Three distilleries, one easy afternoon. This Queenstown gin tour strings together gin tastings with big mountain views and good food stops that don’t feel rushed.

I like that you get a mix of education and tasting, not just drinking. I also like the pacing: an air-conditioned van, WiFi on board, and a day that stays relaxed even though it’s six hours long.

One thing to plan for: this is an afternoon outing and lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to eat first and come ready to snack.

Key highlights at a glance

• Three gin tastings across Cardrona, Arrowtown, and Arthurs Point
• Crown Range drive with sweeping views over Queenstown and Gibbston
• Distillery tour at Cardrona plus a gin and tonic on arrival
• Arrowtown food pairing with shared platters and three NZ gins
• Hosted tasting at Gin Garden by Broken Heart with brand and flavour stories
• Small-group max of 14, with WiFi and air-conditioning

A midday gin-and-views route through Cardrona and Arrowtown

This tour is built around three stops, each with its own vibe. You start up high, then move into town-like charm, then finish with a cosy tasting in Arthurs Point.

The timing also helps. Starting at 12:30 pm means you avoid the whole morning scramble, but you still get daylight views and enough time to enjoy the tastings without feeling like you’re fighting the night.

You’ll be on a vehicle with WiFi and air-conditioning, which matters in Queenstown where weather can change fast.

Price and what you get for $151.85

At $151.85 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement tasting. But you’re not just paying for pours—you’re paying for three separate spirit experiences, transport, and food pairings that keep the day comfortable.

Here’s what makes the value feel more solid than a typical single-distillery stop:

• Three distinct tasting sessions at different locations
• Gin and tonic on arrival at the distillery
• Shared platters and German tarte flambees included with the food stops
• Hotel pickup option, so you’re not figuring out rides on your own
• Options for non-gin drinkers, which keeps the group experience smooth

Also, the group size is capped at 14, which usually means less waiting around between tastings and more time talking with staff.

The Crown Range drive: your scenic warm-up

Before you even reach the first tasting room, you head up through the Crown Range toward Cardrona. This part of the day is the visual payoff—big views over Queenstown and the Gibbston Region.

Why this matters: if you’re visiting Queenstown for only a few days, it’s an efficient way to see more than just the town centre. The drive gives you context for where the distilleries sit and how close the wine and gin scene is to the scenery.

It’s also a good mental shift. By the time you pour the first gin, you’re already in the mood for the day—mountains outside, questions in your head, and no frantic sprint between stops.

Cardrona Distillery: gin and tonic, then an actual distillery tour

Stop one is at the Cardrona Distillery, and it’s clearly the educational anchor of the day. You arrive and start with a gin and tonic, then you move into a staff-led tour of the facility.

The timing here is generous: plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes at this stop. That extra time helps you absorb what you’re tasting instead of treating it like a quick sales pitch.

A detail worth noting: the day is guided, and the tour staff are the ones walking you through the process. In one recent experience, the guide was Lilly, described as friendly and knowledgeable—exactly the kind of guide you want when you’re learning how gin flavours come together.

What to expect from this stop:

• A welcome gin and tonic to get you started
• A distillery tour with explanation from staff
• A tasting component as part of the overall gin experience

A practical note: even if you’re not deep into spirits at home, this stop gives you a foothold. You’ll understand what to look for as you compare gins later that afternoon.

Arrowtown Winery stop: three NZ gins with shared platters

Next you head to Arrowtown, the historic gold mining village feel that adds charm to the day. The mood here shifts slightly from distillery-focused to food-and-flavour focused.

At this stop you sample three New Zealand gins, and they come paired with a tonic or soda. Alongside the pours, you’ll have shared cheese platters, plus German tarte flambees included as part of the tour’s shared-food setup.

The stop runs about 1 hour, which is long enough to taste, eat, and reset. You won’t feel stuck in a tasting room for the full day, which is a big plus if you’re on holiday and want some variety.

Why I like this pairing format for most people:

• Gin tastes better when you have something salty and savoury to balance it
• A shared platter keeps things social without turning the day into a loud party

Possible drawback? Because you’re tasting three gins here, you’ll want to keep an eye on how fast you’re drinking. Pace yourself, especially if you’re still working through the first stop’s flavours.

Arthurs Point finish at Gin Garden by Broken Heart

Your last stop is at the Gin Garden by Broken Heart Spirits in Arthurs Point. This is where the tour leans more into a hosted tasting experience, with staff helping you connect gin flavours to the brand story.

