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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 4 days

The 5 Day Queenstown Food & Wine Escape is a four-night self-drive from Queenstown Airport through Wānaka and Central Otago to Glenorchy. Allow about three hours’ driving and three hours at vineyards on the Wānaka day; the full trip takes five days. Published for travel from August 2026 to April 2027, it includes a five-day hybrid SUV, three Queenstown nights, one Glenorchy night, two guided wine tours and selected meals. It suits adults who enjoy wine, regional food and alpine scenery.

What Is Included in the Five Day Queenstown Food & Wine Escape?

Collect your hybrid SUV at Queenstown Airport and spend your first three nights in Queenstown. The vehicle gives you the flexibility to drive across the Crown Range to Wānaka and later travel to Glenorchy. Your fourth night is in a wood-fire heated Cosy Hut at Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, with dinner and breakfast included for two adults.

In Wānaka, visit three boutique vineyards on the Quintessential Wānaka Wine Tour and enjoy a three-course barrel-cooked late lunch. A separate guided Queenstown Gourmet Food & Wine Tour explores Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell, with tastings, a wine cave visit and a five-course lunch. Guided transport is included during the wine tours; a designated driver must remain sober for the self-drive journey back from Wānaka.

Note: All short stay packages can be tailored to suit your travel plans, with included tours and activities exchanged for alternative experiences. Package durations can also be shortened or extended to match your dates, or combined with other short stay packages to create a longer New Zealand itinerary.

How Do You Travel between Queenstown, Wānaka and Glenorchy?

The package begins with vehicle collection at Queenstown Airport, about 7 km from central Queenstown. Day 2 is a roughly 186 km circuit to Wānaka via the Crown Range and back through Cromwell, with approximately three hours of driving in addition to the wine tour. Confirm your Wānaka meeting point when booking, as the standalone tour lists pickup from Wānaka accommodation. Tastings & Lunch NZ

On Day 3, the guided Central Otago tour collects guests from selected Queenstown locations, so you can leave the rental vehicle parked. The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy on Day 4 is approximately 46 km and takes around 50 minutes in normal conditions. On Day 5, allow around an hour to drive from Glenorchy to Queenstown Airport, plus time to refuel, return the vehicle and check in.

Queenstown Food & Wine Escape Inclusions

  • Three nights’ accommodation in Queenstown
  • One night in a wood-fire heated Cosy Hut at Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, with a queen bed, bunk beds and access to nearby shared bathrooms
  • Five-day hybrid intermediate AWD SUV rental, collected and returned at Queenstown Airport
  • Unlimited kilometres, the listed rental insurance cover and roadside assistance
  • Quintessential Wānaka Wine Tour, including tastings at three vineyards and a three-course barrel-cooked late lunch
  • Queenstown Gourmet Food & Wine Tour, including tastings at four locations, a guided Gibbston Valley wine cave visit, a five-course lunch with matching wines and a cheeseboard
  • Dinner for two adults at Base Camp Kitchen
  • Breakfast for two adults at Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp

Queenstown Accommodation Options

  • Bella Vista Queenstown Motel – Queen Studio
  • Heritage Hotel Queenstown – Deluxe Room with Alpine View
  • Heartland Hotel Queenstown – Superior Room
  • Scenic Suites Queenstown – Superior Room

The Glenorchy Cosy Hut is the included fourth night for each Queenstown accommodation choice. Optional experiences and substitutions may change the package price.

Stay Close to the Heart of Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown enjoys an elevated position with impressive views towards Lake Whakatipu and the Southern Alps. Just minutes from central Queenstown, the hotel puts restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and popular attractions within easy walking distance.

Recently refurbished accommodation ranges from modern studios to spacious one- and two-bedroom suites. Contemporary interiors and thoughtful amenities create a comfortable base for couples, families and travellers ready to explore Queenstown.

Superior Studio Room

Newly refurbished Superior Studio Rooms offer a Super King bed or two Double beds, with selected rooms offering mountain or lake views. Enjoy free WiFi, heating and cooling, a large TV, mini-fridge and private outdoor area. A spacious ensuite features a separate bath and shower for added comfort.

Two Bedroom Suite

Newly refurbished Two Bedroom Suites provide generous space for families or friends travelling together, with two separate bedrooms, a spacious lounge and dining area. A full kitchen, European-style laundry and two large ensuites make longer stays easy and comfortable. Selected suites also offer beautiful mountain or lake views, subject to availability.

Spacious Queenstown Accommodation for Every Traveller

Whether visiting for outdoor adventures, a romantic escape or a family holiday, Scenic Suites Queenstown offers the space and flexibility to settle in comfortably. Its choice of studios and self-contained suites makes it easy to find accommodation suited to different travel styles.

After a day exploring Queenstown and its spectacular surroundings, return to modern comforts in a relaxed alpine setting. The convenient location also means the energy and attractions of central Queenstown are only a short walk away.

Alpine Charm and Warm Kiwi Hospitality in Queenstown

Heartland Hotel Queenstown combines distinctive Swiss-style alpine character with a welcoming atmosphere and impressive views across the surrounding mountains and Lake Whakatipu. Set on the hillside above the lakefront, it offers a peaceful retreat within easy walking distance of Queenstown’s lively town centre.

