Waipara Wine Trail With Lunch

Waipara Wine Trail With Lunch runs through Leisure Tours. Rated 4.5 across 515 reviews. Runs 5 hours 30 minutes. From NZ$199.

Overview

This half day trip leaves central Christchurch at 11:30 and travels to Waipara, North Canterbury's wine district, for tastings at three vineyards and a plattered lunch. Leisure Tours runs it with a driver-guide who gives live commentary along the way, and the whole outing runs about five and a half hours, finishing back where it started. At least 15 different wines get poured across the stops.

The route takes in Georges Road Wines, Waipara Springs Winery and Torlesse Wines, with the longest stop, an hour and a half, at Waipara Springs where lunch is served. Travellers regularly describe the guides as knowledgeable about both the wines and local history, and reviewers often mention a relaxed, sociable day out. The group is capped at 16 people.

It suits visitors who want a taste of the region without hiring a car, and who are happy with a shared, easygoing afternoon rather than a deep dive into any single producer. Bear in mind there is no hotel pickup, so the day starts from a set meeting point on Cathedral Square.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cathedral SquareMeet at 57 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, at Tram Stop 2 near the Godley statue. The tour departs at 11:30.
2. Drive to WaiparaTravel to the Waipara wine area, roughly 55 minutes, with live commentary from the driver-guide on board.
3. Georges Road WinesFirst tasting stop, 45 minutes. Admission is included.
4. Waipara Springs WineryThe longest stop at 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the individual plattered lunch. Admission is included.
5. Torlesse WinesFinal tasting stop, 45 minutes. Admission is included.
6. Return to ChristchurchThe tour ends back at the Cathedral Square meeting point, with a total duration of 5 hours 30 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this tour.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is Tram Stop 2 on Cathedral Square, near the Godley statue, and the start time is 11:30. Arrive a little early, since the group travels together in one vehicle.
• Group feel. The maximum is 16 travellers. Reviewers often mention a relaxed pace and a sociable, easygoing day out.
• The guide. Reviewers again and again praise the guides for local knowledge and good conversation about Christchurch and the Waipara area. Expect live commentary during the drive rather than a formal wine class.
• Food and drink. An individual plattered lunch is included, plus tastings of at least 15 wines. Many reviewers enjoyed the lunch, while a few felt it was more of a snack than a meal, so it may pay to eat something beforehand if you have a big appetite. Mention any dietary requirements when booking.
• ID and age. You must be 18 to drink alcohol in New Zealand. If you look 25 or younger you may be asked for photo ID, and only a passport or New Zealand driver licence is accepted.
• Comfort. The vehicle is air-conditioned. Wear whatever suits the weather, as you will move between the vehicle and the wineries, and bring a way to carry any bottles you buy.

Common issues. The most frequent complaint in reviews is the lunch: a few travellers felt the platter was too small to count as lunch, so anyone wanting a full meal should plan accordingly. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if it is cancelled for that reason you get a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Gratuities, extra food and drinks beyond what is specified, and hotel pickup are all excluded, and if a listed winery is unavailable on the day, another Waipara area winery is substituted.

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