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 flavour. 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.

Accommodation 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.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

5 out of 5
1820 State Highway 6, Gibbston, Otago
The price is AU$599 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$599
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Gibbston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
A well-earned treat after a day of sightseeing.
"My daughter and I had a wonderful stay, totally relaxing and serene. It was convenient walking over to the wine tasting and popping into the Cheesery and deli shop. The location was perfect for exploring the region and even better for returning to unwind in the evening. We enjoyed cozying up by the ..."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is AU$217 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$217
28 Oct - 29 Oct
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)
"Great locations, street parking"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is AU$324 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$324
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (500 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and super friendly, particularly Jamie at the front desk and the breakfast wait staff. We highly recommend this hotel!!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
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.
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! (1,326 reviews)
"There was a small mix-up with our room booking on arrival, but it was later resolved and the refund was processed. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well-located. A special thank-you to Kevin at reception for his outstanding help and kindness throughout our stay — he truly made a difference."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
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! (1,410 reviews)
"Clean room, friendly staff, beautiful location and close to the heart of Queenstown"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu 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! (397 reviews)
"Just a short 10-minute drive from town, this hotel was perfect for us! We loved waking up to stunning snowy mountain views every morning. The bed was super comfy, and the kitchenette had everything we needed for breakfast—really handy. It’s close to shops and a supermarket, and with daily room service, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 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
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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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