About an hour's drive north of Christchurch, Waipara Valley is a relatively new wine region in North Canterbury. Visit boutique cellar doors, enjoy vineyard dining and taste regional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and other aromatic wines.
Waipara Valley’s dry climate, good sunshine and long growing season support a wide range of wine styles. Gravel soils on the valley floor and clay and limestone on the surrounding hills provide different growing conditions across the region.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling are regional highlights. You can also taste Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and smaller plantings of varieties such as Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
Attracting visitors from all over New Zealand and overseas, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival(opens in new window) showcases the very best of Waipara Valley wine and food. Taking place during summer under the shade of old oak trees, local musicians and performers entertain the 4,000 festival lovers.
Tussock Hill Vineyard(opens in new window) is not actually one vineyard but two. While the main vineyard is in Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, Tussock Hill has a second, boutique vineyard in the Port Hills, 15 minutes’ drive from the Christchurch city centre.
The Port Hills vineyard is home to the Tussock Hill Cellar Door Restaurant, which received One MICHELIN Star in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand. The restaurant serves seasonal sharing plates created by head chef Adam Harrison using local Canterbury produce, with dishes designed to complement Tussock Hill’s organic wines.
The menu changes regularly and may feature produce from the vineyard garden alongside locally sourced meat, seafood, grains and vegetables. The restaurant is open for lunch, and advance bookings are recommended, particularly at weekends.
Departing from either Ōtautahi Christchurch or Akaroa, Canterbury Winery Heli-Tour will take you on a spectacular scenic flight over Waipara vineyards. Landing in style at local wineries for tastings, lunch and relaxing country-views.
Strategically placed to make the most of the scenic views and stargazing, Greystone PurePod(opens in new window) is located above award-winning Greystone vineyard. Sleep under the Milky Way in this unique winery accommodation.
