At the southern gateway to the Alpine Pacific Triangle is one of New Zealand’s finest wine regions - Waipara Valley. A pleasant 45 minute drive from Christchurch, Waipara’s wineries are currently producing in excess of 250,000 cases of wine in an average year.
The combination of hot summer temperatures, well drained soils and protection from cool winds, favours full ripeness in both red and white grapes. Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate but other varieties are also grown. Many wineries are open to the public and several winery restaurants feature local cuisine.
The fascinating diversity of local terroir not only contributes to an abundance of award-winning wines but is also ideal for olive farms, nut farms, lavender and flower growing.
The region’s producers come together annually at the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival in the historic Glenmark Church grounds, providing an opportunity to savour a selection of local wines and foods.
Local Events (yearly)
Click here for the current timetable of the Weka Pass Railway.
Click here for a PDF map of Waipara
Please take a moment to read through our recent feature travel articles -
 | North Canterburys Secret Recipe Adobe Acrobat Document: 422 KB, 62 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Waipara Wine and Food Celebration Adobe Acrobat Document: 24.4 KB, 4 seconds @ 56kbps |
| A Taste of the Waipara Valley Adobe Acrobat Document: 28.6 KB, 4 seconds @ 56kbps |
Greening Waipara
Greening Waipara is a world leading project that enhances the sustainability, biodiversity and marketing of winegrowing by giving vineyards ecological makeovers.
Greening Waipara restores vineyard habitats by planting mainly natives among and near the vines. The native species should provide nectar to support beneficial insects – those that control plant pests. There is now 45 Waipara Valley properties signed up to the project, having seen how adding biodiversity to agricultural ecosystems makes them more sustainable, profitable and marketable.
Mud House, Pegasus Bay and Torlesse Wines have each developed the trials close to their respective tasting room or restaurant, complete with information boards and an educational quiz for children. The trails wind through vines and native plants, leading visitors to areas where Greening Waipara is in action.
