Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour

Christchurch , New Zealand

Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour

Active

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the highlights of Christchurch on this enriching day tour. Start with a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens and along the scenic Avon River, then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Riverside Market, where local produce, artisanal treats, and coffee culture await. Visit Sumner Beach, a picturesque seaside escape, and enjoy sweeping panoramas from the Lyttelton Port lookout, capturing the harbour and surrounding hills.

Travel north to the renowned Waipara Valley, where you will visit two boutique wineries to taste premium Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Perfectly combining urban charm, coastal beauty, and the flavours of New Zealand wine country, this tour offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for first-time visitors & wine enthusiasts alike.

This tour offers a flexible itinerary, timings & places can be modified on special requests, ensuring a personalized & memorable experience.

Available options

Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Christchurch city sightseeing

Experienced & knowledgeable Driver/ Guide

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off (as per client request)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Complimentary Bottled Water

Wine Tastings

Scenic drive through the beautiful Waipara Valley

Detailed itinerary

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens, heritage trees, and seasonal blooms.

Stop 2

Walk along willow-lined banks and enjoy iconic riverside views.

Explore this bustling indoor market, home to fresh produce, artisan foods, gourmet coffee, and local crafts. Enjoy a chance to taste local treats or pick up unique souvenirs.

Stop 4

Relax at this scenic seaside village, enjoy the golden sand and ocean views, or simply take a short walk along the coast to admire the rugged cliffs and waves.

Stop at a hilltop lookout for panoramic views of the harbour, surrounding hills, and shipping activity in the port. Great spot for photos and to appreciate Christchurch from above.

Greystone Wines is a family-owned, organic winery perched on the limestone-rich slopes of Waipara Valley. Known for its elegant Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay, the winery combines regenerative viticulture with low-intervention winemaking to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir. Visitors can enjoy tastings, seasonal food pairings, and explore the vineyard’s serene surroundings, including the innovative PurePod eco-cabin overlooking the vines.

Why Visit

Scenic Setting: Rolling limestone hills and panoramic vineyard views.

Organic & Sustainable: Experience wines grown with regenerative, eco-friendly practices.

Wine Variety: Taste Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and niche varietals like Syrah.

Food & Wine Pairing: Enjoy carefully crafted seasonal dishes paired with Greystone wines.

Unique Experiences: Stay in the glass-walled PurePod, stroll through vineyards, and savor a peaceful, family-run winery atmosphere.

Stop 7

Waipara Springs Winery is a family-owned estate located in the scenic Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Established in the early 1980s and run by the Moore family, it is one of the founding wineries of the region. The estate spans 26 hectares, producing a diverse range of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir. Its vineyards grow on clay-limestone soils, which impart a distinctive minerality to the wines, while the microclimate sheltered by the Teviotdale Hills ensures bright, balanced fruit.

Why Visit:

Historic family winery in Waipara Valley.

Scenic vineyard setting with beautiful gardens.

Diverse estate-grown wines from whites to Pinot Noir.

Seasonal food & wine pairings at the on-site restaurant.

Authentic, peaceful experience with terroir-driven wines.

What's not included

Meals

Olive Oil Tasting

Additional wine purchases

Personal expenses or souvenirs

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Christchurch

Christchurch is known for its English heritage, vibrant arts scene, and extensive parks and gardens. The city is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the South Island, including the Southern Alps and Kaikoura's coastal wonders.

Top Attractions

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

A beautiful 30-hectare garden located in the city center, featuring a diverse range of plants, a duck pond, and a conservatory.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (conservatory entry is NZD 10 for adults, NZD 5 for children)

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu

The largest public art gallery in New Zealand, showcasing a diverse collection of New Zealand and international art.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (some special exhibitions may have an entry fee)

Quake City

An interactive museum dedicated to the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, providing a unique insight into the events and their impact on the city.

Historical 1 hour NZD 25 for adults, NZD 10 for children (under 13 free)

Lyttelton

A charming port town with a rich history, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic buildings, and beautiful coastal views.

Historical Half day Free to explore, some attractions may have entry fees

Akaroa

A picturesque French-inspired settlement located on the Banks Peninsula, known for its beautiful harbor, wildlife, and historic charm.

Nature Full day Free to explore, some attractions and tours may have entry fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Whitebait Fritters

A traditional New Zealand dish made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and flour, then fried in a patty form.

Snack Contains fish and eggs, not suitable for vegetarians or those with fish allergies

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and crunchy honeycomb pieces.

Dessert Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies

Lamb Rack

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served with seasonal vegetables and a rich sauce.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Whale watching Dolphin encounters Hot springs Spa treatments Beach relaxation

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this time.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Christchurch is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of the ongoing earthquake recovery and redevelopment, which may present some challenges and hazards.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis and tour operators
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Getting there

By air

Christchurch International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

By bus

Christchurch Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro bus network is the primary mode of public transport in Christchurch. Buses are frequent and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Free Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central City Riccarton Sumner Lyttelton

Day trips

Arthur's Pass National Park

130 km (81 miles) from Christchurch • Full day

A stunning national park in the Southern Alps, offering a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.

Kaikoura

180 km (112 miles) from Christchurch • Full day

A coastal town known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities, including whale watching, dolphin encounters, and hiking.

Hanmer Springs

130 km (81 miles) from Christchurch • Full day

A popular hot spring and spa town, offering a range of relaxation and outdoor activities, including hot pools, hiking, and mountain biking.

Festivals

Christchurch Arts Festival • Every two years in August Christchurch International Jazz Festival • Annually in November Lyttelton Arts Festival • Annually in November

Pro tips

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a peaceful and relaxing experience, especially during spring and summer
Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting the Christchurch Art Gallery, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, and other local galleries and studios
Take a day trip to Arthur's Pass National Park, Kaikoura, or Hanmer Springs for a taste of the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities available in the surrounding region
Try local foods and dishes, such as whitebait fritters, hokey pokey ice cream, and lamb rack, as well as the city's thriving coffee culture
Be aware of the ongoing earthquake recovery and redevelopment, and follow local safety guidelines and warnings