The internationally renowned Gibbston wineries are billed as the southernmost vineyards in the world and in recent years have become an integral part of the Queenstown tourist trail.

Around The Basin Bike Tours has recognised the signi cance and appeal of the Gibbston vineyards and its self-guided full day and half day winery tours have been developed to provide visitors to the region with a special Kiwiana experience.

Operations manager Lisa Cooper says the full day winery tour is one of their most popular.

“People are picked up in Queenstown and transferred to Arrowtown, tted with a manual or an electric bike and sent on their way to Gibbston on the scenic ride via the Kawarau bungy bridge. We provide a comprehensive map outlining the attractions on the way and directing clients to the many individual wineries for tasting and lunch if they choose.”

Wine can be purchased at the different cellar doors which the company will collect before picking up riders for the return shuttle back to Queenstown.

“While the tour is self-guided the bikers do have phone support,” says Lisa. “The pick-up point at the end of the day is GibbstonTavern but we can collect riders at any winery along the way. Our mantra is taste as many wines as you like, we’re driving.”

Lisa says the winery tour on both the Queenstown Trail and the Gibbston RiverTrail suits all ages and biking levels and there are more than six wineries, a cheesery and a brewery to visit en route.

The half day tour starts from the Kawarau bungy bridge early afternoon and appeals to people who want a more leisurely biking experience.

“Biking the Wineries is a very popular excursion and it’s a beautiful ride in spring.The vineyards are coming into their own after winter and the days are warmer.There’s nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine with a food platter or picnic in one of Gibbston’s renowned boutique wineries,” says Lisa.

AroundThe Basin BikeTours was established seven years ago when the QueenstownTrail opened and offers a range of other fully guided and supported full and half day tours on the trail along with self- guided options.

“We believe the special Kiwiana experience we provide and our in depth knowledge of the trails and their distances and intricacies, combined with our exceptional professional guides, sets us apart.”