Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

Thinking about exploring Queenstown’s scenic landscapes and tasting the region’s renowned wines without the stress of driving? This hop-on hop-off wine tour offers a practical way to enjoy Otago’s vineyards, breweries, and attractions at your own pace. With a reputation for flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and a diverse range of stops, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure.

What we really like about this tour is its ability to tailor the experience to your preferences. Whether you’re eager to sample award-winning wines, explore charming towns like Arrowtown, or indulge in some adventure activities like jet boating or bungy jumping, this tour can be customized. Plus, the bus frequency every 45 minutes means you can plan your day without feeling rushed.

However, there’s one consideration worth noting: the tour runs on a one-way route. This means you need to plan your stops carefully, as you won’t be able to hop back onto the same bus later to revisit a favorite spot. If you’re someone who prefers to hop on and off multiple times and easily revisit places, this might feel a little restrictive.

This experience suits those who want a combination of wine tasting, sightseeing, and flexibility without the hassle of organizing transport or worrying about being the designated driver. It’s ideal for relaxed wine lovers, curious explorers, and anyone who appreciates local charm paired with stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule with buses every 45 minutes, allowing you to customize your day.
• Wide range of stops, including vineyards, breweries, historic towns, and adventure spots.
• Knowledgeable guides who provide engaging commentary and assistance.
• All-inclusive transportation, so you can enjoy tastings without worrying about driving.
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want variety and a relaxed pace.
• One-way route means planning your stops carefully to maximize your experience.

The Experience: A Deep Dive into the Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re considering this tour, you’re probably looking for an easy way to explore Otago’s top spots without the stress of navigating or driving. From start to finish, this tour offers a well-organized, flexible approach to enjoying Queenstown’s wine country and attractions. Let’s walk through what you can expect.

The Itinerary and Stops: What Makes Them Special?

The tour begins at The Station in Queenstown, conveniently located at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. From there, the journey takes you through a well-curated list of stops, each offering something unique.

Shotover Jet Queenstown

Your adventure kicks off with the world-famous jet boat experience on the Shotover River. It’s a 10-minute ride that’s often praised for its thrill and scenery. The fact that the jet boat is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm makes it a flexible option. Reviewers find it a “spectacular way to see the canyons,” making it a memorable start to your day.

Canyon Brewing

Next, you can visit Canyon Brewing, which overlooks the Shotover River. Here, you’ll find award-winning beers brewed on-site—perfect for beer lovers or anyone wanting a relaxed, open-air environment. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm, so plan accordingly. Many guests appreciate the microbrewery’s open setting, feeling it offers a taste of local craftsmanship.

Strike Bowl

If you’re craving some indoor fun, Strike Bowl is a lively seven-lane bowling alley. It’s a great spot for a quick breather or some friendly competition, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included, and it’s open until 10pm daily.

Arrowtown Village

A highlight for many is Arrowtown, a picturesque, historic gold-mining town. It’s a lovely place to stroll, dine, or shop. The Chinese Settlement and Lakes District Museum are popular attractions. Reviewers say Arrowtown is “a wonderful place to relax,” and it’s perfect for a quick exploration or a sit-down lunch.

Wineries and Gin

The tour includes visits to several wineries, such as The Winery in Arrowtown, Rifters’ Tasting Room, and Swiftsure. These stops showcase the region’s best wines, including some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many reviews mention “great wine” and “friendly staff,” with some highlighting the ability to taste over 80 wines at The Winery.

Rifters’ Tasting Room, located in historic Dudleys Cottage, offers handcrafted gin, which many visitors find charming and worthwhile. Meanwhile, Swiftsure Vineyards offers a relaxed bistro setting, perfect for a leisurely sip while soaking in the scenery.

Food and Additional Activities

Several stops, like Ayrburn and Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen, offer dining options, from breakfast to dinner, with wine flights available for tastings. These venues often receive praise for their quality food and friendly service, making this tour more than just wine tasting—it’s a culinary experience.

