Excursion Waipara valley wine outing tour at Christchurch

Waipara. Just over an hour’s drive north of Christchurch, the region’s name means “muddy water.” But don’t be fooled; this trending wine valley in North Canterbury is not muddy. And it’s definitely not about water.

While young in wine years, having been established in just 1978, its renown – and its grape plantings – have grown by leaps and bounds. Today more than 75 vineyards thrive here, encompassing over 1,200 hectares of lovingly cultivated vines. Blessed with dry summers and long hot autumns, Waipara’s grapes enjoy a generous ripening window. Each terroir’s unique characteristics yield subtly differing pinot noirs, pinot gris, rieslings, chardonnays, and sauvignon blancs – a number of which you will taste on this relaxed romp through the region.

The typical tour agenda calls for in-depth tasting sessions at three prominent estates: Georges Road Wines, Waiapara Springs Winery & Restaurant, and Torlesse Wines. Each visit is an hour long, though the Waipara Springs stopover is expanded to 90 minutes to allow for a delicious platter lunch.

Throughout the day, your driver/guide will provide informative insider commentary on the region’s history and burgeoning wine culture. Once your Waipara tastings have wound down, a 90-minute drive back to Lyttleton wharf includes a brief highlights tour through nearby Christchurch.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Tastings at three wineries, vineyard lunch, Christchurch highlights tour

Note

Please note: This easy excursion involves about 200m /600 ft of walking over paved surfaces. Guests who utilise a wheelchair or have limited mobility should consider suitability with care. Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing. Wine tastings and platter-style lunch are included. The three vineyards visited may vary due to unforeseen circumstances.