This stop is about 1 hour. That hour matters because it gives you time to compare your memories from Cardrona and Arrowtown, then pick up the final flavour notes.

You’ll learn the history behind the brand and the flavours of the multiple gins served here. The “hosted” part is what you want at the end of a day like this—less wandering, more guided tasting, and a clear sense of what you’re looking for.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions (even basic ones), this last stop is often the most satisfying. You’ve had time to taste your way through the day, and now you can make sense of it.

Getting there smoothly: pickup, WiFi, and small-group pacing

The tour rides in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, which is one of those details you don’t fully appreciate until you’re actually on the road. Queenstown traffic and weather swings are real, and having WiFi plus comfort makes the journey part of the fun instead of a chore.

You also have the option of select hotel pickup. That’s a quality-of-life upgrade, especially if you’re staying off the main strip.

Small-group size is capped at 14 travelers, which keeps the stops from feeling like a cattle line. And the day stays structured enough that you’re not constantly checking clocks or figuring out where you’re supposed to be next.

If you don’t drink gin: options are built in

One of the biggest practical wins is that there are options for non-gin drinkers. That matters because tastings can sometimes turn awkward if one person in the group doesn’t want the same spirits.

The tour also includes a gin and tonic cocktail, and the rest of the tasting flow is built around gin flights and pairings. But you’re not stuck with only gin choices if you prefer something else.

If your travel group is mixed—some gin fans, some not—this tour is set up to keep everyone included instead of splitting plans.

Food timing matters: plan to eat before you start

This is where you have to use your common sense. The tour does not include lunch, and it’s an afternoon start at 12:30 pm.

You will get shared platters during the stops, including cheese platters and German tarte flambees. But that’s tasting-day food, not a full meal replacement.

So do yourself a favour:

• Eat a real lunch before you join
• Bring a water bottle if you like to stay ahead of thirst
• Take it slow between tastings so you enjoy the flavours, not just the alcohol

If you’re the sort of person who shows up hungry, you’ll feel it by stop two or stop three.

Weather and the Crown Range: why it can affect your day

This is a sightseeing-and-tasting route, which means good weather is important. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Also, since the itinerary includes a scenic drive up through the Crown Range, you’ll want to stay flexible. If you’re booking near the start of your trip, consider making this one of your earlier-day plans so you have room to reschedule if needed.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want three gin experiences without doing the driving yourself
• Like your tours to include both scenery and structured tastings
• Prefer a guided day with food pairings and a small group
• Enjoy learning enough to make better sense of what you’re tasting

It’s also a solid choice if you’re visiting Queenstown and want a break from purely adventure activities. Instead of another adrenaline day, this is an easygoing afternoon with a culture-and-flavour focus.

If you hate tasting flights or you’re trying to keep your alcohol intake very low, you might find the day a bit too focused on gin. In that case, choose the non-gin option if available for your preferences.

A quick word on the helicopter upgrade

There is an option to upgrade to the Helicopter Gin Tour. It starts with a scenic heli flight and a special gin tasting, and then you join the rest of the group at Cardrona Distillery.

If you’re short on time and want a bigger wow factor, it’s an obvious add-on to consider. Just remember it’s an extra experience layered on top of the rest of the day, so you’ll want to be sure you’ll still enjoy the full tasting route after the helicopter portion.

Should you book this Queenstown Gin & Spirits Tasting Tour?

I’d book it if you want a well-paced afternoon that combines scenic Queenstown driving with guided tasting at three different places. The value feels strongest because you’re not just buying a single tasting—you’re getting multiple tastings plus food pairings and transport.

Skip it or think twice if you’re expecting lunch to be included, or if your group wants minimal drinking and minimal alcohol focus. Also, if you’re very sensitive to schedule changes, remember the tour depends on good weather.

If your goal is to taste your way through Queenstown’s gin scene while seeing more than just one town corner, this tour hits that sweet spot.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Queenstown Gin & Spirits Tasting Tour?

The tour runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 12:30 pm.

How much does the tour cost per person?

The price is $151.85 per person.

How many gin tastings are included?

You’ll enjoy three unique spirit tasting experiences at three locations.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes. Select hotel pickup is available.

Is WiFi provided on the vehicle?

Yes, WiFi is included on board.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so it’s best to have eaten before you join.

Are there options for people who don’t drink gin?

Yes. There are alternative options for non-gin drinkers.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years. It’s recommended you bring a passport or NZ drivers license.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.