Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Bannockburn – departing Queenstown

If you’re heading to Queenstown and craving a full day immersed in the world of New Zealand’s famous Central Otago wines, this hop-on hop-off tour offers a fantastic way to explore at your own pace. For $78.12 per person, you get around 8 hours of flexible sightseeing that includes more than 20 stops in Bannockburn, Cromwell, and Gibbston Valley—regions renowned for their exceptional Pinot Noir, scenic vineyards, and local food experiences.

What we love about this tour is the freedom it offers—you can hop off at any winery, brewery, or attraction that catches your eye, stay as long as you want, and hop back on when you’re ready. Plus, with knowledgeable guides, a free map, and a stress-free transport option that stores your wine purchases, it’s a practical yet immersive way to spend a day in wine country.

The main consideration? Since the tour is designed to be flexible, it requires some planning to maximize your visits, especially at places that are currently closed for winter or require booking. But for those who prefer a relaxed, unstructured experience, this can be a real highlight.

This tour suits travelers who love wine, good food, and scenic landscapes, and who appreciate the chance to customize their day without the pressure of a fixed schedule. It’s particularly ideal if you’re traveling in a group or want to combine wine tasting with a bit of adventure and local culture.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows you to hop on and off at over 20 stops, making each day unique.
• Great for wine lovers with a focus on Pinot Noir, white wines, and boutique wineries.
• Includes transport with a stress-free feature of wine storage on the bus.
• Guides and maps help you navigate the region confidently.
• Variety of stops from wineries and breweries to adventure activities and historic sites.
• Winter closures may affect some stops, so check opening hours in advance.

A Detailed Look at What Makes This Tour Special

The Value of Flexibility and Comfort

For many of us, touring wine regions often means booking guided tours with set schedules and limited freedom. This hop-on hop-off approach flips that idea on its head. For $78.12, you’re paying for a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that ferries you around the region, but the real value lies in your ability to choose where to spend your time. Want to linger at Misha’s Vineyard and savor their Pinot Noir? Or perhaps you’re more inclined to explore the Cromwell Heritage Precinct? The choice is yours.

The bus departs from outside Marmolada Café at 9:50 am, giving you a leisurely start. The tour’s 8-hour window is long enough to visit numerous stops without feeling rushed, especially given the stop-and-stay-as-long-as-you-want philosophy. Plus, the wine is stored on the bus as you shop, removing the hassle of lugging bottles around, which is a real bonus.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Encounter

The tour covers a wide swath of Central Otago’s highlights, beginning in Queenstown and winding through a tapestry of historic towns, scenic vineyards, and adventure hotspots.

Start Point at 43 Camp Street: Conveniently located outside Marmolada Café, this is where your day begins with the promise of exploring “over 20 stops.” The friendly, knowledgeable guides—whose enthusiasm for the region is apparent—will help you plan your day or suggest popular routes.

Oxbow Adventure Co: For adrenaline junkies, this stop offers Jet Sprint Boats, Off-Roaders, and Clay Bird Shooting. Located between Gibbston Valley and Cromwell Gorge, it’s an unexpected but exciting addition to a wine-focused day. It’s perfect if you want to balance tasting with some high-octane fun.

Goldfields Mining Centre: A nod to the region’s gold rush past, this stop offers history and hands-on gold panning. Open from 9 am or 10 am depending on the season, it allows you to connect with the area’s roots—an educational and fun break from wine tasting.

Jones Family Fruit Stall: Currently closed for winter, this charming spot promises self-made fruit ports, ice-cream, and local wines. When open, it’s a delightful detour into local produce.

Highlands Motorsport Park: For fans of speed, this might seem out of place, but it’s a world-class motorsport facility with experiences, a café, and a museum. It’s worth a quick visit if you’re into cars or want a change of pace.

Cromwell Heritage Precinct: A walk through this historic area reveals buildings from the 1860s, art spaces, and cafes—an ideal place to soak in local history and grab a coffee or snack.

Wine Stops and Tastings: The core of the trip is the world-renowned wineries. From the Misha’s Vineyard tasting room overlooking Lake Dunstan to Wild Earth Wines, known for award-winning Pinot Noir, each spot offers a chance to taste some of New Zealand’s best wines. Tasting fees are often waived if you buy bottles, making it a good opportunity for a souvenir or two.

Gastronomic Delights: Stops like The Stoaker Room promise more than just wine—here, you can enjoy barrel cuisine and a 5-course banquet paired with local wines, a real highlight for foodies.

Additional Stops: Other vineyards like Wooing Tree Cellar Door and River Rock Estate provide relaxed atmospheres with beautiful views, while Black Rabbit Café offers good food with daily specials, perfect for a casual lunch.

The Overall Experience: Pros and Cons

The main advantage of this tour is its flexibility. You decide how long to linger at each stop, whether to sample wines, explore attractions, or simply enjoy the scenery. The guided commentary adds local knowledge, making it more than just a bus ride.

However, a potential drawback is that since some stops are closed in winter or require bookings, your options might be limited on the day. It’s wise to check the current opening hours beforehand. Also, since the tour is not a guided winery tour, you won’t get in-depth tasting notes or behind-the-scenes access—so if that’s what you want, a more structured wine tour might suit you better.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts who enjoy exploring at their own pace. It’s also perfect for groups or couples who want flexibility and variety, as well as for those combining wine tasting with some light adventure or history. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a structured, all-included experience or those who prefer guided tours with fixed schedules.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible way to sample some of New Zealand’s top wines, this hop-on hop-off tour fits the bill perfectly. Its wide range of stops—from historic sites to boutique wineries—gives you a genuine taste of Central Otago’s charm. The freedom to set your own pace makes it especially appealing for those who want to avoid rigid schedules and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors.

For wine lovers eager to taste a broad spectrum of local varieties, the wine tastings and beautiful vineyard views will be the highlights. Adventure seekers will appreciate the nearby adrenaline activities like jet sprinting and off-road racing. And those interested in local history or food will find plenty of opportunities to discover Cromwell’s heritage and enjoy delicious regional fare.

This tour offers real value—a chance to experience the region’s best at your own pace, with comfortable transport and friendly guidance. It’s particularly well-suited for independent travelers, couples, or small groups eager to craft their perfect day in Central Otago’s wine country.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, especially since stops include wineries, historic sites, and attractions that appeal to a wide range of ages. However, some activities, like jet sprinting or off-road adventures, may have age or health restrictions.

Are alcoholic beverages included in the tour price?
No, alcohol is not included in the price. You’ll have opportunities to taste wines at various stops, and you’re responsible for purchasing your own drinks.

Can I bring my own wine bottles on the bus?
Yes, the bus storage allows you to store wines you purchase during the day, making it easy to buy bottles from multiple wineries without worry.

What is the maximum group size?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, most travelers find the tour comfortably accommodating, and the bus setup supports a relaxed experience.

Are there any stops that are closed during winter?
Yes, some stops like Jones Family Fruit Stall, Pinot Junction, and Desert Heart are closed during winter months. It’s recommended to check current opening hours before booking.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. However, there are excellent dining options at some stops, such as The Stoaker Room and Black Rabbit Café.

How much time should I allocate for each stop?
That depends on your interests. Since you’re free to hop on and off at your own pace, you can spend as little or as much time as you like—typically, a quick tasting or visit might take 30 minutes, while a leisurely lunch or longer tasting could be an hour or more.

This flexible, wine-centric tour from Queenstown offers a genuine way to experience Central Otago’s acclaimed vineyards, historic sites, and scenic landscapes—all tailored to your pace. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or a curious traveler, it’s a smart choice for enjoying New Zealand’s renowned wine country with ease.