Surrounded by mountains and set beside the Kawarau River, Gibbston is Queenstown’s closest wine-growing area and part of the wider Central Otago wine region.
Fondly known as the 'Valley of the Vines', the Gibbston area of Queenstown is one of the most scenic wine growing areas in New Zealand. Around 25 minutes from central Queenstown, the valley is known for pinot noir, cellar doors, winery dining and scenic cycling trails.
Vineyards are sandwiched between rugged mountains and the rocky Kawarau River gorge. This high altitude area is subject to cold winters, hot dry summers and a huge night-to-day temperature range. These challenging conditions have led to consistently superb wines, worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards.
More than 70% of the grapes grown here are pinot noir. Other varieties include chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc.
Whether you prefer a hosted tasting experience or the flexibility of travelling independently, there are several ways to explore the wineries around Queenstown and Gibbston.
Join a guided wine tour
A guided wine tour takes care of transport and introduces you to several cellar doors in one trip. Options range from small-group day tours to private itineraries, with some including vineyard visits, wine education, lunch or food pairings.
Take a winery shuttle
Shuttle services(opens in new window) run several times a day from central Queenstown to Gibbston Valley Winery. Hop On Hop Off and Wine Hopper also offer flexible services that let you visit multiple wineries at your own pace.
Check the timetable and participating wineries before choosing your stops, as services and routes may vary.
Explore by car
Travelling by car lets you combine wineries with nearby places such as Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and the Kawarau Suspension Bridge. Decide on your route before leaving, allow time between bookings and always nominate a driver who will not be drinking.
Stay among the vines
For a slower wine-country experience, stay overnight in Gibbston. Vineyard cottages and boutique accommodation allow you to enjoy the valley after day visitors have returned to Queenstown.
Cycling is one of the most scenic ways to explore Gibbston. Beginning near the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, the Gibbston River Wine Trail(opens in new window) follows the Kawarau River through vineyards and past several cellar doors. It also connects with the wider Queenstown Trail network and routes towards Arrowtown and Queenstown.
Hire a standard bike or e-bike for a shorter ride through the valley, or begin farther away for a longer day trip. Some operators offer bike hire, transport and return shuttles, allowing you to ride in one direction.
During April burnt orange and copper leaves line the streets of Arrowtown and the historic gold mining town comes alive with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival(opens in new window).
Bring a picnic blanket and sit back and relax with a local pinot noir at Pie, Pint and Pinot(opens in new window) which is held at the festival each year.
