Zealand’s largest city and a popular weekend destination for many visitors, it is always great to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the beautiful scenery nearby on an Auckland day trip. And wineries are just as perfect for those rainy days in Auckland too!
Just a short ferry ride from the city, Waiheke is known for its boutique vineyards, coastal views, and relaxed atmosphere.
Here are some of the best winery tours from Auckland:
Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch
- Fully guided gourmet experience
- Visit multiple vineyards and an olive oil mill
- Includes a platter lunch with local produce
A great option if you want a full-day food and wine experience in a stunning island setting.
👉 Check availability & pricing here
Gourmet Wine & Food Walking Tour (Auckland)
- Small group walking tour through the city
- Visit hidden foodie spots and sample local wines
- Learn about Auckland’s food culture along the way
Perfect if you want a wine experience without leaving the city.
Villa Maria Wine Tour
- Visit one of Auckland’s most well-known wineries
- Guided vineyard tour and wine tasting
- Learn about the winemaking process
A great shorter option if you’re limited on time.
West Auckland Wine, Honey & Black Sand Beach Tour
- Combines wine tasting with scenic coastal stops
- Visit multiple wineries and Muriwai Beach
- Includes local produce tastings
Ideal if you want to mix wine tasting with sightseeing.
Piha & Karekare Rainforest Wine Tour
- Full-day tour exploring West Auckland
- Includes rainforest views, waterfalls, and beaches
- Wine tastings and lunch included
A great all-in-one experience combining nature and wine.
Hawke’s Bay & Napier Winery Tours
If you’re looking to taste some of the best wines in NZ, then head south and check out what Hawkes Bay has on offer. Set within a region abundant with vineyards – it’s easy for anyone to find their new favourite tipple!
Napier is one of the best places to stay if you’re looking to explore the Hawke’s Bay wine region, with several wine tours from Napier available.
Whether you want an intimate wine tasting experience or something more social, here are some great options for Hawke’s Bay wine tours:
Gourmet Lunch & Wine Tour (Napier)
- Visit multiple wineries
- Enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine pairings
- Includes cheese and local produce tastings
👉 Perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, food-focused wine tour.
👉 Check availability & pricing here
Hawkes Bay Wine & Food Tour By Vintage Car
- Travel through vineyards in a vintage car
- Includes wine tastings and local food experiences
- Unique and memorable experience
👉 Great if you want something a little different.
Afternoon Wine Tour With Beer Tasting
- Visit several well-known wineries
- Includes guided tastings and winery tours
- Option to include craft beer
- Cheese tasting included
A flexible option for a shorter afternoon experience.
👉 See availability for your dates
Hawke’s Bay Self-Guided Cycle Wine Tour
- Self-guided bike tour between wineries
- Visit multiple vineyards at your own pace
- Option for shuttle support
- 16km of scenic pathways
👉 Perfect for combining wine tasting with a bit of adventure.
The Best South Island Wineries and Tours
The region is home to five major wine regions in New Zealand: Marlborough, Central Otago, Nelson, North Canterbury and Waitaki.
There are some great New Zealand winery tours in the South Island, including Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley, which has been highly praised for its large-scale wineries and boutique labels.
It is also home to the most famous wine region in New Zealand, Marlborough!
Marlborough is where you will find New Zealand’s largest vineyard, Brancott Wines, formerly known as Montana.
🍷 South Island Winery Tours
The region is home to five major wine regions in New Zealand: Marlborough, Central Otago, Nelson, North Canterbury and Waitaki.
There are some great New Zealand winery tours in the South Island, including Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley, which has been highly praised for its large-scale wineries and boutique labels. Gibbston Valley is also perfect to include in a Queenstown itinerary.
It is also home to the most famous wine region in New Zealand, Marlborough!
Marlborough is where you will find New Zealand’s largest vineyard, Brancott Wines, formerly known as Montana.
Marlborough Winery Tours
Marlborough is New Zealand’s most recognised wine region, especially famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Most tours are based around Blenheim or Picton and offer a mix of vineyard visits, tastings, and scenic experiences.
3-Course Lunch & Wine Pairing at Cloudy Bay
- Premium dining experience at one of NZ’s most famous wineries
- 3-course seasonal lunch with matched wines
- Stunning vineyard views
A great option if you want a relaxed, high-end wine experience without a full-day tour.
👉 Check availability & pricing here
Full-Day Wine & Seafood Tour with Cruise
- Visit multiple wineries in Marlborough
- Enjoy a seafood lunch by the water
- Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds
One of the best all-in-one experiences combining wine, food, and scenery.
