Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
If there’s one place that captures the soul of New Zealand’s wine country, it’s Central Otago. Known for its bold Pinot Noirs, dramatic mountain landscapes, and charming vineyard towns, this region continues to evolve, offering wine lovers even more reasons to visit.
In 2025, a wave of new cellar doors, dining experiences, and wine trails opened across Bannockburn, Cromwell, and Alexandra. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual sipper, these additions blend fine wine with adventure, scenery, and local charm. Let’s explore what’s pouring next in Central Otago.
Now open for summer 2025/26, the Kawarau Gorge Trail finally links Queenstown to Cromwell, creating a 32 km route that winds through Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Gorge, and Bannockburn.
This Grade 2 trail is ideal for cyclists and walkers of all levels, offering a rare blend of natural beauty and wine-country convenience. Along the way, travelers can stop for tastings, enjoy riverside picnics, and take in sweeping vineyard views.
Also launched in 2025, Carrick Winery’s Waikana Tasting Room in Bannockburn reimagined the classic cellar door experience. Its casual, design-forward dining space welcomes both independent travellers and groups.
Menus highlight seasonal produce and sustainable dining, paired perfectly with Carrick’s organic wines. A visit here isn’t just about tasting, it’s about slowing down to savour the landscape, the lake views, and the craft behind every bottle.
Now open for summer 2025/26, the Kawarau Gorge Trail finally links Queenstown to Cromwell, creating a 32 km route that winds through Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Gorge, and Bannockburn.
This Grade 2 trail is ideal for cyclists and walkers of all levels, offering a rare blend of natural beauty and wine-country convenience. Along the way, travelers can stop for tastings, enjoy riverside picnics, and take in sweeping vineyard views.
Central Otago’s 2025 season reshaped the region’s wine scene, combining its legendary landscapes with fresh, creative experiences. And with the 2025/26 summer ushering in new trails and boutique stays, this chapter feels like the start of something even more remarkable.
From architect-designed tasting rooms to bike-friendly wine routes, Central Otago continues to prove that great wine tastes even better when paired with adventure.
Central Otago isn’t just keeping up with the world’s wine destinations — it’s leading the way. With new trails to ride, lodges to stay in, and cellar doors to discover, this season is the perfect time to experience the region at its most vibrant.
Plan your Central Otago wine escape today and be among the first to savour the new flavour of New Zealand’s most scenic wine country.
