Central Otago’s wine country shines brightest in Wanaka, where well-organized tours connect visitors with the region’s best vintages. The most practical options combine transportation with expert guidance – no worrying about driving after tastings.
Two standout experiences deserve special attention: The intimate small-group tours that visit family-owned wineries (perfect for meeting winemakers and understanding local techniques), and the innovative e-bike vineyard tours that let you pedal through stunning landscapes at your own pace.
Both options include generous tastings of Pinot Noir (the local specialty) plus lighter whites, paired with regional cheeses and insights into Māori wine traditions.
Ready to explore Wanaka’s wine scene? Let’s look at the top tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting Ebike Tour offers a 5-star rated, personalized wine exploration experience through scenic vineyards.
- The Classic Wanaka Wine Tour provides an immersive journey through Central Otago’s boutique wineries with a gourmet winery lunch.
- The Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka includes a small-group format, award-winning wines, and a gourmet food and wine pairing.
- Many of the wine tours in Wanaka offer intimate experiences with limited group sizes, as well as opportunities to engage with Māori culture.
- Travelers consistently rate the wine tours in Wanaka highly, with a 99% recommendation rate and 4.9-star average ratings across various experiences.
Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
The Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise provides a tranquil and scenic experience on the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka. Offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, this cruise is an ideal pre-dinner activity.
Departing from the Wanaka waterfront, the cruise accommodates up to 45 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Included in the cruise is a complimentary beverage, be it beer, wine, or a soft drink, along with a delectable cheese board for snacking.
Additional drinks can be purchased for $6 each, and bottled water is provided. While hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, the meeting point at the Wanaka Lakefront is conveniently located.
The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations are possible with options for alternative dates or full refunds.
Feedback from previous guests highlights the relaxing atmosphere, friendly crew, and stunning scenery, though some suggest more commentary on local history and landmarks could enhance the experience.
Read our full review: Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board Review
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Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka
For travelers seeking a unique and immersive wine experience in Wanaka, the Private E-Bike Wine Tour offers a delightful way to explore the region’s renowned vineyards.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 4 reviews, this private tour provides a personalized and eco-friendly adventure, allowing guests to visit multiple wineries while enjoying the stunning scenery of Wanaka.
The tour includes wine tastings at each vineyard, along with alcoholic beverages and bottled water. Guests will also have the use of e-bikes, making the experience both leisurely and enjoyable.
The tour begins and ends at the meeting point, with the guide leading the way and providing insights into the local wine culture.
Priced at $170.90 per person, the Private E-Bike Wine Tour is a great value for travelers who want to discover Wanaka’s vibrant wine scene in a sustainable and memorable way.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, this tour is a flexible and convenient option for wine enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka Review
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Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting
Embarking on the Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting, guests can expect a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and oenological exploration.
Located in the picturesque region of Wanaka, New Zealand, this highly-rated tour boasts a 5-star average across 29 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending the experience.
Priced at $142.90 per person, the tour includes private transportation, the use of an electric bicycle, and a cheese board starter with local wines.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, guests can plan their adventure with peace of mind.
The tour operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with pickup available anywhere within Wanaka.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding pregnant individuals or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Safety is a top priority, with the tour provider ensuring a high level of attention to participants’ well-being throughout the experience.
Whether a wine enthusiast or an outdoor enthusiast, the Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting promises an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting Review
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Classic Wanaka Wine Tour
What makes the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour a standout experience in the picturesque region of Wanaka, New Zealand? This highly-rated tour offers visitors an immersive journey through Central Otago’s renowned wine country. Guests can expect to visit up to six boutique vineyards, sampling the area’s exceptional pinot noirs and other varietals.
Highlights include a gourmet winery lunch and opportunities for scenic photography. The tour’s small group size of up to 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable, local guide.
Convenience is also a key factor, with hotel pickup and drop-off, along with headsets for clear communication during the excursion.
Priced at $216.63 per person, the tour includes GST, lunch, wine tastings, and round-trip transportation. With a 98% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour is an excellent choice for oenophiles and sightseers alike seeking to explore the flavors and landscapes of this magnificent region.
Read our full review: Classic Wanaka Wine Tour Review
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Wine Tour With Wine Tasting From Wanaka
Exploring the renowned wine region of Central Otago, the Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka offers visitors an immersive experience. This afternoon tour takes guests to four boutique wineries, where they can sample award-winning reds and whites in alpine vineyards.
The tour includes gourmet food and wine matching at one of the wineries, providing a delightful pairing for oenophiles.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group tour ensures a personalized experience. Hassle-free hotel transfers and knowledgeable guides, such as Emily and Heidi, add to the enjoyment. Travelers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and friendliness, as well as the overall enjoyment of the vineyard visits.
At $153.76 per person, the tour represents excellent value, with a 4.7 rating from 61 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate. The tour’s flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, further enhances its appeal.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful afternoon, the Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka is a must-try experience.
Read our full review: Wine Tour With Wine Tasting From Wanaka Review
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Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond
Situated among the picturesque scenery of Central Otago, the Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond offers a full-day immersion into the region’s renowned vineyards.
This 5-star rated tour takes travelers to 5 wineries, providing a guided exploration of the area’s distinctive wines. Guests can expect a gourmet lunch platter, live commentary, and personalized interactions with winemakers.
The tour, operated by Living the Dream Tours, accommodates a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and tailored experience. Priced at $191.48 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and all tastings.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, high-quality wines, and overall memorable day. With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is an excellent choice for oenophiles seeking to delve deeper into Wanaka’s vibrant wine culture.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior further adds to the convenience and flexibility of this exceptional wine tasting experience.
Read our full review: Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond Review
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Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
For those with limited time in Wanaka, the Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture offers an efficient yet immersive experience. This small-group tour caps at six participants, ensuring an intimate encounter with Māori culture and the region’s acclaimed wines.
The tour includes convenient pickups from your Wanaka accommodation and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll visit two local wineries for tastings, learning about the winemaking process and the distinctive flavors of the region.
Interwoven throughout the tour is an exploration of Māori history and traditions, providing valuable insights into the indigenous culture.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 52 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must for travelers seeking to make the most of their time in Wanaka. Priced at $85.17 per person, the experience can be easily booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka Review
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Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka
Embarking on the Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka offers visitors a captivating blend of regional wines and immersive cultural experiences.
This highly-rated, half-day tour takes guests to explore local wineries, focusing on popular pinot noir and other varietals. Along the way, travelers will engage with Māori culture, including a live haka performance.
Complementing the wine tastings is a complimentary platter of local produce. With a maximum group size of 6, this intimate tour provides personalized attention.
Transportation is included, ensuring a stress-free experience without the need for a sober driver. Boasting a 99% recommendation rate from 71 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence.
Whether seeking to discover Wanaka’s renowned wines or immerse in Māori traditions, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to do both.
Advance booking is required, with a minimum of 2 travelers per booking.
Read our full review: Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka Review
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The Sum Up
Wanaka offers a variety of wine tours, from scenic cruises to private e-bike adventures. Whether you’re looking to sample local wines or explore the region’s Māori culture, there’s a tour to suit your interests. With options ranging from 1-hour excursions to full-day experiences, visitors can easily find the perfect wine tour to enhance their Wanaka getaway.