From Queenstown: Guided Gin Tour with Tastings

From Queenstown: Guided Gin Tour with Tastings — A Practical, Authentic Experience

Imagine spending a relaxing day exploring the distilled spirits of Queenstown, New Zealand. For six hours, you’ll hop between three distinct tasting locations, including a renowned distillery tour, all while enjoying scenic drives through the historic Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown. For $146 per person, this experience offers much more than just sipping gin — it’s an engaging journey into the heart of Kiwi craft spirits, flavored with local stories and stunning views.

What truly stands out for us are two things: first, the personalized nature of the guided tour — our hosts are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their passion. Second, the diversity of taste experiences with locally-produced spirits, each with its unique flavor profile, from aromatic gins to other spirits like vodka or whiskey. The only consideration might be that this tour is centered on spirits, and those who prefer non-alcoholic activities or are under 18 will need to find other ways to enjoy Queenstown’s scenery.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy learning about local craftsmanship, want a relaxed but informative day, and appreciate authentic Kiwi flavors. If you’re a fan of spirits or simply curious about New Zealand’s burgeoning gin scene, this tour offers good value and memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Kiwi Spirits: Sample 13+ locally-made spirits, each bursting with distinct flavors derived from New Zealand botanicals.
• Expert Guided Experience: Learn about the distillation process during a comprehensive tour of Cardrona Distillery.
• Scenic Routes: Enjoy picturesque drives through historic Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown, adding to the experience’s visual appeal.
• Flexible Tasting Options: Besides gin, you can try vodka, whiskey, and wines, depending on your preferences.
• Shared Platters & Cocktails: Savor local flavors with shared snacks at two locations and a gin cocktail upon arrival.
• Convenient Pickup: The tour offers pick-up from select Queenstown hotels, making logistics simple.

An In-Depth Look at the Queenstown Guided Gin Tour

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Involves

This six-hour adventure is designed to cover both tastings and sightseeing, blending the best of Queenstown’s landscape with its craft spirits scene. Your day begins with a friendly pickup from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point, in a comfortable, high-quality vehicle. This is a small-group experience, which enhances the personal touch — you’re not just another face in a crowd.

From there, you’ll head out into the surrounding countryside, where you’ll get a taste of New Zealand’s natural beauty. The scenic drive through Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown isn’t just a backdrop; it’s part of the experience, giving you a sense of the land that inspires Kiwi distillers.

Visiting the Cardrona Distillery

The highlight for many is the visit to the famous Cardrona Distillery. Here, you get a guided tour that walks you through how spirits are made, from the raw botanicals to the final product. Our guide mentioned that many of the spirits use natural Kiwi botanicals, which lend a distinctive flavor to the drinks. The tour is engaging, not overly technical, perfect for curious travelers who want to understand the craft behind the bottle.

You’ll enjoy a gin and tonic upon arrival, setting the tone for the tasting session. The staff is friendly, eager to share stories and fun facts, which keeps the atmosphere lively. The distillery visit is an excellent chance to see small-batch distilling in action, and many reviewers appreciated the personal attention and insightful commentary.

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Tasting at Three Unique Locations

The core of this tour is sampling more than 13 spirits across three locations. Each spot offers a different perspective on New Zealand’s distilling scene. For example, one location might focus solely on gin, highlighting the botanicals unique to Kiwi flora, while others might include whiskey or vodka. You can expect to try these spirits neat, with some locations offering gin and tonics or cocktails as part of the experience.

Sharing platters are included at two stops, which provide a welcome break and help balance the alcohol with some tasty local snacks. These are usually simple but satisfying, emphasizing local ingredients.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides. One reviewer shared, “Ana was an excellent tour guide,” emphasizing how much a good host can elevate an otherwise straightforward tasting. Another raved about guide Lily, describing her as “amazing” and noting how her personality made the day special. Ethan’s approach was also highlighted as “knowledgeable and humorous,” which kept everyone entertained.

The views and scenery also get high marks. Visitors love the chance to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape, with some quoting: “Keep your cameras ready as you visit the historic Cardrona Valley and Arrowtown.”

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour costs $146, which is a fair price considering the comprehensive experience — multiple tastings, distillery tour, scenic drives, and snacks. The duration of six hours offers a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to savor drinks and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The pickup service is convenient, although it’s limited to select hotels, so travelers staying outside the area should plan accordingly. Since it’s a group activity, check the minimum of four participants to ensure the tour runs — if not, they offer alternative dates or a full refund.

Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can typically be accommodated with prior notice, making it accessible for different dietary needs.

The Optional Helicopter Upgrade

For those wanting to splurge, there’s an upgrade to a Helicopter Gin Tour that includes a scenic flight and a mountaintop gin tasting — perfect for those wanting a truly memorable adventure. While this isn’t included, it highlights how flexible and unique the overall gin scene can be in Queenstown.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, travellers who enjoy learning about local craftsmanship, and those seeking scenic drives with a relaxed pace. It’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing and tasting without the need for extensive planning or multiple stops on your own.

If you’re curious about New Zealand botanicals and craft distilling, this tour offers a genuine taste of local industry. It’s also well-suited for small groups, making it perfect for travelers who want a more intimate, personal experience.

The Sum Up

The Queenstown Guided Gin Tour strikes a nice balance between education, entertainment, and scenic enjoyment. The guides’ friendliness, combined with the quality of tastings and the beautiful landscape, makes for a memorable day. It’s especially valuable for those who like to learn about local products while enjoying a leisurely, scenic drive.

While it’s centered on spirits, it’s more than just a tasting; it’s a local story told through flavor, scenery, and conversation. The inclusion of distillery tours and the chance to try a wide array of spirits gives this experience a real sense of authenticity.

If you enjoy craft spirits, scenic drives, or interesting guides, this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for curious travelers, small groups, and anyone who wants to combine a bit of leisure with a taste of Queenstown’s vibrant distilling scene.

FAQ

Can I try spirits other than gin on this tour?
Yes, besides gin, you’ll have the opportunity to try vodka, whiskey, and wines depending on the location and your preferences.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with gluten allergies?
Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can usually be accommodated; it’s best to inform the provider in advance to ensure special dietary needs are met.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including tastings, scenic drives, and distillery visits.

What is included in the price?
The price covers tastings at three locations, shared platters at two spots, a guided distillery tour, a gin cocktail upon arrival, scenic drives through Cardrona and Arrowtown, and transportation in a premium vehicle.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is available from select Queenstown hotels. If your accommodation isn’t included, you should contact the tour provider for a meeting point.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to the alcohol tasting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to upgrade the experience?
There’s an option to upgrade to a Helicopter Gin Tour, which adds scenic flight and mountaintop tastings, perfect for an extra-special day.

This guided gin tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience Queenstown’s local spirits and scenery. It’s a great choice for those who value authentic stories, high-quality tastings, and a relaxed, friendly environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: