From Queenstown: Guided Gin Tour with Tastings

Traveling through New Zealand’s South Island often means breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, but if you’re a fan of spirits, especially gin, this tour offers a delightful twist. While we haven’t personally taken this specific excursion, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-balanced mix of tasting, sightseeing, and learning—perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet engaging day around Queenstown and Central Otago.

What makes this gin tour stand out? First, the chance to try over 13 local spirits, highlighting New Zealand’s innovative distilling scene. Second, the inclusion of a visit to the iconic Cardrona Distillery, complete with a guided tour. Lastly, the scenic drives through historic towns and valleys add a visual feast that complements the tasting experience. However, a potential consideration is the 6-hour duration, which might be lengthy for some travelers, especially those with tight schedules. Still, if you enjoy a leisurely day discovering local flavors and sights, this tour is likely a good fit—especially for lovers of spirits, scenery, and good company.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting: Sample 13+ spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, and local wines.
• Scenic Journey: Enjoy picturesque drives through Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown.
• Expert Guide: Learn about the distillation process from friendly, knowledgeable hosts.
• Distillery Tour: Visit the renowned Cardrona Distillery for an inside look.
• Shared Platters & Cocktails: Relish local food pairings and a gin cocktail upon arrival.
• Flexible & Inclusive: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available; other dietary needs can often be accommodated.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This guided gin tour is designed for those who appreciate good spirits, scenic landscapes, and engaging stories behind the craft. Starting from your Queenstown accommodation, you’ll be greeted by a friendly guide who will chauffeur you in a comfortable, premium vehicle around some of the most scenic parts of South Island. The tour lasts about six hours, during which you’ll explore three different locations—each offering a distinct tasting experience—plus a detailed look at how some of New Zealand’s award-winning spirits are made.

The day kicks off with a gin and tonic to set the mood, followed by visits to carefully curated distillation spots, including the famous Cardrona Distillery. At each stop, you can expect to be led through tastings of spirits derived from locally-brewed botanicals, highlighting the natural flavors of New Zealand.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup & Introduction

The tour begins with pickup from designated hotel locations around Queenstown, making it easy for travelers to start without extra fuss. The guide’s role is to offer a friendly welcome and provide context on what to expect. As reviews highlight, guides like Ethan or Lily bring a mix of humor and knowledge, making the trip more engaging.

Scenic Drives & Sightseeing

The journey takes you through charming towns like Arrowtown and historic valleys like Cardrona. Expect to see stunning landscapes—rolling hills, historic buildings, and lush greenery—that make the drive itself a highlight. As one reviewer noted, “Keep your camera ready for incredible views,” and it’s true: the landscape complements the tasting experience beautifully.

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Distillery Visit: Cardrona

A core part of the tour is the visit to Cardrona Distillery, where you get an inside look at the craft of spirit making. The distillery tour is both informative and engaging, with staff sharing stories about the distillation process and the unique qualities of their spirits. The tasting room offers an intimate setting, and you’ll be offered a gin cocktail on arrival. One reviewer mentioned, “Ethan’s knowledge and humor made the visit memorable,” which shows how lively and personable the experience can be.

Tastings at Three Locations

You’ll visit three distinct tasting venues, each with its own character and specialties. Expect to sample a variety of spirits, with the flexibility to try other types like vodka or whiskey if desired. For those who prefer less gin, the guide can help you explore other options to balance your drinks.

Food & Refreshments

At two of the stops, shared platters are served, giving you a taste of local flavors and a chance to unwind with fellow travelers. These food pairings enhance the tasting experience, helping to balance the spirits’ flavors.

Ending & Drop-off

After a full day of exploring, tasting, and sightseeing, your guide will return you to your Queenstown accommodation. The tour offers a relaxed way to round off a day filled with new tastes and stunning scenery.

The Value of the Tour

For $146 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines education, scenery, and tastings. The inclusion of a distillery tour, three tastings, shared platters, and scenic drives creates a well-rounded package. Compared to standalone tastings or self-guided visits, the guided approach offers convenience and expert commentary that elevates the experience.

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. Holly, Lily, and Ethan are mentioned as especially engaging hosts who make the day memorable. The tour’s flexible approach to dietary needs, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, adds to its appeal.

Why It’s Worth It

• The quality of tastings and variety of spirits ensure a memorable tasting journey.
• The scenic drives through historic towns and valleys are a visual highlight.
• The distillery tour offers behind-the-scenes insights not available to casual visitors.
• The comfortable transport and pickup service make logistics hassle-free.
• The shared platters add a social element and a taste of local cuisine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for spirits enthusiasts wanting to learn more about New Zealand’s craft distilling scene. It’s also suitable for culture and scenery lovers who want to combine tasting with sightseeing. The tour’s relaxed pace suits those who prefer a laid-back, conversational environment over fast-paced adventures. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, given the focus on alcohol.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Duration: Expect a full six-hour experience, so plan accordingly.
• Price: At $146, the tour offers good value considering the three tastings, distillery visit, and scenic drives.
• Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available; communicate your needs in advance.
• Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility if your plans change.
• Upgrades: An optional Helicopter Gin Tour is available, starting with a scenic flight and unique mountaintop tasting—perfect for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many spirits will I taste?
You’ll sample over 13 local spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, and wine, across three different locations.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be guided in a premium vehicle with pickup from select hotels around Queenstown.

Can I customize my drinks?
While the tour focuses on gin, you can try other spirits like vodka or whiskey if you prefer, with guidance from the hosts.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, these dietary requirements can be accommodated, and the tour hosts will do their best to cater to other needs.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, making it suitable for travelers with a full day available.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults over 18, as it involves alcohol tastings.

What if I want to do the helicopter upgrade?
The helicopter option starts with a scenic flight and mountaintop gin tasting, offering a more exclusive and adventurous experience.

Final Thoughts

This guided gin tour from Queenstown offers a carefully curated blend of spirits tasting, scenic sightseeing, and local storytelling. The combination of expert guides, stunning landscapes, and authentic New Zealand spirits makes it a strong choice for those wanting a relaxed, informative day. Its value lies in the quality of tastings, the behind-the-scenes distillery visit, and the chance to explore the beautiful Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown.

Ideal for spirits lovers, culture seekers, and anyone eager to experience a different facet of Queenstown beyond adrenaline-filled adventures, this tour provides a memorable taste of Otago’s craft spirit scene. Just be prepared for a full, leisurely day—and an enjoyable one at that.

You can check availability for your dates here: