Magnolia
"We had the most incredible day with Cromwell Winery Cruises—an absolute highlight of our time in Central Otago."
Dunedin

Full Day Winery Tour Highlights $295pp

  • Door to Door service
  • Complimentary guided tasting at Matt Connell Wines
  • x3 Scenic Lake cruises
  • x3 Cellar doors
  • Knowledgeable and experienced captain
  • Wine, wildlife, mountain views and so much more....
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What your $295 ticket covers.

The essentials are organised and paid for. At later cellar doors, you keep the freedom to choose your own food, tastings and wine.
INCLUDED
Complimentary local transport
Pickup and drop-off from Cromwell, Bannockburn and Pisa Moorings.
Three scenic cruises
Lake Dunstan becomes the road between venues.
Three cellar-door visits
Matt Connell Wines, Carrick and Cloudy Bay – The Shed.
Your first guided tasting
A hosted introduction to boutique Central Otago wine.
Personal hosting and commentary
Sam guides the day and shares the lake, wildlife and local history.
A genuinely small group
Mixed departures are limited to 10 guests.
CHOOSE AND PAY SEPARATELY
Lunch at Carrick
Select the dining style and menu that suits you.
Later wine tastings
Carrick and Cloudy Bay experiences are paid at the venue.
Wine by the glass or bottle
Purchase only what you actually want to enjoy.
Optional Penny Black finish
Drinks and food in Old Cromwell are at your own expense.
Why structure it this way?
You are not locked into a fixed lunch or tasting package. Spend where the experience matters most to you.

More info

How many wineries do you stop at?

We stop at three wineries during the tour

  • Matt Connell Wines
  • Carrick
  • Cloudy Bay

You can also choose to get dropped off at a fourth Venue, Penny Black is the perfect choice to round off the day. Its a cute little cocktail bar on the waterfront of Cromwells historic old town

What do I need to bring

You will be reminded by an email the day prior to sailing. Here are our suggestions to enjoying your day out.

  • Sensible shoes for walking up the paths
  • Sunscreen, available on board for purchase if you forget.
  • Clothing suitable for the day. You will receive an email about the forecast the night before your cruise
  • A hat is a good idea

Can I hire out the cruise for a private function/ group

Absolutely. We would love to share your special occasion with you. For private bookings the fare remains $295 per person and are subject to availability. Head to the contact page and let us know what you would like.

How long do cruises last?

The tour starts at 10:00am with pick-ups starting up to 30 minutes before.
We finish the tour approximately 4 with the aim of having everyone where they want to be by 4:30pm.

How many people can the boat fit?

The tour is designed for comfort. We will take 10 people for mixed groups and can take up to 11 for private groups.

What happens if there is bad weather

Cromwell is known for its dry weather, in fact Bannockburn is known as the heart of the desert. You can expect fine weather most days. If the forecast is for rain or excessive wind you will be given the option of going on the tour by van or rescheduling your booking to an available sailing that suits you. Most days rain passes through quickly, so we may pick up the tour by boat if conditions improve.

Are kids allowed

Only by prior arrangement, please head to the contact page and let us know which cruise you are interested in.

How long are the walks, do I need to be fit.

We have two short walks both about 400m. They usually take less than 5 minutes but we do have a small hill to walk up to Carrick.

Carefully selected Winery Partners to tell the story of Central Otago Wines

  • Matt Connell Wines

    Our First Stop


    The perfect start to the day, where we have our complimentary tastings. This guided tasting gives a great feel for our boutique wineries and the charm of our small producers. Hear stories from a hands-on team who truly knows every drop of wine.

  • Carrick

    Our Second stop


    With profile-pic-worthy photo ops and a stunning outlook over the Banockburn inlet, Carrick has beauty that will take your breath away. Choose from Estate, Limited Release, and Library Tastings, guided by their knowledgeable team, or enjoy a self-guided tasting flight at your own pace. Decide between delicious handmade pizza or something special from the chefs in the restaurant.

  • Trial Cruise - Cromwell Winery Cruises

    Cloudy Bay

    Our third Stop


    Cromwell is home to Cloudy Bay's Central Otago Pinot Noir. On offer is the full Cloudy Bay wine portfolio for tasting. Tasting experiences, these must be booked in advance, however light snacks and drinks are available anytime. Cloudy Bay is a name many of our local and international guests will recognise. The grounds overlook the glistening lake towards Pisa mountain range and are the perfect place to reflect on the day.