Waipara Valley
Waipara Valley is an exciting wine region only 45 minutes north of
Christchurch. Several wineries offer restaurant and wine tasting facilities. The Weka Pass Railway operates a 7km vintage train excursion from Waipara to Waikari, through North Canterbury countryside. Wagons drawn by Clydesdale horses also tour the wine trails.
Attractions:
- Waipara Wine Region
With 13 vineyards, this growing wine region has a range of wineries, restaurants and accommodation. Local vineyards offering tours and/or tastings by arrangement include Canterbury House Vineyards, Chancellor Wines of Waipara, Daniel Schuster Wines, Torlesse Wines and Waipara Springs Winery & Restaurant.
- Turf to Surf Four Wheel Drives
Jetboating and coastal mountain bike track. Located just north of Cheviot on State Highway One, Turf to Surf offers visitors magnificent scenery, an insight into farm life, great coastal mountain bike tracks and jetboating on the Waiau River.
- Fishing
With two mighty rivers - the Hurunui and the Waiau - there are plenty of fishing options. Trout and salmon are the main prizes with sea fishing charters also available.
- The Historic Hurunui Hotel
An icon in North Canterbury for well over 100 years, this hotel boasts the longest continuous licence - dating back to 1868.
- The Weka Pass Historic Railway
A 7km trip to Waikari available on the first and third Sundays of every month.
- Horse Treks
Another popular activity in the Hurunui District is multi-day horse trekking and wagon trails.