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Food and Wine in Central Otago

Join ‘The Wine Man’ Peter Bourne on a gourmet expedition through the fertile valleys and soaring peaks of New Zealand’s Central Otago region to sample some of the country’s most exciting new wines and produce.

Enjoy exclusive access to vineyards and cellar doors that have become famous for their cool-climate wines and outstanding cuisine, and be guided through private tastings as you meet the winemakers and producers that call this area home. Alpine valleys, crystal-clear lakes and quartz-rich soil have given Central Otago a unique terroir which produces world-renowned pinot noir and exceptional cool-climate wines.

Relish in sumptuous meals at award-winning restaurants in Queenstown, Wanaka and Bannockburn and take in breathtaking views as you traverse the unique scenery and historic goldmining towns from Central Otago’s pioneering past.

At a Glance

  • Spend four nights in beautiful Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
  • Explore a specially curated selection of Central Otago’s most innovative and acclaimed wineries and meet the winemakers
  • Enjoy some of the best culinary experiences in New Zealand, with meals at Bistro Gentil, Botswana Butchery and Amisfield Bistro
  • Travel through the country’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes

Tour Leader

Peter Bourne

Destination

Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown

Dates

15–19 October 2021 (5 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Spend four nights in beautiful Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
  • Explore a specially curated selection of Central Otago’s most innovative and acclaimed wineries and meet the winemakers
  • Enjoy some of the best culinary experiences in New Zealand, with meals at Bistro Gentil, Botswana Butchery and Amisfield Bistro
  • Travel through the country’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 15 October 2021 / Depart Australia/ New Zealand – Arrive Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown on suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including flights, a private hotel transfer and a room category upgrade.

Tour arrangements commence at 17:00 with a welcome briefing by your tour leader, Peter Bourne, followed by a guided wine tasting at the hotel with legendary New Zealand winemaker Grant Morgan of Valli Estate.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with Peter and your fellow travellers at one of Queenstown’s famed dining establishments.

(D)

Sat 16 Oct / Queenstown (Wanaka)

This morning, travel to the historic goldmining town of Cromwell for a tasting at Quartz Reef Winery. Named for the large quartz deposit that lies beneath the winery and infuses its vines with rich minerals, Quartz Reef was built on the site of Bendigo Station. Here two-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year Rudi Bauer has quickly established the winery’s reputation for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines and cool-climate varietals inspired by his Austrian upbringing.

Continue to the shores of Lake Wanaka for a tasting and lunch at Maude Wines. This small, family-owned winery produces handcrafted wines from a single vineyard, which complement the French-inspired cuisine at their Bistro Gentil restaurant. Taste the Dineen family’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir as you enjoy a sumptuous meal from chef Mario Rodrigues, who fuses traditional European cuisine with local New Zealand produce.

After lunch, venture to the outskirts of Wanaka to Rippon Winery, whose vines look out across the lake to Mount Alta in the distance. Rippon’s microclimate is greatly enhanced by its proximity to the Southern Alps, which shield the estate from heavy rainfall. Alongside their mature vine pinot noir, the winery also grows some unusual European varieties such as gamay and gewürztraminer. Enjoy a tasting at Rippon as you take in the scenery of Ruby Island and Lake Wanaka before returning to Queenstown in the late afternoon.

The evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy some of Queenstown’s culinary offerings.

(BL)

Sun 17 Oct / Queenstown (Arrowtown)

 Enjoy views of Lake Hayes this morning en route to the charming settlement of Arrowtown on the banks of the Arrow River. Home to a well-preserved 19th century main street and beautifully restored shopfronts and cottages, Arrowtown was first established during the height of the Otago gold rush in 1868. Relish in a private cheese tasting before enjoying time at leisure to wander Arrowtown’s lively Sunday farmers markets.

Transfer to the rustic Amisfield Bistro and Cellar door, designed by Christchurch architect Charlie Nott in 2006. Formerly a merino sheep station, Amisfield lies on one of the largest single vineyard estates in the Central Otago region and is famed for its three-hatted bistro, where 2019’s Good Food Awards Chef of the Year Vaughan Mabee creates cuisine showcasing the best local and seasonal produce. Enjoy lunch in the bistro accompanied by a tasting of Amisfield’s organic wines.

