Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Central Otago on this scenic self-guided audio tour drive from Queenstown Airport to Wānaka, tracing routes once travelled by Māori and gold miners. Pass through the Kawarau Gorge, birthplace of bungy jumping, past Gibbston Valley’s vineyards, and the towering Nevis Bluff. End beside the iconic “That Wānaka Tree.”
During this two-hour drive, you’ll:
• Hear about Bannockburn’s wild gold rush past
• Admire Cromwell’s orchards, giant fruit sculpture, and Lake Dunstan’s new landscape
• Learn why pinot noir flourishes here, what makes lavender fields glow, and why real fruit ice cream is a summer tradition
• Glide past the Pisa Range and through Luggate and Queensberry
Blending history, nature, and quirky local stories, this tour turns a simple transfer into an unforgettable journey
Available options
Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour
What's included
Audio and written English Guide
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Pass by this scenic gem, known to Māori as Waiwhakaata or “water that reflects", a stunning lakeside venue with breathtaking mountain views, perfect for unforgettable. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
2
Drive by the world’s first commercial bungy jump, an iconic adventure site where thrill-seekers leap 43 metres from a historic bridge over the stunning Kawarau River Gorge, and find out how the idea traces back to ancient tradition. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
3
Pass by and learn about award-winning wines and gourmet cuisine, nestled among dramatic vineyards in Central Otago’s “Valley of the Vines,” home to New Zealand’s oldest commercial wine cave. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
4
Travel through a corridor that has carried countless journeys long before yours. Sheer cliffs, a restless turquoise river, and rocky terraces make it feel untamed, shaping the stories of Māori, European settlers, and even movie-makers.
5
Drive by what, at first glance, might look like just another mountain stream tumbling down to join the Kawarau River, but appearances are deceptive.
6
Drive back in time at this historic Mining Centre, where you can explore historic gold mining sites, try gold panning, and discover how early miners lived and worked along the Kawarau River. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
preserves the remains of a once-bustling gold miners’ village, offering a glimpse of the tough, makeshift lives of those who rushed here chasing fortune.
7
Pass by and find yourself learning about one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Central Otago, and the legacy of 1800s gold mining. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
8
Drive along this entirely man-made lake, formed in the early 1990s, which flooded the Cromwell Gorge and forever reshaping the landscape.
9
Pass by this popular shop and learn how ice cream is a Kiwi summertime staple, with New Zealanders famously ranking among the highest consumers per capita in the world. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Meeting point
The tour starts at Queenstown Airport, Terminal Parking A, near the Rent-A-Car building. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking.
You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Queenstown
Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This vibrant town offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Queenstown Garden
Queenstown Garden is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of the city. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown offers a range of activities, including the Skyline Gondola, Luge rides, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city and lake.
Adventure
2-3 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a historic site that showcases the lives of Chinese miners during the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. It's often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.
Main Course
Contains meat
Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are a delicacy in New Zealand, known for their unique flavor and texture. They're often served steamed with garlic, wine, and herbs.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Pavlova
Pavlova is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with a crisp meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Bungee jumping
Skydiving
Jet boating
Hiking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Scenic cruises
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor activities. It's ideal for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Queenstown is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution when engaging in adventure activities and be aware of the weather conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Queenstown Bus Interchange
Getting around
Public transport
Orion buses provide reliable and affordable transportation throughout Queenstown and to nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Queenstown
Frankton
Arrowtown
Day trips
Milford Sound
120 km from Queenstown • Full day
Milford Sound is a stunning fjord known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. A day trip to Milford Sound includes a scenic drive and a boat cruise through the fjord.
Glenorchy
45 km from Queenstown • Half day to Full day
Glenorchy is a charming village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It's a great base for hiking, horse riding, and other outdoor activities.
Wanaka
65 km from Queenstown • Full day
Wanaka is a picturesque town known for its stunning lake and mountain views, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Festivals
Queenstown Winter Festival • June
Gibbston Valley Winter Festival • July
Arrowtown Autumn Festival • April
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Book accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Try local specialties like lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova.
- Explore beyond the city center and visit nearby attractions like Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
