Queenstown’s drinking scene combines New Zealand’s finest beverages with stunning alpine backdrops. The standout tours pack authentic experiences into half-day and full-day outings. Our favorite is the Cardrona High Country Pub Trail, where you’ll ride horseback between historic pubs while crossing pristine rivers – it’s a genuine Kiwi adventure that connects you with the region’s gold-rush past.
The Queenstown Ice Bar offers a uniquely frosty setting, while the adults-focused Gin, Wine & Beer Tour showcases the best local producers. For spectacular views with your vintages, the Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour times tastings perfectly with mountain sunsets.
Let’s explore the top drinking tours worth your time in Queenstown:
Key Points
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The Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour offers a highly rated small-group experience visiting local favorites like Canyon Brewing and Broken Heart Gin Distillery.
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The Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour provides a 4-hour experience with a choice between wine or craft beer tastings, accompanied by scenic drives and antipasto platters.
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The Queenstown Beer Tours offer a comprehensive exploration of the local craft beer scene, including 13 beer tastings and a beer-matched lunch.
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The Minus 5° ICE BAR in Queenstown offers a unique icy experience with stunning ice sculptures and cocktails served in ice glasses.
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All tours require valid ID, and reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure a memorable drinking experience in Queenstown.
Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Adventurous)
Often, visitors to Queenstown embark on the Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek, a 3.5-hour adventure that takes them through New Zealand’s rugged wilderness.
With 246 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, the trek explores the countryside with a guide, showcasing historical points of interest and insights into the 19th-century gold rush.
Travelers traverse choppy rivers, enjoy panoramic views, and stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink before returning along the Cardrona River.
The small group size ensures personalized service, and the trek caters to all ages and skill levels, with the guide selecting appropriate horses based on riders’ abilities.
Read our full review: Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Adventurous) Review
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Queenstown: Ice Bar Entry With Warm Winter Gear and Drink
For visitors looking to experience Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife, the Queenstown Ice Bar offers a unique and icy alternative.
Carved from over 25 tonnes of ice, this captivating venue provides a 1-hour immersive experience, complete with a complimentary drink. Guests can explore the spectacular ice sculptures and enjoy the bar’s premium cocktails and mocktails, all while bundled up in luxe winter attire provided on-site.
With a convenient location next to the Skyline Gondola, the Ice Bar is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable and chilling experience in Queenstown.
Reservations are recommended, as this popular attraction is likely to sell out quickly.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Ice Bar Entry With Warm Winter Gear and Drink Review
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Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour | Adults Only
For those looking to experience Queenstown’s vibrant beverage scene, the Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour offers an adults-only adventure.
This small-group tour, limited to 11 guests, is highly recommended by 100% of travelers and boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
Guests can expect to visit local favorites like Canyon Brewing, Broken Heart Gin Distillery, and Ayrburn Winery, enjoying tastings of wine, beer, and gin along the way.
The tour includes transportation, live commentary from a knowledgeable local guide, and gratuities.
Priced from €121.53 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to book in advance.
With its focus on quality over quantity, this tour offers a unique opportunity to savor Queenstown’s finest alcoholic offerings.
Read our full review: Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour | Adults Only Review
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Queenstown: Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour
Queenstown’s vibrant beverage scene offers a wealth of opportunities for oenophiles and hop enthusiasts alike. One premier option is the Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour.
This 4-hour experience whisks participants to three unique locations, including two cellar doors and a brewery. Guests can choose between wine or craft beer tastings, complemented by shared antipasto platters.
The tour travels in a premium Mercedes van, providing scenic drives and onboard entertainment. With a minimum of 3 participants required, this tour is ideal for pre-dinner socializing after a day of Queenstown’s adventurous activities.
Valued at $123.93 per person, the tour’s 4.7/5 rating and free cancellation policy make it a top choice for Queenstown’s drinking excursions.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour Review
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Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour
The Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour offers a unique way to explore the city’s vibrant beer scene.
Over the course of four stops, each lasting an hour, participants can visit locations outside the city center and meet like-minded travelers.
The tour runs Thursday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm, providing maps, discounts, wristbands, and tastings.
Dinner options are also available.
