Central Otago winery experiences & wine tours

Odyssey New Zealand is the leading provider of wine and gourmet experiences in New Zealand’s premium wine growing regions Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Queenstown. Named in the World’s Top 3 Tour Operators at the Global Food & Beverage Tourism Awards we have been providing premium wine tours for over decade. Whether an aficionado or a casual imbiber we have a great selection of wine and gourmet products for you to choose from. Odyssey New Zealand was established by Gareth Kelly on Harvest Hawke’s Bay Weekend, February 5th 2005, and has been providing luxury wine and gourmet experiences ever since. With a wealth of premium suppliers to choose from we have put together packages that highlight the very best our regions have to offer.

Whether you’re a passionate wine connoisseur, or you simply like to share a drink with friends, Queenstown Winery Tours delivers fun, flexible and hassle-free wine touring. What sets us apart The difference lies in our passion for quality, personalised and affordable wine touring. We’ll make sure you have a unique experience and visit the best in the district without blowing the budget. ​In the heart of Gibbston lie the wineries that bear the name of New Zealand’s finest winemakers. Take a journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ and discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. In our small group or private tours, take the time to taste, learn and soak in all that the Central Otago wine district has to offer. Our goal is to offer you a bespoke experience, that suits your likings and budget! Wait no more: we invite you to discover the world-famous wines and boutique cellar doors of Central Otago!

Wanaka Wine Tours are a family owned and operated boutique business based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Having been in operation since 2001, we have great relationships with vineyards and wine makers in the famed "Central Otago" wine region of New Zealand. We specialise in small group guided tours, which will take you to the little know vineyards that are consistently producing award winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose. We have half day, full day and 2-hour wine tours available. Having won Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, we feel we know how to ensure our customers always have a fantastic time, and go away with a new found knowledge about this incredible part of the world. If you're wanting fantastic wine, gourmet food, amazing scenery, friendly, knowledgeable guides, and lots of informative banter, you've come to the right company! We look forward to welcoming you.

Akarua has never been in such a strong position as it is today under second generation family leadership of David Skeggs, at the helm of the business, with award winning winemaker Andrew Keenleyside heading the winemaking team. The complete Akarua portfolio now consists of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Rosé, Riesling and Sparkling Wine. Akarua released their Sparkling Wine range in 2011 under the supervision of renowned sparkling wine specialist ‘Tony Jordan’. Since their release, the Akarua Sparkling Wine range has been awarded numerous trophies and awards in both New Zealand and abroad. To celebrate the next generation of the family management of Akarua, a complete overhaul of the Labeling and packaging of Akarua wines has been instigated by David Skeggs. Sir Clifford, David's father, was adamant that any re-branding work still retain the emblematic Alpine Mountain Daisy, Celmisia Semicordata as a symbol that fragile beauty is still achievable in harsh climates such as those in Central Otago. Historically the local New Zealand market has consumed the major portion of Akarua's production but increasing demand from overseas markets has seen healthy growth. This is complemented by Akarua's on-site Cellar Door, which is now even busier with the growing wine tourism trade that has arisen from the region's international recognition. One of Pinot Noir's more telling features is its transparent nature: any fault or failing in the site, climate, farming or winemaking will be painfully obvious in the final wine and no amount of talent or science can make up for what is already lost. Often it is referred to as a "Winemaker's wine" which reflects the complexity in not only growing and making fine Pinot Noir, but the almost cult-like revere and respect the variety garners from its own instigators. The next decade will see the vines of Akarua reach twenty plus years of age, comparative to increased levels of understanding of the site (or terroir) and of course under the helm of strong family leadership.

Carrick is one of the most highly regarded producers of fine wine in Central Otago, crafting small production organically-certified, estate-grown wines from its 24 ha Bannockburn site. First planted in 1994, Carrick has the oldest vines on the Cairnmuir Road side of Bannockburn.  THE setting for our Restaurant and Cellardoor is spectacular - overlooking the Bannockburn Inlet, with the Carrick Range in the background, vineyards to the side and a peek at the barrel room below through glass panels in the floor. The idea of providing an opportunity for people to eat good food with our wine appealed and we are open almost every day for lunch and tastings. Gwen Harvie, our dynamic and talented, head chef, is committed to providing seasonal dishes that incorporate homemade, home grown, locally sourced produce, fish and game. Coupled with the insights and attention from the front-of-house team, the restaurant and cellardoor reflect Central Otago regional cuisine at its best. Carrick produces three collections that highlight the character and diversity of its special position on the headland of the Kawarau River and Bannockburn Inlet. Its reputation is proudly built on the Estate range and in particular the consistently high-quality pinot noir that is produced in the vineyard year after year. The Limited Releases are wines that are particularly special parcels of fruit that receive additional winemaking or time in the cellar. These wines are selected on a vintage by vintage basis and are only made in exceptional years. Discovery wines celebrate lesser-applied winemaking techniques that results in particular expressions or styles of wine.

Rockburn takes its name from the rugged, rock-strewn, burn-scarred landscape of Central Otago. The region is renowned for its stunning scenery of rugged mountains and picturesque lakes. We produce premium wines of intense varietal characteristics in Central Otago, the world’s most southerly grape-growing region. Central Otago, at 45º south, has a climate similar to Burgundy, France, the great Pinot Noir producing region of the world. All our wines exhibit strong varietal characteristics, highlighted in the white varieties by crisp acids, which are typical of the region. It has also become apparent that like Burgundy there are distinct ‘appellations’ within Central Otago. One has only to taste a Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir to experience its perfumed nose, typically violets, and earthy, forest floor sensations on the palate. Compare this with a Lowburn/Bannockburn Pinot Noir with its darker colour and fuller, sweeter fruit. For this reason, to fully exploit the potential of the region, it is a distinct advantage to have vineyards in different ‘appellations’.