Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.waiparahillswines.co.nz
;
780 Glasnevin Rd (SH1); mains $23-27; tastings 10am-5pm, restaurant 10am-3pm)
Hard to miss in an impressive edifice immediately south of Waipara, this winery produces
an excellent Gewürztraminer, as well as the more common valley varietals. The cafe
serves leisurely lunches on the terrace, and in summer the winery hosts occasional big-
name concerts (see
www.adayonthegreen.com.au
).
Waipara Springs
(
www.waiparasprings.co.nz
;
SH1; mains $20-27; 11am-5pm; )
Slightly north of Waipara township,
this is one of the valley's oldest vineyards. The attached cafe serves platters and bistro-
style lunches.
WINERY, CAFE
$$
Pegasus Bay
RESTAURANT, WINERY
$$$
( 03-314 6869;
www.pegasusbay.com
;
Stockgrove Rd; mains $38-45; restaurant noon-4pm, tastings
10am-5pm)
It's fitting that Waipara Valley's premier winery should have the loveliest setting
and one of Canterbury's best restaurants. Beautiful gardens set the scene but it's the con-
temporary NZ menu that steals the show, taking advantage of superb local produce and re-
commending wines to match.
Getting There & Away
The
Coastal Pacific
train from Christchurch to Picton stops at Waipara. Wine tours are
available from several Christchurch-based companies.
Hanmer Connection
( 0800 242 663;
www.hanmerconnection.co.nz
)
Heads to Hanmer Springs ($20,
50 minutes) and Christchurch ($20, 1¼ hours).
Hanmer Tours & Shuttle
( 03-315 7418;
www.hanmertours.co.nz
)
Runs shuttles to/from Hanmer
Springs ($20), Christchurch city centre ($15) and Christchurch Airport ($25).
InterCity
( 03-365 1113;
www.intercity.co.nz
)
Coaches head to/from Picton (from $24, 4½ hours),
Blenheim (from $22, four hours), Kaikoura (from $13, 1¾ hours) and Christchurch (from
$10, one hour) twice daily.
