Innovative Queenstown tourism company Altitude Tours has today launched the world’s first heli-gin tour.
The award-winning tour operator has designed the unique tour around some of the country’s most coveted gin spots, with helicopter transfers provided by The Helicopter Line. A by-road option is also available via luxury Mercedes vehicles.
 
Altitude Tours managing director Nigel Hobbs says the company’s two gin experiences are the only gin tours offered in NZ, and its heli-gin tour is a world first.
 
“Gin is very ‘in’ right now and distilleries are popping up everywhere,” he says. “The gin-dustry is the new craft beer and the Central Otago climate and alpine conditions are ideal for developing pure, smooth gin,” he says. “These experiences are catering to the keen market of gin enjoyers by offering an epic day out that includes impeccable gin and hospitality, and scenic helicopter flights over some of NZ’s most beautiful landscapes.”
 
The two new, guided experiences – the Queenstown Gin Tour and the Queenstown Heli-Gin Tour – are now open for bookings. The six-hour Queenstown Gin Tour includes transport in a luxury Mercedes, with tastings and tours at the Cardrona Distillery and The Winery, followed by a visit to the Gin Garden by Broken Heart Spirits. Guests can see how gin is distilled, taste-test and take in the scenery.
 
The six-hour Heli-Gin tour takes the experience one step further with an incredible scenic flight to the Cardrona Distillery, including a celebratory toast at a secluded alpine location with panoramic views, as well as tastings in private rooms, shared grazing boards and a traditional German Tarte Flambee pizza at the Gin Garden.
 
“Both gin experiences are full sensory and have been designed to be a nice mix of sightseeing, education and fun,” adds Hobbs. “It is perfect for all types of people, and also offers some flexibility and opportunities to taste other spirits and wine or beer, too.”
 
The launch of the two trailblazing experiences tops off a significant year for the premium tour company – Altitude Tours’ Wine Sampler Tour was voted the Top Wine Experience in the world by Tripadvisor. It was also crowned as the fourth-best overall experience in NZ. The company was also finalists for Queenstown Business of the Year (Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Awards) and the NZ Tourism Industry Association Awards for the Best Visitor Experience.
 
“Our end game is to deliver an amazing day out for our guests, no matter what they’re into,” Hobbs says. “We’ve partnered with the best wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Southern Lakes and Central Otago to bring a first-class experience that people will never forget. Now, we’re very excited to be launching these one-of-a-kind gin tours just in time for summer.”
 
More info & to book:

Heli-Gin Tour
Classic Gin Tour
 
About Altitude Tours  

Altitude Tours curates well designed and delivered half and full-day experiences to Milford Sound, Gibbston Valley, Central Otago, Mt Cook, around the Queenstown Basin, Glenorchy and Paradise. Altitude Tours is owned by Queenstown locals Nigel Hobbs and Heidi Farren. Nigel is a prominent founder, investor and director of multiple tourism businesses and focused on delivering a world-class visitor experience while Heidi has devoted her entire career to providing exceptional tourism experiences in various guiding and management roles
https://www.altitudetours.co.nz/