In the afternoon, continue to the spectacularly-located Chard Farm Vineyard for a tasting of its food-driven wines. One of the pioneering wineries in the region, Chard Farm’s Tuscan-inspired cellar door and 50-acre vineyard is situated on an historic vegetable farm and orchard in the Cromwell basin.

Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Mon 18 Oct / Queenstown (Bannockburn)

Today, explore the offerings of Bannockburn and Cromwell, the warmest and driest of Central Otago’s sub-regions and whose climate nourishes both wine grapes and stone fruit.

Begin with a tasting at Two Paddocks Red Bank Farm and Vineyard, an organic winery owned by actor Sam Neill. Here, Two Paddocks’ pinot noir and riesling vines share the grounds with vegetable patches, lavender fields, farm animals and orchards, taking advantage of the warmer climate and lush soil.

Continue to Mount Difficulty Winery for a tasting of fourth-generation vigneron Matt Dicey’s award-winning wines. Enjoy a light lunch on the terrace of the winery’s restaurant as you appreciate spectacular panoramic views of Bannockburn and the surrounding valleys.

After lunch, transfer to Felton Road, arguably the most prestigious winery in the Central Otago region. Experience a tasting of their renowned cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs, each grown in a single block allowing for fascinating contrasts of terroir.

This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Queenstown’s famous Botswana Butchery, with roaring log fires and a view over Lake Wakatipu. Head chef Warwick Taylor’s menu has a strong focus on wild and organic foods, enhanced by an extensive wine list highlighting local producers.

(BLD)

Tue 19 Oct / Depart Queenstown

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Make your way to Queenstown Airport for suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights to Australia. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin share

AUD 3,950

Single supplement

AUD 750

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 750

Final payment due

15 July 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

WI2102

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas or Air New Zealand
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit New Zealand.

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation at a five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wines with meals
  • Tastings and tours of wineries, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Talks with your tour leader, Peter Bourne
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfer on arrival and departure in Queenstown
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Queenstown – QT Queenstown Hotel*****

N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Rippon Winery, Lake Wanaka

Maude Wines, Lake Wanaka

Arrowtown

Variety of fresh fruits at Farmers Market

Central Otago vineyard harvest of pinot noir grapes

Chard Farm Vineyard

Felton Road’s Chardonnay cellar

Queenstown with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables

Food and Wine in Central Otago

Join ‘The Wine Man’ Peter Bourne on a gourmet expedition through the fertile valleys and soaring peaks of New Zealand’s Central Otago region to sample some of the country’s most exciting new wines and produce.

Enjoy exclusive access to vineyards and cellar doors that have become famous for their cool-climate wines and outstanding cuisine, and be guided through private tastings as you meet the winemakers and producers that call this area home. Alpine valleys, crystal-clear lakes and quartz-rich soil have given Central Otago a unique terroir which produces world-renowned pinot noir and exceptional cool-climate wines.

Relish in sumptuous meals at award-winning restaurants in Queenstown, Wanaka and Bannockburn and take in breathtaking views as you traverse the unique scenery and historic goldmining towns from Central Otago’s pioneering past.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 15 October 2021 / Depart Australia/ New Zealand – Arrive Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown on suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including flights, a private hotel transfer and a room category upgrade.

Tour arrangements commence at 17:00 with a welcome briefing by your tour leader, Peter Bourne, followed by a guided wine tasting at the hotel with legendary New Zealand winemaker Grant Morgan of Valli Estate.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with Peter and your fellow travellers at one of Queenstown’s famed dining establishments.

(D)

Sat 16 Oct / Queenstown (Wanaka)

This morning, travel to the historic goldmining town of Cromwell for a tasting at Quartz Reef Winery. Named for the large quartz deposit that lies beneath the winery and infuses its vines with rich minerals, Quartz Reef was built on the site of Bendigo Station. Here two-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year Rudi Bauer has quickly established the winery’s reputation for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines and cool-climate varietals inspired by his Austrian upbringing.