The hotel’s classic A-line chalets blend naturally into the alpine surroundings while offering comfortable accommodation and excellent value. Guests can also relax beside the fireplace in the shared lobby bar or enjoy breakfast and dinner at Peaks Restaurant & Bar.

Superior Studio Room

Newly refurbished Superior Studio Rooms offer modern comfort with flexible bedding options for couples, friends and small families. Each room features individually controlled heating and cooling, a large TV with streaming capabilities, a luxurious bathroom with walk-in shower and a small private balcony. Selected configurations can accommodate up to four guests, making these rooms a versatile choice for a Queenstown stay.

Superior Family Room

Newly refurbished Superior Family Rooms provide extra space and convenience for families, with separate sleeping areas and accommodation for up to four or five guests depending on the room selected. Each features a small kitchenette, WiFi, individually controlled heating and cooling, a large TV with streaming capabilities and access to an outdoor area. Choose from a ground-floor family room with a spacious patio or a family view room offering beautiful mountain and Lake Whakatipu views.

A Convenient Base for Exploring Queenstown

Heartland Hotel Queenstown places guests close to the restaurants, shops, nightlife and attractions of central Queenstown while providing a quieter hillside setting to return to each day. Many rooms also capture beautiful lake or mountain views, adding to the hotel’s relaxed alpine atmosphere.

Linked with neighbouring Scenic Suites Queenstown, the hotel benefits from an adjoining reception area and shared facilities while retaining its own distinctive character. Its combination of convenient location, comfortable accommodation and value makes it a practical base for couples, families and adventure-seekers exploring Queenstown.

Comfortable Motel Accommodation Close to Central Queenstown

Bella Vista Motel Queenstown offers Qualmark 4 Star Plus accommodation in a quiet yet convenient location close to the heart of this vibrant alpine resort. Guests are just a short walk from central Queenstown, the lakefront and the Skyline Gondola, making it easy to explore without relying on a car.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable studios to spacious one, two and three bedroom interconnecting units suited to couples, families and small groups. Complimentary unlimited WiFi and convenient on-site parking add to an easy and relaxed Queenstown stay.

Queen Studio

Queen Studios provide comfortable and practical accommodation with a Queen bed, private ensuite with shower and complimentary unlimited WiFi. A convenient kitchenette includes a microwave, bar fridge, toaster, kettle and kitchen sink for preparing simple meals and refreshments. These well-equipped studios are an ideal choice for couples enjoying anything from a short break to a longer Queenstown stay.

Two Bedroom Interconnecting Family Unit

Two Bedroom Interconnecting Family Units combine a spacious Full-Kitchen Studio and King Studio, providing flexible accommodation for up to five guests. Two bathrooms, two TVs and separate sleeping spaces give families and small groups plenty of room and convenience during their stay. A fully equipped kitchen with oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and dining area makes self-catering easy while enjoying a longer Queenstown holiday.

A Quiet and Convenient Base for Exploring Queenstown

Despite its central location, Bella Vista Motel Queenstown offers a peaceful place to relax after a busy day exploring the region’s spectacular attractions and outdoor adventures. The lakefront and Skyline Gondola are around a 10-minute walk away, with Queenstown’s restaurants, shopping and entertainment also within easy reach.

Queenstown offers something different in every season, from summer adventures and scenic trails to spectacular winter landscapes and nearby ski fields. Bella Vista provides a convenient year-round base for experiencing the region’s alpine scenery, adventure activities, renowned food and Central Otago wine.

Discover the En Suite Huts at Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp

The Cosy Huts offer a warm and character-filled alpine retreat, with a comfortable queen bed, a bunk with two single beds and wood-fire heating for cooler Glenorchy evenings. Guests have access to nearby shared luxury bathrooms, making the huts a comfortable choice for couples and families wanting an authentic Base Camp experience.

After a day exploring Glenorchy's magnificent mountains, rivers and wilderness, return to your Cosy Hut and relax beside the warmth of the wood fire. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Southern Alps, these welcoming huts provide a memorable combination of simple comforts, alpine atmosphere and peaceful high-country surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

Tell us about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy requirements when booking this five-day escape. The Wānaka lunch, Central Otago lunch and Glenorchy dinner are prepared by separate kitchens, so each request needs to be confirmed. The wine tour operator can accommodate many dietary needs with advance notice. Explore the region’s Queenstown food and wine tours.

Ask the cellar doors visited on the Wānaka and Central Otago tours whether they can ship your purchases to Australia. Availability, delivery costs and timeframes vary by winery, so check before buying. If you prefer to carry bottles, pack them securely and check your airline’s baggage rules. See Go New Zealand’s wine shipping advice.

It can. Snow and ice may affect the Day 2 drive from Queenstown to Wānaka, particularly in late winter or early spring. Check road conditions before leaving, arrange snow chains if required and allow extra time. If the Crown Range is unsuitable, ask about travelling via Cromwell and notify the Wānaka tour of any delay. Read the winter driving guidance.

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