👉 This popular tour often books out in peak season — check availability here
Marlborough Wines and Aviation Day Tour
- Visit boutique wineries and meet local winemakers
- Sample seasonal produce and local delicacies
- Small group experience
- Learn about aviation for a unique tour
Perfect if you want a more personalised and intimate wine tour.
Marlborough Wine, Gourmet and Scenic Tour
- Visit up to five cellar doors
- Flexible itinerary based on group preferences
- Ideal for shorter stays
A great option if you’re short on time but still want to experience the region.
Christchurch & North Canterbury Wine Tours
Christchurch is a great base for exploring nearby wine regions like Waipara and North Canterbury.
Christchurch is a great city for families to visit, with plenty of fun things to do in Christchurch, and that includes taking a winery tour from Christchurch! This is a great way to get out of the city for some fresh air and explore one of NZ’s most productive wine regions.
Here are some of the best Christchurch wine tours that depart from the city:
Waipara Wine Trail Tour from Christchurch
- Visit four boutique wineries
- Guided tastings of local wines
- Half-day experience
Perfect for a relaxed introduction to the region without a full-day commitment.
👉 Check availability & pricing here
Hanmer Springs Wine & Hot Pools Day Tour
- Wine tastings at multiple vineyards
- Visit Hanmer Springs thermal pools
- Private guided experience
A great option if you want to combine wine tasting with a relaxing spa experience.
Queenstown & Central Otago Winery Tours
Queenstown is one of the best places in New Zealand for winery tours, with easy access to the Central Otago wine region.
If you are looking to start your wine tours from Queenstown, there are plenty of tour options available, plus options for wine tasting right in the heart of Queenstown itself.
Queenstown is the perfect place to stay for Central Otago wine tours and Gibbston Valley, home to some of New Zealand’s finest wineries so it’s sure to make your Queenstown activities list.
The area has a distinct mountainous terrain. Tourists flock here to sample award-winning Pinot Noir, plus it takes you through some of the most beautiful South Island landscapes.
The Winery (Queenstown Tasting Experience)
- Sample wines from across New Zealand in one location
- Self-guided tasting with a charge card system
- Located in Queenstown town centre
- Second location in Arrowtown
A fun and flexible option if you don’t want to commit to a full tour. This is a great quick option if you’re only in Queenstown for a short time.
You are given a card, like at an arcade, and there are wine and whiskey dispensers. You pay at the end. They also do gin flights. We’ve been here both times we’ve been to Queenstown.
It’s also a great option if you’re avoiding the rainy weather outdoors and don’t want to venture far from town.
Self-Guided Winery Bike Tour
- Cycle between wineries at your own pace
- Scenic route through Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley
- Shuttle support available
Perfect if you want a more active and flexible wine tasting experience. Our extended family did this on our most recent visit to Queenstown, and it was a lovely experience. Expect to miss a few wineries when visiting with kids.
👉 Check availability & pricing here
Gourmet Food & Wine Tour with Lunch
- Visit multiple premium vineyards
- Includes gourmet lunch and wine tastings
- Explore Gibbston Valley and surrounding areas
One of the best full-day wine tours from Queenstown.
Otago Small Group Wine Tour & Wine Cave
- Visit boutique wineries in Gibbston Valley
- Taste up to 20 wines
- Explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave
Ideal if you want a premium small-group experience.
Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour (Queenstown)
- Flexible, self-paced wine tasting
- Access to 18 stops across the region
- Budget-friendly option
Great if you want full control over your day without driving.
Visiting New Zealand Wineries With Kids
While winery tours might sound like a grown-up activity, you can absolutely still enjoy them when travelling with kids — it just takes a little extra planning.
New Zealand is a very family-friendly destination, and many wineries welcome children, especially those with on-site restaurants, outdoor spaces, or relaxed cellar door experiences.
That said, guided winery tours aren’t always the best fit for families, since you’re typically paying per person and kids won’t be participating in tastings.
We’ve found that these options tend to work best with kids:
- Self-guided winery visits so you can go at your own pace
- Winery tours that include other activities like sightseeing or food stops
- Bike tours or scenic tours that keep things more interactive
It’s also worth checking ahead for things like:
- kids menus or food options
- outdoor space to run around
- non-alcoholic drinks available
👉 If you’re travelling with younger kids, a flexible or self-paced option is usually the easiest way to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
That said, if you’re travelling with older kids or teens, many guided tours can still be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Is a wine tour in New Zealand on your NZ bucket list?
Now before you go, drop a comment below and tell us what your favourite type of wine is.
Check out these resources for planning your New Zealand trip:
