Queenstown is a resort town situated in Otago, in New Zealand’s South Island. Nestled on the shores of the magnificently blue Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains, Queenstown is a premier holiday destination. Well renowned for winter sports due to its cool climate and adventure tourism it is also a major center for snow sports on New Zealand. Adventure tourism activities in Queenstown include skiing, jet boarding, bungee jumping and wine tours. In addition, Queenstown hosts an annual International Jazz Festival and has been the proud home of many film locations for Hollywood; critically acclaimed films like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and X-Men Origins: Wolverine have been filmed in Queenstown.
The wine tours are amongst the most popular attractions in Queenstown and as a result, there are varied wine tastings and visits available throughout the year at different wineries which are scattered all around Queenstown and Otago. The Amisfield Wine Company, established in 1999 is one of the top range wineries found in greater Otago. Just fifteen minutes drive from Queenstown, the iconic Amisfield Winery and Bistro offers wonderful views of the Lake Hayes and snow capped mountains as you wine and dine. The Amisfield Wine Company is famous for their Pinot Noir.
Another top class winery found within greater Queenstown. Established in the 1980s by Alan Brady, Gibbston Valley wines have grown to become acclaimed and highly ranked amongst top notch wines in New Zealand. What makes Gibbston Valley special is that the wine tour also offers a tour of the caves in which the wine barrels are kept into the mature. You will be able to sample the cool Single Vineyard wines while tucked in the cozy environment of fine wine in bulky barrels.
As amazing the individual visits to the wineries are, Queenstown offers you an impassable deal. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply an enthusiast, the Queenstown Wine Trail is sure to delight you. Established in 1992/1993 by Lance Benseman and Heather McDonald, the Queenstown Wine Trail has been Queenstown’s original wine tour. The experienced team behind this tour is sure to give you a fun, friendly, informative and above all a highly personalized time in the wineries.
The best part about this wine trail is that all of Queenstown’s top range wineries are included within the tour stops. Gibbston Valley Wines, Amisfield Cellars, Peregrine Winery and Waitiri Creek Wines are the wineries usually included in the tour. There are half day wine tours for enthusiast groups, available starting from 12.30 pm and for smaller groups, private wine tours. Or if you are looking to relax before a day of wine tasting, the Queenstown Wine Trail offers a spa and wine treatment package deal. Indeed, this is an ideal way to relax; what with the tranquil surroundings of Queenstown, the cool and pleasant climate and a day full of sampling the most exquisite wines that New Zealand has to offer. The central Otago region is famous for several types of wines. These include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Undoubtedly, you’d be able to sample all these superb wines on the Queenstown Wine Trail.
Lodging is of no worry in Queenstown. Being a premier destination spot, hospitable hotels are available all year round. For excellent accommodation Queenstown New Zealand comes nowhere close to falling short. If you are in search of a quality hotel Queenstown New Zealand will offer you a myriad of choices, each hotel having luxurious facilities suited to cater to the most demanding traveler. Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown is best suited for your stay in Queenstown because it is only a short drive from all the popular wineries and is situated in the heart of Queenstown.
