4 Best Food Tours In Queenstown (With Reviews & Prices)

Queenstown isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s also a fantastic place to indulge your palate. Surrounded by award-winning vineyards and culinary delights, this New Zealand hotspot offers some of the best food tours in the country. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good meal paired with local wine, Queenstown’s tours promise authentic tastes and memorable scenery. We’ve tested the options and handpicked four standout experiences. Our favorites include a luxury all-day wine and gourmet food tour with private transfers, and a half-day scenic tasting trip perfect for those short on time but eager to sample Otago’s finest. For details on each, keep reading.

Quick Overview

Queenstown’s food tours cover a broad spectrum — from all-inclusive, full-day wine and food journeys to scenic half-day tastings with gourmet lunches. Some focus on luxury and exclusivity, like the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour, which includes private transfers and a gourmet lunch. Others, like the Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!, are shorter but still packed with boutique wineries and delicious local cuisine. Each offers a unique experience tailored to different tastes and schedules.

1. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour

At number 1, this full-day experience is a real treat for lovers of fine wine and gourmet food. The tour covers the Central Otago wine region, renowned for its Pinot Noir, and includes visits to multiple wineries. What makes this tour stand out is its all-inclusive nature — from hotel transfers to a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, everything is taken care of. Guests get to explore Australasia’s largest wine cave at Gibbston Valley Winery, which offers a guided tour through its impressive underground cellars, and enjoy tastings at several vineyards in Bannockburn and Cromwell.

The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour is especially praised for its small-group setting, which ensures personalized attention. The tour also includes a memorable lunch at The Stoaker Room, where regional foods are cooked using retired French oak Pinot Noir wine barrels, perfectly matched with local wines. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides like John, who bring the region’s wine history to life, and the luxurious, hassle-free experience that takes the stress out of wine touring.

Bottom line: If you’re after an in-depth, premium experience that combines scenic drives, boutique wineries, and gourmet cuisine, this tour delivers. It’s best suited for those who appreciate comfort, quality, and a touch of luxury.

2. Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!

Second on our list is the Queenstown Wine & Food Tour, which offers a half-day escape into Otago’s famous wine scene with a focus on scenic beauty and local flavors. For around $154, you get hotel transfers, making logistics easy, and a visit to three boutique wineries, including the renowned Gibbston Valley. The highlight here is the fully hosted tastings, which include Mt Rosa Wines and Kinross, with the latter featuring a delicious a la carte lunch expertly paired with local wines.

Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Claire, who make the experience engaging and relaxed. The tour’s smaller group size allows for personalized attention and plenty of tasting opportunities. The included lunch at Kinross stands out for its high quality—think lamb shanks and fresh seafood—paired with Otago Pinot Noir, making it a perfect midday indulgence.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a compact but rich experience with scenic drives, boutique wineries, and a quality lunch. It’s especially good if you prefer a more relaxed pace but still want to savor Queenstown’s best wines.

3. Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch

Third, the Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour offers a half-day journey through three top boutique wineries with hosted tastings. What makes this tour special is its combination of delicious local wines and a well-curated lunch. The tour emphasizes experiencing Queenstown’s winemaking secrets with a friendly, expert guide who shares insights and the region’s culinary flair.

Guests enjoy visiting three wineries in the Gibbston Valley, soaking in the scenic vineyard views and learning about winemaking in New Zealand. The lunch is an important highlight — a chance to taste regional dishes paired perfectly with Otago wines. The reviews note that the guide’s knowledge and the personalized experience make this a very enjoyable half-day trip, especially for those who want a taste of Queenstown in a relaxed setting.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers with limited time but a desire for quality wine tastings combined with a good meal. It’s a great choice for those wanting a balanced, scenic, and educational experience.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings

Finally, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch offers a full-day exploration of three wine regions. This tour stands out for its comprehensive itinerary, which includes visits to four premium vineyards, tastings at Australasia’s largest wine cave, and a wine-barrel cooked lunch featuring five tasting dishes.

What makes this tour unique is the diversity of experiences — from exploring Old Cromwell town and Arrowtown to enjoying local cheeses and regional specialties. While priced slightly higher, the value is clear: guests get a full day of premium wine and food, guided by experts who share regional secrets. Reviewers highlight the delicious five-dish lunch paired with wines and the opportunity to sample some of New Zealand’s best cool climate wines.

Bottom line: Best for those who want an immersive, all-in day experience with a focus on top wineries, gourmet cuisine, and scenic stops. It’s perfect for serious foodies and wine lovers.

How to Choose the Best Queenstown Food Tour for You

When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you want a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour is hard to beat. For a shorter, scenic tasting, the Queenstown Wine & Food Tour offers excellent value. Those who prefer a balanced mix of scenery, tastings, and a gourmet lunch should choose the third. And if you’re craving a full-day deep dive into wine and regional cuisine, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch is the way to go.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours are popular and fill quickly. Think about your physical comfort too — all tours involve some walking and standing during tastings, so dress accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Queenstown’s food tours offer something for every traveler interested in local wines, regional cuisine, and scenic landscapes. For a luxury experience with all the bells and whistles, the all-day gourmet wine tour is a standout. If your schedule is tighter but you still want a quality tasting experience, the half-day scenic tours with lunch provide excellent value. And for those eager to dive deep into Queenstown’s wine scene, the comprehensive full-day experience delivers a memorable day of indulgence.

Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you’ll secure your spot and enjoy Queenstown’s vibrant culinary scene at its best. Happy tasting!