Wine Tour & Māori Culture (4 tour options available)
WanaHaka offers guided wine tour experiences across Central Otago, including Wanaka, Cromwell, and Queenstown. All wine tours are fully guided and include transport, wine tastings at selected wineries, and insights into Central Otago’s unique wine regions. Tour options vary in duration and style, from shorter express tours to more immersive half-day experiences, with some tours also incorporating Māori cultural storytelling and connection.
Each experience is thoughtfully curated to showcase local wineries, seasonal highlights, and a genuine sense of place, making it easy to choose a wine tour that suits your time, interests, and travel plans.
A 2.5/3 hour tour which forms the ’Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture' is ideal from $135.00 per person in the Wānaka area which includes all tastings of 10-13 wines which may include Pinot Noir, Rose, Sav Blanc, Chardonnay and transfers*.
A 5.5/6 hour tour which forms the ‘Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka’ & ‘Wine Tour with Māori Culture Queenstown' from $259pp in the Wanaka/Cromwell includes all tastings of 23-28 including Pinot Noir, Rose, Sav Blanc, Chardonnay and even a Blanc De Noir, Osteiner, transfers* and cheese/grazing platter for 2 plus.
A 5.5 / 6 hour tour which forms the ‘Wine Tour & Māori Culture Queenstown' from $259pp in the Queenstown/Gibbston area which includes all tastings of 16-20 including Pinot Noir, Rose, Sav Blanc, Chardonnay, transfers* and cheese/grazing platter for 2 plus.
This is the only wine tour in Central Otago that connects the amazing wines and land with our Māori culture of New Zealand
Explore Wanaka by bike with some wonderful wine tasting. This is a 5 hour tour for $299 where we will covers approximately 20.5km on our E-Bikes! You will get an insight into the Māori footprint and history from many hundreds of years ago of the beautiful Otago region along with combining the wonderful present being the beautiful wines of this region. To give you the authentic New Zealand experience.
Why combine Wine Tour & Māori Culture
Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and their story is both long and intriguing. On the basis of oral records, archaeological finds and genetic analyses, historical treaties place the arrival of Māori in Aotearoa, New Zealand in the Eleventh century AD.
It was important to share a story of our heritage in the Central Otago region with the amazing varietals of wines now available in the region as well and how our natural landscape has played such a vital part to the success of wines in this region so by combining whenua/land with whānau/family the Wine Tour & Māori Culture was created.
The origin of Māori has been reliably traced to the islands of Eastern Polynesia, and their journey to New Zealand occurred in a number of epic waka (canoe) voyages over a significant period of time. These journeys established Māori as daring and resourceful adventurers, and as one of the greatest navigating peoples of all time.
Contemporary Māori culture has been shaped by the traditions of its rich cultural heritage, with an outward view of the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in a global society.
The Hongi (press noses) is the traditional Māori greeting and is a sign of peace, life and well being and represents a connection between people and the Tangata Whenua (people of the land). The Hongi is a gentle pressing of noses which creates a connection and the "Ha"- the breath of life, between two people. WanaHaka® embraces this Māori custom because we want you to experience the authenticity of Maori culture in New Zealand.
The Haka is a traditional Maori dance. Māori haka are performed for various reasons, such as celebrating an achievement, welcoming distinguished guests, or as a pre-battle challenge. Contrary to popular belief, a haka is not always a war dance, and may be performed by both men and women.
The haka attained international fame as a result of the pre-game haka performed by New Zealand national sports teams, particularly the All Blacks rugby team.
The cultural haka performed at WanaHaka® is a specifically designed haka that pays respect to the Whenua (land) and Whanau (family/people) of the Wānaka and Central Otago region and is unique to this area so is very Tapu (sacred) and limited in its presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do WanaHaka wine tours operate?
Our wine tours operate across Central Otago, including Wanaka, Cromwell, and Queenstown, visiting selected local wineries and experience locations.
What types of wine tours are available?
WanaHaka offers several wine tour options, including shorter express tours, longer immersive wine and Māori culture tours, and specialty experiences such as e-bike wine tours.
How long do the wine tours last?
Tour durations vary depending on the experience selected, ranging from shorter express tours to longer half-day and full-day experiences.
Are wine tastings included in the tours?
Yes. All wine tours include guided wine tastings. The number of tastings varies depending on the tour selected.
Does this tour include food?
Some wine tours include light food options, such as cheese grazing platters. Food inclusions vary by tour, and full details are listed in each individual tour description.
Which vineyards are visited?
We work with a range of boutique wineries across Central Otago. Specific vineyards may vary depending on availability and season to ensure the best possible experience on the day.
Are WanaHaka wine tours guided?
Yes. All WanaHaka wine tours are fully guided and hosted experiences, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the experience without needing to self-drive or manage logistics.
Is this tour available as a private booking?
Yes. Private wine tours are available and can be arranged directly with us.
What days do WanaHaka wine tours operate?
Operating days vary by tour and season. Please refer to each individual tour listing for current availability and operating days.