Continue to the shores of Lake Wanaka for a tasting and lunch at Maude Wines. This small, family-owned winery produces handcrafted wines from a single vineyard, which complement the French-inspired cuisine at their Bistro Gentil restaurant. Taste the Dineen family’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir as you enjoy a sumptuous meal from chef Mario Rodrigues, who fuses traditional European cuisine with local New Zealand produce.

After lunch, venture to the outskirts of Wanaka to Rippon Winery, whose vines look out across the lake to Mount Alta in the distance. Rippon’s microclimate is greatly enhanced by its proximity to the Southern Alps, which shield the estate from heavy rainfall. Alongside their mature vine pinot noir, the winery also grows some unusual European varieties such as gamay and gewürztraminer. Enjoy a tasting at Rippon as you take in the scenery of Ruby Island and Lake Wanaka before returning to Queenstown in the late afternoon.

The evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy some of Queenstown’s culinary offerings.

(BL)

Sun 17 Oct / Queenstown (Arrowtown)

 Enjoy views of Lake Hayes this morning en route to the charming settlement of Arrowtown on the banks of the Arrow River. Home to a well-preserved 19th century main street and beautifully restored shopfronts and cottages, Arrowtown was first established during the height of the Otago gold rush in 1868. Relish in a private cheese tasting before enjoying time at leisure to wander Arrowtown’s lively Sunday farmers markets.

Transfer to the rustic Amisfield Bistro and Cellar door, designed by Christchurch architect Charlie Nott in 2006. Formerly a merino sheep station, Amisfield lies on one of the largest single vineyard estates in the Central Otago region and is famed for its three-hatted bistro, where 2019’s Good Food Awards Chef of the Year Vaughan Mabee creates cuisine showcasing the best local and seasonal produce. Enjoy lunch in the bistro accompanied by a tasting of Amisfield’s organic wines.

In the afternoon, continue to the spectacularly-located Chard Farm Vineyard for a tasting of its food-driven wines. One of the pioneering wineries in the region, Chard Farm’s Tuscan-inspired cellar door and 50-acre vineyard is situated on an historic vegetable farm and orchard in the Cromwell basin.

Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Mon 18 Oct / Queenstown (Bannockburn)

Today, explore the offerings of Bannockburn and Cromwell, the warmest and driest of Central Otago’s sub-regions and whose climate nourishes both wine grapes and stone fruit.

Begin with a tasting at Two Paddocks Red Bank Farm and Vineyard, an organic winery owned by actor Sam Neill. Here, Two Paddocks’ pinot noir and riesling vines share the grounds with vegetable patches, lavender fields, farm animals and orchards, taking advantage of the warmer climate and lush soil.

Continue to Mount Difficulty Winery for a tasting of fourth-generation vigneron Matt Dicey’s award-winning wines. Enjoy a light lunch on the terrace of the winery’s restaurant as you appreciate spectacular panoramic views of Bannockburn and the surrounding valleys.

After lunch, transfer to Felton Road, arguably the most prestigious winery in the Central Otago region. Experience a tasting of their renowned cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs, each grown in a single block allowing for fascinating contrasts of terroir.

This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Queenstown’s famous Botswana Butchery, with roaring log fires and a view over Lake Wakatipu. Head chef Warwick Taylor’s menu has a strong focus on wild and organic foods, enhanced by an extensive wine list highlighting local producers.

(BLD)

Tue 19 Oct / Depart Queenstown

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Make your way to Queenstown Airport for suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights to Australia. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin share

AUD 3,950

Single supplement

AUD 750

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 750

Final payment due

15 July 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

WI2102

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas or Air New Zealand
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit New Zealand.

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation at a five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wines with meals
  • Tastings and tours of wineries, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Talks with your tour leader, Peter Bourne
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfer on arrival and departure in Queenstown
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Queenstown – QT Queenstown Hotel*****

N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Food and Wine in Central Otago

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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