Gibbston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes mountains, landscape views and a bridge
Kawarau Suspension Bridge featuring hiking or walking, a bridge and views
Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes kayaking or canoeing, rapids and a river or creek
Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes a river or creek
Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway

Known as the “Valley of the Vines,” beautiful Gibbston is a playground for extreme sports enthusiasts and a delight for wine lovers. 

Visit Gibbston to explore the largest wine cave in New Zealand and sample the region’s famous pinot noirs, chardonnays and more. Take a tour through the vineyards with an expert to see how the grapes are cultivated to give each variety its unique flavor. Those with a taste for adventure can bungee jump from the nearby bridge or hike and cycle along trails in the nearby forest.

Nestled in a picturesque location between Otago’s mountain ranges and the Kawarau River Gorge, Gibbston’s cold, dry climate produces wines that are renowned throughout the world. If you are a lover of fine wine, be sure to take a tour of one of the vineyards. At Gibbston Valley Winery, you can take a tour through New Zealand’s largest wine cave.

Tours at most wineries include a walk around the vines, a trip to see the makers at work and, of course, a tasting of the winery’s prize produce. Tours run throughout the day and bookings are essential. Private tours are also available.

The surrounding countryside is perfect for exploring by bike. Rent one from the Gibbston Valley Biking Centre and ask the staff about the range of different trails nearby. You can choose from a gentle cruise to fast, downhill slopes. Alternatively, arrange a guided tour to get a different insight into the scenery.

Daredevils can head to Kawarau Bridge at the western end of the valley. Test your nerves with a bungee jump over the wild river far below. If this doesn’t appeal, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the gorge.

Stay into the evening and dine in one of the excellent winery restaurants. Be sure to try the locally produced cheese made from sheep’s milk and sample some more local wines with your meal.

Accommodations are limited in Gibbston and many visitors come here as a daytrip from the more populated Queenstown, located a 30-minute drive west. You will also find several hotels in Arrowtown, a short drive north.

Cottages at Kinross
Cottages at Kinross
4 out of 5
2300 Gibbston Highway (State Hwy 6), Gibbston, Otago
The price is NZ$250 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$250
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star lodge in Gibbston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Waitiri Creek Wines and Mt. Rosa Wines are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
"We appreciated the location, the accomodation, the service and the wine. All was exceptional and added value to our memorable trip to the South Island."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Cottages at Kinross
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$312 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$312
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient location on Frankton road. Rooms were spacious quiet and warm. Car parking is free."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$275 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$275
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Calm and chill at queenstown
"Amazing location, friendly staff and lovely views. The cococabana cafe was yums, the pizza is to die for. Book your parking slots before your travel for ease of mind"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,360 reviews)
"Very nice property with everything you need close to town."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"Friendly staff, comfy bed. Clean and modern . Daily housekeeping."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
4 out of 5
34 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown, Otago
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (375 reviews)
"Close to airport"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Quest Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Gibbston

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely accommodation and wonderful hosts, thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful property and area!

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