Gibbston Wine Region

The Central Otago region that surrounds Queenstown has six smaller wine appelations, which focus on Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay. It’s tiny compared with Marlborough farther north on the South Island, but wine lovers should spend a day exploring the bounty here, because the setting at the foot of the Southern Alps is stunning. If you have time, it’s worth visiting wineries in the Cromwell, Lowburn and Bannockburn areas, but the one that’s closest to Queenstown is Gibbston. Some of the wineries not to miss here are Peregrine (2127 Kawarau Gorge Road), with its contemporary architecture; Amisfield, which has a gorgeous restaurant; and boutique label Brennan Wines (86 Gibbston Back Rd), with incredible Pinot Noirs. En route back to Queenstown from Gibbston, you will cross the Kawarau Bridge, home to the world’s first bungee jump.