Our Picks For The 7 Best Wine Tours In South Island

South Island of New Zealand is a fantastic place for wine lovers. Its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to rolling vineyards, create a unique terroir that produces some of the world’s best Pinot Noir and other wines. What makes South Island stand out is its blend of small-scale boutique wineries and innovative experiences, such as touring New Zealand’s largest wine cave or tasting legendary Pinot Noir. Among these, the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour offers an immersive underground experience, perfect for those wanting a taste of both history and wine. Meanwhile, the Kinross Winery’s Pinot Noir Tasting is ideal for those wanting to explore the region’s signature grape.

For those seeking an authentic, hands-on experience, the guided cheese and wine pairing tour at Whitestone Cheese combines local cheese making with wine tasting, making it a delightful stop for foodies. With so many options, there’s something for all—from casual visitors to seasoned oenophiles.

Quick Overview

This list covers a variety of wine experiences, from cave tours and premium tastings to classic wine journeys and specialized Pinot Noir tastings. We’ve included tours that range from under 20 dollars to more premium options, offering insights into both region’s history and wine craftsmanship. With options like Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour and Kinross Winery’s Pinot Noir Experience, this guide aims to help you find the perfect fit for your interests and budget.

1. Gibbston Valley Wines – Cave Tour

At number 1, the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour immerses you in New Zealand’s largest wine cave. This 30-minute experience includes a visit inside the cool, 14-degree Celsius cellar, where you’ll taste three of their current releases. The tour starts at the Gibbston Valley Winery, a place famous for its Pinot Noir, planted since 1983, which you’ll see firsthand as your guide shares stories of the region’s early days.

What makes this tour stand out is its unique underground setting, which offers a sense of the history and craftsmanship behind Central Otago wines. The small group size makes it personal and engaging. Reviewers love the informative hosts and the atmosphere inside the cave, often describing it as “the best wine cave experience in New Zealand.” The price is very reasonable at around $17.38 per person, making it an excellent value.

Bottom line: If you want a short, memorable, underground wine experience in a stunning setting, this cave tour is a top pick.

2. Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Coming in at number 2 is the Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting at Kinross Winery. For about $45.93, this 45-minute tour gives you access to some of the finest wines from notable producers like Hawkshead, High Garden, and Valli. The focus here is on high-quality wines and learning about the legends behind the region’s wine industry.

The tour is limited to a small group, ensuring personalized attention. Your guide shares insights into what makes Central Otago’s climate and soil ideal for Pinot Noir and other varietals. The experience is more comprehensive than just tasting, as you get to hear about the region’s pioneering winemakers.

With glowing reviews, this is perfect for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a deeper dive into the region’s wine culture. Its higher price point reflects the premium wines tasted, making it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a more luxurious experience.

Bottom line: For a premium tasting with expert commentary, this tour offers exceptional value for wine connoisseurs.

3. Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Third on our list is the Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting at Kinross Winery, priced at $15.51 and lasting around 45 minutes. This tour is less about exclusivity and more about sharing the region’s best wines with a friendly, engaging team. The Wine Advisors guide you through tastings of wines from several of Kinross’s partners, including Hawkshead and Wild Irishman, giving you a broad sense of the local style.

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those new to wine tasting who want an introduction to the varietals and producers of Central Otago. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the variety of wines offered — perfect for a casual afternoon. The tour ends with a chance to sample the wines in a relaxed setting, making it easy to unwind.

Bottom line: A cost-effective way to sample multiple wines and get a taste of the region’s wine scene without breaking the bank.

4. Guided Tour with Cheese & Wine Pairing

Number 4 combines wine and cheese at Whitestone Cheese Co., offering a 1.5-hour experience for about $21.72. You’ll visit their working cheese factory, observing the art of cheese making, then enjoy a generous tasting platter of local cheeses paired with wines. This tour provides a delicious overview of North Otago’s renowned cheese and wine synergy.

