Waipara Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Vineyards & Lunch Included

Taste your way through North Canterbury's finest without leaving the driving to chance

A Waipara wine tour from Christchurch takes you to three boutique vineyards in North Canterbury where you taste at least 15 wines across white, red and rosé styles. The 55-minute drive north puts you in wine country, and the afternoon includes a plattered lunch at the first winery, live commentary on the route, and an air-conditioned vehicle so you can focus on the tasting instead of the road. The operator confirms which three of Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, Georges Road or Waipara Hills will be open when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waipara Valley wine tasting tour

• Travel from Christchurch to Waipara
• Visit Georges Road winery and taste wines
• Enjoy wine tastings and platter lunch at Waipara Springs
• Sample wines at Torlesse Wines

The Experience

The drive from Christchurch takes about 55 minutes, heading north into the Waipara Valley. Your first stop is one of the region's wineries—often Georges Road, known for Syrah and Pinot Gris—where you'll begin tasting. The plattered lunch arrives at the second winery, usually Waipara Springs, one of the oldest and most established in the area. By the time you reach your third stop, typically Torlesse, you'll have sampled at least 15 wines across a range of grape styles and winemaking approaches.

Each winery pours its own selection, so the wines shift as you move through the valley. You're tasting, not touring production facilities—the focus stays on what's in the glass and what the winemakers are doing with the North Canterbury terroir. The live commentary on board fills the drive time with context about the region and the vineyards you're visiting. An air-conditioned vehicle means the afternoon stays comfortable even on a warm day.

If any of the named wineries are closed on your date, the operator substitutes another Waipara winery so the day still holds three stops and the same tasting volume. You'll need to be 18 to drink, and if you look 25 or younger, bring a valid passport or New Zealand driver licence—those are the only photo IDs accepted. Dietary requirements can be noted at booking so the plattered lunch works for you.

What’s included

• Tasting of at least 15 wines across white, red and rosé styles.
• visits to three North Canterbury boutique vineyards chosen from Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, Georges Road or Waipara Hills.
• a plattered lunch served at one of the wineries.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from Christchurch.
• live commentary on the drive and at each stop.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Leisure Tours

Is this one for you?The 5.5-hour afternoon leaves your morning free in Christchurch and gets you back before dinner, so it fits easily into a day without dominating it. If you want to taste widely without managing the drive or deciding which wineries to visit, the fixed route and three-stop structure does that planning for you.

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Top questions

How long is the whole afternoon from Christchurch?

The tour runs 5.5 hours total, which includes the 55-minute drive north, three winery stops with tastings, and the plattered lunch. You'll be back in Christchurch by late afternoon.

What happens if one of the three wineries I wanted to visit is closed?

The operator substitutes an alternative Waipara winery so you still visit three stops and taste the same volume of wines. You'll know which three are confirmed when you book.

Is the plattered lunch enough, or do I need to bring snacks?

The plattered lunch is included and served at the first or second winery, depending on the day's route. It's designed as a meal, though you're welcome to bring extra food if you prefer.

What kind of wines will I taste across the three wineries?

You'll sample at least 15 wines total, mixing white, red and rosé styles. Waipara is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Syrah, so expect to see those varieties represented across the stops.

Do I need to be able to walk between the wineries, or is transport provided?

An air-conditioned vehicle takes you between all three wineries, so you're not walking the valley. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle itself handles all the travel between stops.

Can I bring children or infants on this tour?

Infants and small children can come along—they can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap. A child rate applies when a child shares a booking with two paying adults. Only adults aged 18 and over can taste the wines.