New Zealand's wine & beer scenes toasted with new tours

For travellers looking to explore the flavours of New Zealand, the destination has just launched three new tours for guests looking to explore the country's wine, beer and cocktail offerings:

The 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail

The self-paced, independent tour in Central Otago - New Zealand’s pinot noir heartland - takes those interested in learning more about the wines of the region to visit four premium wine-tasting rooms. The eight-kilometre loop trail includes Misha’s Vineyard, Aurum Wines, Scott Base and Wooing Tree Vineyard, as well as captures some wonderful scenery through orchards and around Lake Dunstan.

The walking time on the trail is approximately 90 minutes in total (at an average pace) and can be completed in 3.5 hours, including tasting stops. At three of the tasting rooms, there are lunch platters available – or guests have the option of bringing their own picnic and finding a scenic spot. As well as tasting Central Otago’s famous pinot noir, wine selections include pinot gris, rosé, Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, riesling, sparkling and dessert-style wines and port. For those who prefer hops over grapes, there is a beer option at one of the tasting rooms.

The 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail is free. The only costs that may be incurred are wine-tasting fees, as well as optional food purchases.

Auckland Cocktail Tour & Original New Zealand Craft Beer Tour

Unique Tours recently launched two new tours for visitors to Auckland:

Original Cocktail Tour Auckland offers an array of cocktail tasting in bars across the Auckland central business district. A certified guide leads guests off the beaten track to find bars and pubs known only to locals in the old part of the city centre. Tour participants are treated to several different cocktail tastings throughout the 2.5-hour tour. The price is from $198 NZD per person (approx. $176 Cdn).

Unique Tours also has the Original New Zealand Craft Beer Tour. It takes visitors on a laid back, 2.5-hour walking tour through downtown Auckland – where they sample a wide range of craft beer. From $169 NZD per person (approx. $150 Cdn), beer connoisseurs enjoy a variety of New Zealand craft beers available only in the country, as well as snacks. This tour showcases many Auckland pubs and bars – both old and new – and guests learn about the city through its dedication to producing exceptional craft beer.