Wanaka Food & Wine Tours

A Flavourful Journey Through Central Otago’s Alpine Beauty

Nestled beside the sparkling waters of Lake Wānaka, this South Island gem offers more than epic scenery—it’s a food and wine lover’s dream. Wanaka food and wine tours take you into the heart of Central Otago, where boutique vineyards like Rippon, Bannock Brae Estate, and Swallows Crossing offer tastings of world-class Pinot Noir and vibrant Rieslings. Each tour pairs exquisite wines with gourmet dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients.

These immersive experiences often include stops at olive groves, cheese artisans, and honey farms, giving you a full taste of the region’s richness. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps, you’ll enjoy both flavour and story as winemakers share their craft. It's a feast for the senses that captures the essence of Wanaka’s food and wine culture.

A cheerful group toasts glasses of white wine over a vineyard lunch spread on a sunny afternoon in Wanaka.

Charcuterie board and wine tasting with a group indoors on a Wanaka Wine Tour.

Vibrant autumn colours in the vineyard at Rippon overlooking Lake Wanaka.

A group of guests enjoying wine tasting and a gourmet platter at a boutique winery near Wanaka.

Visitors enjoying wine tasting at Bannock Brae Vineyard with views over Central Otago.

Smiling winemaker pouring wine during a tasting at Swallows Crossing Vineyard near Wanaka.

Locally sourced gourmet platter featuring salmon, mussels, cheese, chutney, and fresh produce at Carrick Vineyard.

Rippon Vineyard with Lake Wanaka and Ruby Island in the background on a sunny day in Central Otago.

A gourmet lunch platter with wine flight served at a boutique winery during a Wanaka Wine Tour.

Guests enjoying a wine tasting under the trees at Wild Earth Wines in Central Otago.

Cyclists crossing Bannockburn Bridge on a scenic trail in Central Otago

Entrance to Carrick Winery with vineyard and café visible on a clear day in Bannockburn

Group enjoying a wine tasting session at Mt Difficulty in Bannockburn, Central Otago

Carrick wine tasting flight overlooking Bannockburn vineyards and lake in Central Otago

Mother and daughter relaxing on bean bags beside lavender plants in Bannockburn winery garden

Three men relaxing at Carrick Winery in Bannockburn with lake and mountain views

Cycle, Sip, and Discover Cromwell to Bannockburn

For those seeking a more active culinary escape, the self-guided Cromwell to Bannockburn Winery Cycle Tour offers a scenic way to explore. Pedal through Old Cromwell Town and past rolling vineyards, stopping in at renowned spots like Carrick, Chard Farm, Rockburn Wines, and Wild Earth for tastings and bites along the way. The region’s warm days and cool nights create ideal growing conditions, producing elegant, aromatic wines.

Whether you're after a guided experience or prefer to explore at your own pace, Wanaka’s tours deliver unforgettable moments. With dramatic landscapes, passionate producers, and bold flavours, this is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding food and wine destinations. It’s where adventure and indulgence come together beautifully.