Cromwell Winery Tour FAQs

Planning a winery tour in Cromwell? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Cromwell Winery Cruises, including the wineries we visit, what’s included, pickup locations, weather and what to bring for your day on Lake Dunstan.

Which wineries will we visit?

Our full-day Cromwell winery tour visits three fantastic Central Otago wine destinations: Matt Connell Wines, Carrick and Cloudy Bay – The Shed.

The experience combines cruising on Lake Dunstan with time ashore to enjoy some of the wine, scenery and hospitality the Cromwell and Bannockburn wine regions are known for.

What's included in the winery tour?

Complimentary pickup and drop-off is included from accommodation in the Cromwell area, including Bannockburn, Cromwell and Pisa Moorings.

Your first guided wine tasting at Matt Connell Wines is also included in the full-day tour.

Additional wine tastings, food and purchases at other cellar doors are at your own expense unless stated otherwise when booking.

How long does the full-day winery tour take?

Allow approximately 6–7 hours for our full-day winery tour.

Cromwell pickups generally begin from around 9:30am, with the tour getting underway at approximately 10:00am. The experience concludes at around 4:00pm, with local drop-offs normally completed by approximately 4:30pm.

What should I bring on a Lake Dunstan winery tour?

Central Otago has a large diurnal temperature range, meaning temperatures can change considerably between cool mornings and warm afternoons.

We recommend:

• Dressing in layers for the day's weather
• Bringing sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat
• Wearing comfortable, sensible footwear for walking between the boat and cellar doors
• Bringing a jacket on cooler or windy days

Conditions on Lake Dunstan can feel different from those on shore, so having an extra layer with you is always a good idea.

What happens if it rains?

A little rain doesn't necessarily mean your winery tour can't go ahead.

Central Otago has a dry climate and prolonged rain is relatively uncommon. If conditions aren't suitable for boating, we can discuss postponing your tour or operating part or all of the experience using our winery shuttle instead.

If conditions improve during the day, we may be able to incorporate the boat back into the tour.

Safety and weather conditions on Lake Dunstan will always be considered when deciding how the day operates.

Can you pick me up from my accommodation in Cromwell?

Yes. Complimentary pickup and drop-off is available from accommodation throughout our standard Cromwell pickup area, including Bannockburn, Cromwell and Pisa Moorings, and locations in between.

This means you can enjoy your Central Otago wine tasting without needing to nominate a driver.

Can you pick us up from Wānaka or Queenstown?

Wānaka and Queenstown are outside our complimentary Cromwell pickup area.

If you're staying outside Cromwell and would like to join a tour, contact us before booking. Depending on your group, date and itinerary, additional transport or a custom tour may be possible.

Is Cromwell Winery Cruises a boat tour or a winery tour?

It's both.

Cromwell Winery Cruises combines a guided winery tour with scenic cruising on Lake Dunstan, allowing you to experience Central Otago wine country from a completely different perspective.

Rather than spending the whole day travelling between wineries by road, part of your journey takes place on the lake as we cruise between different areas around Cromwell and Bannockburn.

Do you offer private or group winery tours?

Yes. If you're travelling with a group, celebrating a special occasion or would like the experience to yourselves, get in touch with us about private and custom winery tour options.

We can discuss your group size, preferred date, transport requirements and what you'd like from your day.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help.

If there's something we haven't answered here, contact Cromwell Winery Cruises or chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll help you plan your day.