What makes this experience special is its focus on local artisan cheeses and the storytelling behind Whitestone’s craft. The guide shares insights into the geography that influences the cheese’s flavor, complemented by tastings of select wines that match perfectly. Reviewers appreciate the interactive nature and the informative commentary, making it ideal for food lovers.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a more rounded tasting experience that highlights regional food and drink. The price is excellent for the quality and depth of experience offered.

Bottom line: For a taste of North Otago’s cheeses and wines, this tour offers a delightful, educational experience.

5. Kinross Winery: Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Experience

At number 5, the Pinot Noir Tasting Experience at Kinross is a 1-hour tour costing around $27.93. It concentrates specifically on Pinot Noir, the signature grape of Central Otago, from producers like Hawkshead and Valli. During this experience, you’ll learn about the legends who pioneered Pinot Noir in the region and taste a curated selection of their best wines.

What makes this tour stand out is its dedication to Pinot Noir, offering a focused look at the varietal’s nuances and the winemakers’ craft. Guests often comment on the depth of knowledge shared by the guide and the quality of wines, which include some award winners. It’s perfect for enthusiasts eager to expand their understanding of Pinot Noir.

This experience is a good value for serious wine lovers who want an in-depth exploration of this iconic grape. The small group setting ensures a personalized touch.

Bottom line: For Pinot Noir fans, this tour offers a focused, educational tasting that deepens your appreciation of Central Otago’s flagship wine.

6. Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience

Number 6 is the Valli Wine Tasting Experience, priced at $27.93 for about 45 minutes. This tour centers on Valli Wines, known for their exquisitely crafted, award-winning wines. Your Wine Advisor will guide you through their collection, sharing stories about the winemaking process and the region’s terroir.

The Valli wines are particularly noted for their elegance and balance, making this experience ideal for those who appreciate refined, well-crafted wines. Guests frequently praise the personalized service and the quality of the wines. This tour is well-suited for visitors who want a focused look at one of the region’s top producers without the distraction of multiple wineries.

Bottom line: If you’re interested in exploring Valli’s award-winning wines, this experience offers excellent value and insight.

7. Kinross Winery: Wild Irishman Wine Tasting Experience

Finally, the Wild Irishman Wine Tasting at Kinross is a 1-hour experience priced at $45.93. This tour emphasizes the history of the Wild Irishman label and its founder, Alan Brady, offering a blend of storytelling and tasting. The wines are known for their bold character and exceptional quality.

While this tour currently has no reviews, it promises an engaging journey through the legacy of the Wild Irishman wines. It’s perfect for history-minded wine lovers or those interested in the story behind a prominent Central Otago label. The price is on the higher side, reflecting the focus on premium wines and storytelling.

Bottom line: For those interested in the history and character of Wild Irishman wines, this experience offers a personalized look into the brand.

How to Choose

When deciding which wine tour is right for you, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For a quick but immersive underground experience, the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour is perfect. If you’re a Pinot Noir enthusiast, the Kinross Pinot Noir Tasting provides an in-depth focus. For those wanting a food-and-wine pairing, the cheese and wine tour offers a delightful regional flavor.

Budget travelers might prefer the Classic Wine Tasting at Kinross, while serious connoisseurs will appreciate the premium experiences like the Premium Central Otago Tasting.

Booking early is recommended, especially for the premium and limited-capacity tours. Also, consider the best times to visit—spring and early summer tend to offer the most vibrant vineyard scenes.

Final Thoughts

South Island’s wine tours showcase a remarkable diversity—from underground caves to focused tastings of world-class Pinot Noir and award-winning Valli wines. Whether you’re after a quick introduction or an in-depth exploration, there’s a tour suited to your preferences. For a cultural and culinary experience, the cheese and wine pairing is a superb choice. For serious wine enthusiasts, the premium tastings are well worth the splurge.

Remember, these experiences are popular and tend to fill up quickly—so plan ahead and secure your spots early. No matter which tour you choose, South Island’s wine scene promises to deliver memorable tastes and stories that will last far beyond your trip.