Guided Tour with Cheese & Wine Pairing

If you’re traveling through the South Island of New Zealand and have a soft spot for cheese and good wine, this guided tour with cheese and wine pairing promises a delightful glimpse behind the scenes of a working artisan cheese factory. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that combines education, taste, and scenic views—all in a cozy, small-group setting.

What we love about this tour is how it expertly balances informative storytelling with delicious tasting opportunities. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, which makes learning about cheese-making engaging rather than dry. Plus, the cheese platter paired with local wines offers a real treat for the senses. One possible consideration is the relatively short duration of 1.5 hours, so if you’re craving a deep dive into cheese production, this might feel more like a taste-test than an exhaustive workshop.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy authentic food experiences, have a curiosity for local produce, and appreciate small, intimate groups. If you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply looking for a flavorful, relaxing morning, this tour hits the spot.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into cheese-making at a real working factory
• Tastings of Whitestone’s award-winning cheeses paired with boutique wines
• Small group size (max 8) for a more personalized experience
• Knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories and detailed explanations
• Beautiful views of North Otago, the region’s secret ingredient for delicious cheese
• Convenient 1.5-hour duration, ideal for fitting into a day’s itinerary

Exploring the Whitestone Cheese Factory & Tasting Tour

An Introduction to the Experience

This tour offers a chance to get behind the scenes at Whitestone Cheese Co., a well-established artisan cheese producer in Oamaru. It’s aimed at those who love cheese, curious about the process of cheese-making, and want to sample some of New Zealand’s finest dairy products paired with local wines. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, all the reviews point to a well-organized, friendly, and tasty journey that’s worth considering.

Why This Tour Works

We’re drawn to moments that combine learning and tasting, and this experience delivers just that. The guided walk through the factory provides insights into how Whitestone’s cheeses are crafted—viewing from specially designed platforms, you’ll see the machinery and craftsmanship up close. The tasting platter, featuring soft white, semi-soft, and blue cheeses, is thoughtfully matched with three boutique wines, giving a well-rounded palate experience.

Price and Value

At just $21.72 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the generous tasting platter and three wine samples included. Compared to similar food and drink tours, the price feels reasonable, and the small group size likely enhances the overall experience—no long lines or crowded tasting bars here.

The Location and Convenience

Starting at 469 Thames Highway in Oamaru, the tour kicks off at 10:00 am. The inclusion of a mobile ticket makes booking straightforward, and the tour concludes back at the starting point. The limited group size of up to 8 travelers ensures personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciated.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Whitestone Cheese Co. Factory Tour

This is the heart of the experience. The tour guides are praised for their extensive knowledge about Whitestone’s history and cheese-making process. Jim, the guide mentioned in reviews, is highlighted for his engaging storytelling—adding personality to the educational component.

You’ll observe different parts of the factory from viewing platforms, which helps keep the experience interactive and transparent. It’s a real benefit that the factory is a working operation, so you see real cheese-making in action, not just a static display.

Cheese and Wine Tasting

The climax is the sampling session featuring Whitestone’s award-winning cheeses: from soft white varieties to bold blue cheeses. Each cheese is carefully paired with a local wine, allowing you to appreciate how flavors complement each other. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality of the cheeses and the selection of wines, describing the platter as “delicious” and the pairing as “perfect.”

Additional Inclusions

• Snacks Tasting Platter: Offers a variety of cheeses, giving a broad taste of Whitestone’s range.
• Three Boutique Wines: A selection carefully matched to enhance the cheeses.
• Goodie Bag: Though not specified in detail, it’s a nice touch to take some cheese home.

Note: Alcohol is only served to those 18 and over, and the tour emphasizes responsible enjoyment.

What the Reviews Reveal

Consistent praise from visitors highlights the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the delicious cheeses. One reviewer noted, “Jim is very knowledgeable about the Whitestone cheese family and the cheese making process,” emphasizing the personal touch. Another appreciated the air-conditioned environment during a warm day, showing that comfort matters.

The small group size made the experience feel intimate, and many appreciated the visual access to the factory. The cheese and wine pairing has been described as “what could be better,” with reviewers happily indulging in the tasting platter and local wines.

A common theme in reviews is how accessible the experience is—there’s wheelchair access, although some steps require assistance. Most visitors found the activity suitable for a wide range of travelers, including those with limited mobility.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Book in advance (average 38 days ahead) to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• The tour is around 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity.
• Arrive on time at the meeting point—starting at 10:00 am sharp.
• Avoid high heels or stilettos, as the factory tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces.
• If you have accessibility needs, contact the supplier beforehand to arrange assistance.
• Remember, no photography during the factory tour, so enjoy the moment.
• While the tour is suitable for most travelers, those who find climbing stairs challenging should consider this.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for cheese aficionados, food lovers, or anyone interested in local New Zealand produce. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, small-group activity that combines education with delicious tasting. It also works well for those looking for a relaxing, flavorful morning that offers insight into regional specialties.

If you enjoy pairing cheeses with wines and are curious about how artisan cheeses are made, this tour will leave you satisfied and maybe even inspired to try more cheese tastings back home.

Final Words: Is it Worth It?

Absolutely. For just over $20, you get a guided tour, viewing of a working cheese factory, and a generous tasting session that highlights some of New Zealand’s best cheeses and wines. The intimate size, friendly guides, and authentic process make it a memorable experience for those who love good food and want to understand more about what goes into the cheese on their plate.

It’s a well-priced, authentic peek into New Zealand’s dairy industry that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re a dedicated cheese lover or just enjoy a good tasting, this experience offers genuine value and a taste of the region’s best.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is mainly designed for adults, children who are comfortable with small group settings and are supervised should be fine. However, alcohol is only served to those 18 and over.

Are there any dietary restrictions to be aware of?
The tour focuses on cheese and wine. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the supplier beforehand, but the standard offering is cheese and wine pairings.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is centrally located in Oamaru, where many accommodations are nearby.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, the facility has wheelchair accessibility, but you may need assistance to navigate some areas with steps.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
You can enjoy the cheese tasting regardless of alcohol consumption, but the wine pairing is optional and only available for those of age.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just a curiosity for cheese and wine. Wear comfortable shoes and arrive a little early to start on time.

This Whitestone Cheese Factory tour offers a tasty, authentic peek into New Zealand’s dairy craftsmanship, with an intimate atmosphere and engaging guides. Perfect for a relaxed morning or early afternoon activity, it’s an experience that will appeal to foodies and wine lovers alike.