Heli-gin tour launches in Queenstown
Queenstown tourism company Altitude Tours has launched what it says is the world’s first heli-gin tour, which includes distillery visits and a mountain-top toast.
It is one of two new guided gin experiences that the tour operator has created. The first is the Queenstown Gin Tour – a six-hour tour in luxury transport with tastings and tours at the Cardrona Distillery and The Winery, followed by a visit to the Gin Garden by Broken Heart Spirits.
The second is a six-hour Heli-Gin tour, which adds a scenic flight to the Cardrona Distillery and includes a celebratory toast at a secluded alpine location with panoramic views, as well as tastings in private rooms. The helicopter transfers are provided by The Helicopter Line. The Queenstown Gin Tour is priced at $189 per person while the Heli-Gin Tour is $559 per person.
Nigel Hobbs of Altitude Tours with Brad Patterson of The Helicopter Line.
“Gin is very ‘in’ right now and distilleries are popping up everywhere,” says Altitude Tours managing director Nigel Hobbs. “The ‘gin-dustry’ is the new craft beer… 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 New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes.”
Hobbs says that both gin experiences have been designed to combine sightseeing, education and fun. “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 release of the new tours follows Altitude Tours’ Wine Sampler Tour being voted the Top Wine Experience in the world by Tripadvisor earlier this year.