Central Otago’s cool-climate wines shine in Wanaka’s well-organized wine tours. The basic “Wine Tour with Wine Tasting” efficiently covers 4 vineyards in 4 hours – perfect for no-nonsense visitors who want to maximize their tasting time. Our favorite is the “Classic Wanaka Wine Tour,” hitting 6 small, family-run wineries where you’ll often meet the winemakers themselves. The “Wine Tasting Adventure” strikes a sweet spot with 5 carefully chosen wineries and excellent value for money. For something different, try the e-bike wine tours – they combine scenic rides with tasting stops. Local guides know their stuff, and you can buy bottles at each stop. Keep reading for our detailed ranking of Wanaka’s best wine tours.
Key Points
- The “Wine Tour with Wine Tasting” offers a highly-rated 4-hour tour with visits to 4 vineyards, featuring informative tastings and scenic outdoor dining.
- The Scenic Lake Wanaka Cruise provides a 1-hour boat trip with complimentary drinks and snacks, offering stunning lake views and historical commentary.
- The Classic Wanaka Wine Tour is a small-group tour visiting up to 6 boutique vineyards, focusing on high-altitude wines and including a gourmet winery lunch.
- The “Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka” offers a personalized experience for up to 8 guests, sampling wines from 5 local wineries with a gourmet lunch platter.
- The Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture tour combines wine tastings at 2 wineries with a focus on Māori culture, while the E-Bike Tour Lake Dunstan offers scenic cycling with wine tastings.
Wine Tour With Wine Tasting From Wanaka
While visiting the picturesque town of Wanaka, New Zealand, travelers can embark on a captivating wine tour that offers an immersive experience in the region’s renowned vineyards.
The “Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka” boasts a 4.7-star average rating from 59 reviews, with 93% of travelers recommending the tour. Lasting approximately 4 hours, the tour includes visits to four different vineyards, where guests can enjoy informative tastings and scenic outdoor dining.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can learn about the wine-making process and purchase their favorite bottles to take home, making for a memorable and educational experience.
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Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
Visitors to Wanaka can embark on a captivating 1-hour cruise across the serene Lake Wanaka. The cruise includes complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks, as well as cheese boards and snacks.
With a maximum of 45 travelers, the experience is both intimate and relaxing. Recommended by 90% of past guests, the cruise offers stunning lake views and friendly crew.
While some visitors desired more historical commentary, the overall atmosphere is one of social enjoyment and appreciation for the beautiful surroundings. Guests can choose from a range of drink options and should dress appropriately for the weather conditions during this cruise.
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Classic Wanaka Wine Tour
Travelers to Wanaka can embark on the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour, an immersive day-long exploration of the renowned Central Otago wine region.
This small-group tour takes visitors to up to six boutique vineyards, where they’ll sample a variety of high-altitude wines, including renowned pinot noirs and chardonnays.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a gourmet winery lunch, and a knowledgeable local guide who provides live commentary and headsets for clear communication.
Priced from $199.34 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
With a 4.9 overall rating and 98% of travelers recommending the experience, the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour promises an unforgettable journey through the world’s southernmost wine-making region.
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Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond
For those seeking a more immersive wine tasting experience beyond the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour, the Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond takes visitors on a captivating journey through the acclaimed Central Otago wine region.
Boasting a 5.0 overall rating, this tour offers a maximum of 8 guests the opportunity to sample wines from 5 local wineries, accompanied by a gourmet lunch platter and live commentary from a knowledgeable guide.
With hotel pickup and drop-off options, and a Badge of Excellence from Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour provides an excellent value at €189.22 per person, while allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
Though Wanaka is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, the Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural and viticultural heritage.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of six participants, provides an intimate experience with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transfers, and tastings at two local wineries.
Guests will also learn about Māori culture and history, seeing the fusion of these traditions with the area’s renowned wine production.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and most positive reviews, this tour is an ideal choice for those with limited time in Wanaka seeking an engaging and unforgettable experience.
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Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka
This popular Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka offers visitors a captivating blend of the region’s renowned wine production and rich cultural heritage.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 70 reviews, the tour provides an immersive experience, including visits to three exceptional vineyards for delectable wine tastings and a chance to learn about Māori culture.
Travelers will enjoy an educational and savory journey, with inclusions such as a cheese platter, snacks, and bottled water.
The tour departs from the Wanaka I-Site Visitor Information Centre, with hotel pickup and drop-off available.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or interested in cultural exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the picturesque Wanaka region.
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Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting
Set out on a captivating Ebike Tour Lake Dunstan Wine Tasting, where the picturesque landscapes of Wanaka seamlessly blend with the region’s renowned wine heritage.
This 5.0-rated tour offers private transportation, high-quality e-bikes, and a delectable cheese board featuring local pairings. Costing $148.76 per person, the tour operates daily from 10/13/2023 to 12/22/2025, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates up to 4 travelers, providing a personalized experience. Past guests praised the tour’s professionalism and safety focus, making it a must-try for oenophiles and adventure seekers alike.
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Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Wanaka, New Zealand, the Private E-Bike Wine Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s renowned wine heritage.
With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 4 reviews, this private tour promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy wine tastings at each vineyard, accompanied by complimentary alcoholic beverages and bottled water.
The tour commences at the Wanaka I-Site, where a guide in a WanaHaka branded shirt will lead the way. Participants will cycle through the scenic routes, taking in the breathtaking vistas while discovering the area’s world-class wines.
The tour concludes back at the starting point, providing a convenient and immersive way to explore Wanaka’s vibrant wine culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Participate in the Wine Tours?
While some wine tours may accommodate children, it’s generally recommended that they’re better suited for adults. Many wineries have age restrictions or discourage the participation of minors for safety and enjoyment reasons.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available During the Wine Tastings?
Most wineries offer vegetarian and vegan options during their tastings. Guests should check with the tour operators or wineries in advance to ensure their dietary needs can be accommodated.
Is It Possible to Customize the Wine Tour Itinerary?
Many wine tour operators in the area allow customers to customize their itinerary. Travelers can often request specific wineries, add food pairings, or adjust the duration of the tour to suit their preferences.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Wine Tours?
The cancellation policy varies by tour operator, but most offer flexible options. Customers can typically cancel or modify their bookings up to 24-48 hours in advance without penalty, though some may charge a small fee for last-minute changes.
Are the Wine Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The wine tours are wheelchair accessible, with most providers offering transportation and assistance to ensure a comfortable experience for guests with mobility challenges. It’s best to check with individual tour companies for specific accessibility details.
The Sum Up
Wanaka offers a range of exceptional wine tours, from scenic cruises with wine and cheese to ebike adventures and immersive cultural experiences. Visitors can sample the region’s finest vintages while enjoying stunning natural landscapes and discovering the area’s rich Māori heritage. Whether seeking a leisurely day or an active exploration, Wanaka’s wine tours provide an unforgettable taste of this renowned wine country.