Priced from $51.78 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and a “Reserve Now and Pay Later” option.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on online reviews, this beer tour is an excellent choice for anyone looking to discover Queenstown’s thriving craft beer culture.
Read our full review: Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour Review
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Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl
Set out on a thrilling 4-hour Ice Bar Crawl through Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife scene.
For $22.64 per person, you’ll visit 5 of the town’s best party bars, enjoy 5 free shots and free pizza, and receive drink discounts throughout your stay.
Skip the line with express security check, and participate in games for the chance to win prizes.
With a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 35 reviews, this tour offers great value and an unforgettable experience.
The tour starts at 9:00 PM at The London Bar, and you’ll finish just after midnight, free to continue the party as desired.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl Review
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Queenstown Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour
For those seeking a more refined evening in Queenstown, the Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the region’s finest vineyards and breweries.
Priced from $126.71 per person, this half-day tour takes small groups of up to 14 travelers to three unique cellar doors, where they can choose between wine or beer tastings.
The experience includes shared antipasto platters and a friendly local guide at each location.
With a 97% recommendation rate from 298 travelers, this tour promises memorable experiences, beautiful views, and engaging interactions.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make this tour an accessible and hassle-free way to discover Queenstown’s vibrant drinking scene.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour Review
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Queenstown: Bar Crawl With 5 Free Shots and Pizza
Exploring Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife has never been more enticing with the Bar Crawl With 5 Free Shots and Pizza.
For just $16.98 per person, you’ll visit 5 bars, receive 5 free shots, and enjoy free pizza throughout the night. The 4-hour experience starts at 9 PM at The London Bar, where you’ll get a welcome shot at each venue.
Along the way, you can participate in games for the chance to win local activity prizes. The tour includes free entry into all bars, drink discounts, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
With an overall rating of 4.1/5 from 80 reviews, this bar crawl promises a fun, social atmosphere and great hosts.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Bar Crawl With 5 Free Shots and Pizza Review
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Queenstown Beer Tours
Queenstown Beer Tours offer visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s thriving craft beer scene. With 276 glowing reviews and a 5.0 overall rating, this tour is a must for beer enthusiasts and novices alike.
The tour includes 13 craft beer tastings, a beer-matched lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Led by the friendly and knowledgeable guide Lewis, the experience features informative commentary on local brewing processes and history, along with allotted free time to explore.
The tour accommodates up to 16 travelers, with vegetarian options available. Guests consistently praise the intimate atmosphere, delicious pairings, and the opportunity to discover Queenstown’s vibrant beer culture.
Read our full review: Queenstown Beer Tours Review
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Queenstown: Afternoon Brewery Tour With Lunch
Embarking on the Queenstown: Afternoon Brewery Tour With Lunch provides visitors with an immersive exploration of the region’s thriving craft beer culture.
This 5-hour experience takes guests to 3 local breweries, where they’ll sample 13 different craft beers. Complementing the tastings is an exclusive beer and food-paired lunch, catering to various dietary needs.
At one of the breweries, participants enjoy an interactive tour to learn about the brewing process. Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour offers valuable insights into Queenstown’s beer scene.
With convenient pickup and drop-off options, this small-group experience is praised for its exceptional value, knowledgeable guides, and personalized service.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Afternoon Brewery Tour With Lunch Review
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Queenstown: Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience With Drink Options
The Minus 5° ICE BAR in Queenstown offers visitors an immersive Antarctic experience, providing a unique and chilly respite from the bustling town.
For $28.29, guests can enjoy a one-hour visit, including warm winter gear, two cocktails or mocktails served in ice glasses, and the opportunity to admire the stunning ice sculptures.
While the temperature ranges from -5°C to -10°C, the bar is wheelchair accessible. Visitors must present a valid ID, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 361 reviews, the Minus 5° ICE BAR is a must-visit attraction for those seeking a refreshingly chilly experience in Queenstown.
Read our full review: Queenstown: Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience With Drink Options Review
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Sum Up
Queenstown offers a variety of exciting drinking tours for visitors. From adventurous horse riding treks to cozy ice bar experiences, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re interested in sampling local gin, wine, and beer or embarking on a pub crawl, these tours provide a fun and convenient way to explore Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife. With so many options, travelers can easily find a drinking tour that matches their interests and preferences.