Where to eat and drink in Gibbston

Located a 25 minute drive from downtown Queenstown you'll find Gibbston, the heart of Central Otago wine country and home to a number of wineries, restaurants, pubs, boutique accommodation, and the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. Famous for producing award-winning pinot noir wines, you'll find a collection of cellar doors lined up along the valley offering tastings of a wide variety of wines from throughout Central Otago’s six sub-regions. There’s also delicious food to savour at several restaurants and pubs serving up atmospheric, al fresco dining.

Guided wine tours: you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to guided wine tours around Queenstown, with a range of different tour operators offering everything from popular group trips to private tours customised to specific interests and tastes.

The Queenstown Trail: a fantastic option for cyclists, the Queenstown Trail connects Gibbston with the rest of the region, and is one of the most scenic ways to explore Gibbston. The Gibbston River Trail starts at the Kawarau Bridge, home of the world's first commercial bungy jumping operation, and then meanders past the dozen or so cellar doors and other attractions lining Gibbston. You can ride from Queenstown (6-8 hours/40kms), Arrowtown (2-3 hours/13kms), or start your journey at the beginning of Gibbston. Bike tour operators can collect you at the end of the day so you don't have to do the full there-and-back.

Gibbston Valley Shuttle: an easy transport option from downtown Queenstown, this shuttle bus runs 2–3 times daily to Gibbston Valley Winery, one of Central Otago’s pioneer producers. Located at the gateway to Gibbston, the winery offers bike hire, a cheesery and gift shop alongside an impressive cellar door.

Hop-on hop-off shuttles are a fun and flexible way to get around the wineries without expending too much energy. Get tasting tips on the journey out to Gibbston, then hop-off to start your self-guided tour. Hop On Hop Off and Wine Hopper Bus both offer services departing several times a day from downtown Queenstown.

Self-drive: pick up a wine map, designate your driver, and create your own wine tour of Gibbston and beyond. Highlights between Queenstown and Gibbston include historic Arrowtown, Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door near pretty Lake Hayes, and Chard Farm winery perched high on the river terraces at the entrance to the valley.

This page brings together places to eat and drink in Gibbston listed with Destination Queenstown, including cellar doors, winery restaurants, a tavern and a cheesery. Many sit on or near the Gibbston River Trail.

Venues serving the current meal period appear first, followed by the remaining listings. Each venue appears once. Select a filter to see a single list matching your choices.

Explore by bike, join a guided wine tour or use a hop-on hop-off shuttle from Queenstown. If you’re driving, choose a designated driver. The Gibbston guide has more on tastings, lunch stops and getting around.