Wine is the reason to stay a while in Waipara. The area is known for superb pinot noir and riesling. You'll also find some wonderful food experiences.
Waipara is a picturesque valley just 45 minutes north of Christchurch. This is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions - pinot noir and riesling grapes do very well here.
Visit one of the vineyard restaurants and the many tasting rooms. To add to your gourmet experience, there are olive groves, nut farms and fields of lavender.
Waipara is a great place to stretch your legs, either on the cycleway between the wineries, or on one of several beautiful walks. Enjoy wandering through Iron Ridge Quarry Park; this disused quarry has been converted into an art gallery with enormous steel sculptures.
Interesting forms of accommodation can be found in the area – you can even stay in a converted railway carriage. Waipara is also home to the historic Weka Pass Railway, which runs on the first and third Sunday of every month.
