Product Overview

Explore Bannockburn and Cromwell on your own timescale as we showcase its scenic locations, iconic activities and the finest wine, craft beers and cuisine! Become your own guide for the day and enjoy having the freedom to explore the best parts of Bannockburn, and Cromwell.

No need to make an itinerary and drive yourself. Our friendly drivers will look after you and provide you with information on each location.

Hop on and off as you please, visiting as many destinations as you like and choosing the duration of your stay at each spot - it's as simple as that!

 

Product Description

 Bannockburn Highlights

• Explore over 20 amazing stops throughout the Bannockburn, Cromwell and Gibbston Valley area.
• Visit some of the best wineries and breweries in the region!
• Have the freedom to hop on and hop off at as many destinations as you like! 
• Knowledgeable local guides, free map, bus timetable and stress free experience!
• We store your wines on the bus as you buy them.

 

Departure Times

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Bannockburn runs: 

Saturday and Sunday

Departure is at 9.50am

Expected return is approx. 6pm

Departure: The Station Information Centre in Queenstown

 

Duration

8 hours approx.

What To Bring

Prior to the day: 

This is a self guided tour – All tastings are the guests responsibility and at the guests expense. Some wineries will waiver the tasting fee when purchasing wine. We recommend booking lunch prior to the day and bringing water with you to stay hydrated. 

All tours have a minimum number of 6 guests for the tours to run. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if this number is not met. A refund or alternative date for the tour will be offered to all guests. 

If you would like to book for more than 8 guests please contact us directly.  More than 8 people cannot travel together on our tours without prior arrangement due to logistical reasons and the intimate nature of our selected wineries. We do not allow parties to merge together. If more than 8 people are in one group you will either a) be asked to leave the bus or b) be driven back at a cost of $200.

Anyone under the age of 18 is welcome, however – to consume alcohol you MUST be over the legal drinking age. You may be asked to produce a Government issued ID to prove your age. A child’s tickets can be purchased for those under 13 years. 

 

On the Day: 

Please be at your pick up stop 5 minutes prior to the departure time. Hop on Hop off does not take any responsibility for lateness. 

Tour Departure Point: The Station Building, Queenstown

We recommend no more than 8 guests hop off at any given winery – this is to ensure a more intimate and enjoyable experience. 

Our buses are not licensed which means alcohol cannot be consumed whilst on the bus. We follow strict duty of care protocols which may result in the stoppage of a guest’s tour when not followed. The removal of the offending passenger in the event of consuming alcohol,  intoxication or disrespectful behaviour may occur. A fine will be charged for any event which causes cleaning such as spillage or soiling the bus ($200). 

You will be provided with a wristband and a map of the stops/the route on the day with the allocated timetable. Use the wristband to unlock Hop on Hop off specials at selected venues (see the website for further information). 

 

Cancellation Policy: 

Cancellations received more than 14 days prior to departure are fully refunded. 

Cancellation received less than 14 days prior to departure will be charged full price. Upon communication with the booking team, we will endeavor to offer a new date for your Hop on Hop off Wine Tour. 

If you cancel within the 14 day period your tickets are non-refundable, if you cancel outside this time frame, you will receive a full refund.

 

COVID Cancellation Policy:

If any part of the country is in an ‘Amber’ Alert level or above, tickets will be non-refundable, and we will put tickets on hold for 48 months.

You can use these tickets, part-use them or gift them to someone else, any time in the 4 year window provided.

If there are no lockdowns anywhere in New Zealand, and we are at the green alert level. Our policy reverts to our 14 day cancellation policy.

Company Info

Juliearna Kavanagh imagined the idea back in 2010 when she wanted to have a wine tour where people made their own choices. Being a wine connoisseur and Executive Chef she has extensive knowledge of the food and wine industry in New Zealand. The initial design was written down on a piece of paper and the idea was born. There was a delayed start, due to earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 & 2011.  Instead her efforts were put into her hotel, the award winning Escape to Picton.

Then in 2013, Juliearna’s automated map of Marlborough cellar doors was created. This was a very different, up-market tour in Marlborough where clients could pick their own cellar door by making a wish list. The original www.escapetomarlborough.com is still running today. Customers travel in luxury Mercedes with the knowledge they had planned their own day with assistance along the way.

In March 2014, Hop on Hop off Wine Tours was launched. The Queenstown, Bannockburn, Marlborough and Nelson tours are constantly evolving with new operators, specials and improved scheduling.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.