For those craving adventure, stops like AJ Hackett Bungy provide options for adrenaline junkies. Jumping off Kawarau Bridge is a bucket-list experience, and the tour’s flexible schedule lets you plan your timing if you want to include it.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers consistently mention how comfortable and air-conditioned the vehicle is, which is a welcome relief after days of sightseeing. The tour keeps groups to a maximum of 20 people, often smaller, which fosters a friendly, relaxed vibe. The driver is typically knowledgeable and helpful, offering commentary and assistance.

Many reviews praise the drivers’ helpfulness, with some highlighting particular guides like George, Kerry, or Pete, for their professionalism and local insights. One review even notes that a driver expertly handled a tire blowout, turning it into a memorable part of the day.

Timing and Pacing: What You Need to Know

Each stop generally lasts about an hour, which is sufficient for wine tastings, exploring Arrowtown, or grabbing a bite. Some reviews mention feeling a little rushed, especially if trying to fit in multiple wineries. If you’re a slow sipper or want to spend more time at certain stops, you’ll want to plan your itinerary carefully.

The tour operates on a one-way route, which has its pros and cons. While you won’t be able to hop back onto the same bus, this means you’ll need to select your stops wisely to avoid missing out on your favorites. Many guests find that with some planning, this isn’t an issue, especially since buses come every 45 minutes.

The Cost and Value

At about $51.08 per person, this tour offers a good value, especially considering the convenience of transportation, the range of stops, and the flexibility. Remember, tastings are often waived if you purchase wine, and the bus stores your bottles, so you can continue enjoying your purchases without worry.

The tour also provides discounts and optional activities, adding to its overall value. It’s not just a transport service—it’s a curated experience designed to maximize your day without the stress of planning every detail.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews show a high level of satisfaction, with many giving perfect scores. Travelers love the friendly, helpful guides and the variety of stops—from wineries to breweries, historic towns, and adventure spots. Some mention how the tour is perfect for those wanting to sample many venues without the worry of drinking and driving.

Several reviews highlight that this tour is great for relaxing and enjoying the scenery, with comments like, “a fantastic way to see Arrowtown, Ayrburn, and as many wineries as you like.” Others appreciate the informative commentary and friendly drivers, making the experience more engaging.

On the flip side, some mention the limited time at each stop or feeling a bit rushed, especially if they want to linger longer at certain wineries or towns. That’s a good reminder to prioritize your must-visits and be mindful of the schedule.

The Verdict: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hop-on hop-off wine tour is perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free way to explore Queenstown’s wine country and attractions. If you love tasting wines, exploring charming towns, and adding a dash of adventure, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s especially suitable if you prefer not to worry about driving or organizing a bespoke itinerary—just hop on, choose your stops, and relax.

However, if you’re someone who loves to hop multiple times at the same spot or prefers a very leisurely pace, you might find the one-way system a little limiting. It’s also ideal for those wanting to combine wine tasting with some sightseeing and fun activities, all in one day.

This experience offers a balanced mix of flexibility, scenic beauty, and good company, making it a worthwhile choice for a memorable day in Otago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour itself doesn’t specify family-friendly features, many stops—like Arrowtown and the adventure activities—can be enjoyed by older children. However, activities like bungy jumping are strictly for adults, and the focus on wine tasting makes it more suitable for adults.

Can I customize my stops during the tour?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible. You can select your destinations and plan your timing, as buses run every 45 minutes, giving you the freedom to spend more or less time at each spot.

Are tastings included or do I have to pay extra?
Tastings are generally waived if you purchase wine at the wineries. You can enjoy tastings without additional fees if you buy wine, which many guests find adds excellent value.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts around 5 to 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make and how long you choose to stay at each place.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour keeps groups to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a friendly and personalized experience.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At around $51.08 per person, it’s quite reasonable given the number of stops, the transportation, and the flexibility. Many reviews highlight it as a fantastic way to see Otago’s highlights without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

To sum it up, if you’re after a relaxed, customizable way to explore Queenstown’s wineries, breweries, and attractions—especially if you prefer not to drive—this hop-on hop-off tour hits the right notes. Its combination of scenic stops, friendly guides, and the freedom to craft your own day makes it a standout option for wine lovers and curious explorers alike. Just remember to plan your stops with the route’s one-way system in mind, and you’re set for a memorable Otago adventure.