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Queenstown Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Day Tour to Wanaka from Queenstown - Cardrona Hotel, Ruby Island followed by Wine and Cheese
Escape Queenstown for a day of lakes, legends, boutique wine, and breathtaking alpine scenery as you discover the very best of Wanaka and Central Otago — crowned by a magical cruise to Ruby Island.
Escape Queenstown for a day of lakes, legends, boutique wine, and breathtaking alpine scenery as you discover the very best of Wanaka and Central Otago — crowned by a magical cruise to Ruby Island.
Highlights
- Travel over the spectacular Crown Range with breathtaking alpine photo stops
- Visit the famous That Wanaka Tree and enjoy free time by the lakefront
- Cruise across Lake Wanaka to explore beautiful Ruby Island with a guided island walk
- Discover iconic Central Otago gems including the historic Cardrona Hotel and quirky Bradrona
- Finish the day with boutique wine tasting and a cheese platter at Domaine Thomson Wines
Leave the energy of Queenstown behind and discover the laidback beauty of Wanaka and Central Otago on this unforgettable small-group day tour, limited to just 11 guests for a more personal and relaxed experience. Hosted by passionate local guides Beth or Tom, whose warm personalities, local knowledge, and engaging storytelling bring every stop to life This carefully curated journey combines alpine scenery, iconic landmarks, boutique wine, and a magical island cruise into one unforgettable Central Otago adventure.
Departing from The Station Building at 9:00am, the journey begins with a scenic drive over the spectacular Crown Range — New Zealand’s highest sealed road. Soak up panoramic mountain views before descending into the charming Cardrona Valley, home to the legendary Cardrona Hotel. Enjoy time for photos, coffee, and a glimpse into the region’s gold rush past before continuing through the quirky and colourful Bradrona display.Arriving in Wanaka, you’ll stop at the stunning Wanaka Monument Lookout before heading to the lakefront to visit the world-famous That Wanaka Tree. Take time to wander the shoreline, snap postcard-perfect photos, and enjoy lunch at a local lakeside eatery.
The afternoon highlight awaits as you board a scenic cruise across Lake Wanaka to beautiful Ruby Island. This hidden gem is rich in history, native birdlife, and spectacular alpine scenery. Your guided island experience offers incredible 360-degree views across the lake and surrounding mountains, creating a truly peaceful and memorable moment in the heart of Central Otago.
Back on shore, the journey continues alongside the shores of Lake Dunstan to Domaine Thomson Wines, where you’ll unwind with a boutique wine tasting and cheese platter among the vines. As the day winds down, there may even be time for a classic Central Otago ice cream stop in Cromwell before returning to Queenstown via the dramatic Kawarau Gorge.
Even if the weather changes, the adventure continues. If lake conditions prevent the Ruby Island cruise from operating, you’ll enjoy a scenic lakeside walk through native kānuka forest and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Clutha River instead — ensuring an incredible day out no matter the forecast.
Itinerary
- 9:00am – Depart Queenstown Meet at The Station Building before setting off on a scenic journey towards Wanaka.
- 9:45am – Crown Range Lookout Stop at New Zealand’s highest sealed road for incredible panoramic views across the Wakatipu Basin and surrounding mountains.
- 10:15am – Cardrona Valley Stops Visit the iconic Cardrona Hotel for photos and a coffee break before exploring the quirky Bradrona fence display nearby.
- 11:15am – Wanaka Monument & Lakefront Take in sweeping lake and mountain views from the Wanaka Monument Lookout before heading down to visit the famous That Wanaka Tree.
- 12:00pm – Lunch in Wanaka Enjoy lunch at a local lakeside eatery with free time to relax, explore the foreshore, and capture more photos.
- 12:45pm – Ruby Island Cruise Board your scenic cruise across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island for a guided island experience surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
- 2:30pm – Scenic Drive via Lake Dunstan Travel south along the shores of Lake Dunstan through Central Otago’s beautiful vineyard landscapes.
- 3:30pm – Wine Tasting at Domaine Thomson Arrive at Domaine Thomson Wines to enjoy a boutique wine tasting paired with a delicious cheese platter.
- 4:15pm – Cromwell Stop (Time Permitting) Optional stop for local ice cream before beginning the journey back through the Kawarau Gorge.
- 5:00pm – Return to Queenstown Arrive back at The Station Building.
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$236.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$236.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$249.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$269.00
- Adult$269.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$236.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$199.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$236.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$236.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Adult$249.00 Less than 6 at this price!
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