Just 45 minutes north of Christchurch, New Zealand, the “Waipara Valley” is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in recent years. This region offers an even more intimate and authentic experience than other well-known places in New Zealand.

With its valleys of olive groves, nut farms, and fields of lavender, Waipara’s landscapes are movie-worthy -and you can even spot some of them in the famous saga of “The Lord of the Rings”-.

The Waipara region is known as one of the driest in the country. It is characterized by warm, long-lasting summers and very cold winters, and the grapes here enjoy an extended ripening period.

Its wines are exceptional, with intense flavours and higher-end qualities, specializing in Pinot Noir and Riesling production. Though we must also mention its Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

With over 26 wineries and 80 vineyards within the valley, choosing which ones to visit can be challenging. Especially if you are in Christchurch on a vacation or in Lyttelton port as part of your cruise ship tour.

There are Waipara wine tours available from Christchurch City which includes the best wineries however, here are our handpicked ones. This list will be helpful if you are travelling on your own.

Discover our 5 selected wineries for your next Waipara Wine Tour

1. Torlesse Wines

Torlesse Wines is one of those wineries that offers a more intimate and personal experience. Just one kilometre above Omihi Road, the vineyard lies on the northwest-facing slopes to catch the afternoon sun, providing the best conditions for their fruiting vines.

A self-sufficient winery, they grow, make, and bottle all wine on the Torlesse Estate. Their wines are distinctive, mostly artisanal, and barrel-fermented. They are 100% Sustainable both as a winery and vineyard.

Even if you’re not a red wine enthusiast, I believe their Torlesse could convert you into one. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic along and enjoy the kid-, dog-, and bike-friendly garden surroundings.

Location: Loffhagen Drive, Waipara 7483
Website: https://www.torlesse.co.nz/

2. Pegasus Bay Winery

The Donaldson family has been interested in wine since the early 1970s. What started with a book called “Wine” sparked an interest in Pegasus Bay’s owner, Ivan Donaldson.

After a trip through Europe exploring wine regions, Ivan returned to New Zealand to plant one of Canterbury’s first vineyards -and to marry his girlfriend Christine, who had gifted him the book that started it all.

Today, their four sons are part of the winery as winemakers, managers, and marketing directors. Meanwhile, Chris, his wife, has hosted many Opera concerts in the winery’s natural amphitheatre.

They firmly believe in sustainable viticultural management, with minimal intervention at all stages from vine to bottle typifying their approach.

At “Mini Deli” -their restaurant- you can choose locally sourced products paired with a bottle of your favourite wine and head out to the dream garden for a lovely picnic.

Many critics agree that Pegasus Bay is one of New Zealand’s most reputable wineries. They are pioneers in viticulture on these islands and consistently receive notable scores in guides like The Wine Advocate.

Location: Stockgrove Rd, Waipara, RD 2 Amberley 7482
Website: https://www.pegasusbay.com/

3. Waipara Springs Winery and Restaurant

With over 40 years of history, Waipara Springs combines a boutique winery with a cozy restaurant and café.

Back in 1981, Bruce Moore, in conjunction with Lincoln University, undertook the first plantings of Pinot Noir in the region. This was experimental to see how the vines and grapes would respond to the terroir.

This was clearly a success since now this is recognized internationally as a leading Pinot Noir producing region. Visitors are welcome to do a wine tasting in the restaurant’s backyard, with an awesome view of the gardens.

The 26-hectare vineyard is planted with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Waipara Springs wines are made in the classic fruit-driven style that New Zealand wine is renowned for worldwide, with an emphasis on
fruity characters.

You could also stay for a meal at their restaurant, which utilizes fresh, seasonal products sourced locally that perfectly complement their wines.

If you are planning to have your lunch from here, please pre-book. Waipara Springs Winery is very popular for the meal and you may not get a seat if you haven’t pre-booked.

Location: 409 Omihi Road, Waipara Valley
Website: https://www.waiparasprings.co.nz/

4. Greystone Wines

Greystone is a relatively new winery founded in 2000. It is 100% organic certified. The owners meticulously manage their crops by hand, avoiding herbicides, insecticides, and systemic fungicides.

Their wines have received global attention as they try to develop their vineyards through organic practices to ensure harmony with their land.

Recently described by Decanter Magazine as one of New Zealand’s top wine producers, Greystone stands out for its exceptional wines.

The setting and scenery are photo-perfect, and the outdoor seating area gives wonderful views over the vineyards towards the hills. You will get a unique dine-in experience every time you visit this winery as they update their cuisine every two weeks.

The “Long Lunch” is one of their most acclaimed services, a four-course meal paired with optional wine selections to elevate the experience.

If you only want to do a wine tasting, they also offer a Small Plates menu to enjoy with your favourite glass of wine.

Location: 376 Omihi Road, Waipara Valley
Website: https://www.greystonewines.co.nz/

5. The Bone Line

Their sloping vineyards and minimalist approach to winemaking result in elegant and expressive wines. They pride themselves on practising progressive winemaking techniques.

Their vines range in age, and they have 9 separate blocks of them. They provide a unique cellar door experience in front of their winery, so while you do the wine tasting, you get to see where the grapes are grown and the wine is made.

Their library has a full slate of the expected reds and whites, but the Cabernet Franc and Riesling are the real stars of the winery. You can do the self-guided tour around the vineyard and stay at the restaurant after the wine tasting for their simple-sharing menu of locally sourced food.

Location: 181 Georges Road, Waipara Valley
Website: https://theboneline.co.nz/

Tips for Your Visit to Waipara

• The best time to visit is from December to March, during the harvest season. This is also the summer season in New Zealand.
• Reservations are recommended, especially for wineries with restaurants.
• It’s always a good idea to book a winery tour that picks you up in Christchurch and takes you to different wineries in the area, so you can forget about driving and fully enjoy the tastings.
• Download the Waipara Winery Map if you are keen to get a map with great style.