About Gibbston Valley Winery
Gibbston Valley Winery sits in the Gibbston Valley, the stretch of the Kawarau Gorge east of Queenstown where many of the region's pinot noir vineyards cluster. Its tours start among what it describes as the oldest vines in Central Otago before heading underground into what it calls New Zealand's largest wine cave.
The Classic Cave Tour takes about 30 minutes and runs at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. It costs $30 and includes three wine tastings, or $67 with return transport from Queenstown, which turns it into a 2.5-hour outing with no need to drive. Note that under-16s are not permitted on the tours or tastings, so this is a stop for adult groups.
Food is a big part of a visit. The Winery Restaurant serves a seasonal menu built on local ingredients, with each dish matched to a Gibbston Valley wine. The lunch-and-cave-tour package starts at $88 per person ($110 with return transport from the Station Building in Queenstown) and pairs the tour with a two-course lunch and matching wines. Morning and afternoon sessions run from November to April; from May to October, transport is offered on the morning session only. Leave time to browse the cellar door and the Cheesery & Deli on site. Private cave tours can also be booked.
Ben Lomond Lavender in the Wakatipu Basin is about 30 minutes back toward Queenstown, so a booked lavender walk in the morning and a cave tour and lunch here in the afternoon make a full day.
What to do
- Take the 30-minute Classic Cave Tour with three tastings ($30)
- See some of the oldest vines in Central Otago
- Book the cave tour with a two-course matched lunch (from $88)
- Ride the return shuttle from Queenstown instead of driving
- Browse the Cheesery & Deli and the cellar door
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Cave tours year-round; summer (November–April) and winter (May–October) schedules
- Admission
- Classic Cave Tour $30, or $67 with Queenstown transport; lunch and cave tour from $88 (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Under-16s are not permitted on tours or tastings.
- Choose the transport option from Queenstown's Station Building so no one has to drive.
- In winter (May–October) transport runs only with the morning lunch session.
- Book tours online ahead; times are set at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Ben Lomond Lavender · about 30 minutes away
Ben Lomond Lavender is about 30 minutes toward Queenstown, so pair a booked lavender walk with an afternoon cave tour and lunch here.
Getting there
Questions
How long is the Gibbston Valley cave tour?
About 30 minutes, with three wine tastings.
Can children join the cave tour?
No. Under-16s are not permitted on tours or tastings.
Can I get there without driving?
Yes. Tour packages with return transport leave from the Station Building in Queenstown.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Queenstown & Arrowtown, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
