Christchurch & Canterbury - New Zealand - page 937

To explore the valley's bounty fully, pick up a copy of the Waipara Valley Map (or
download it from www.waiparawine.co.nz ) or visit www.foodandwinetrail.co.nz . Other-
wise, you'll spot several of the big players from the highway. The area's two main towns
are tiny Waipara and slightly larger Amberley, although the latter is just outside the main
wine-growing area.
The annual Waipara Wine & Food Festival ( www.waiparawineandfood.co.nz ) is held in
March.
Sleeping
Waipara Sleepers HOSTEL $
( 03-314 6003; www.waiparasleepers.co.nz ; 12 Glenmark Dr, Waipara; sites from $20, dm $25,
s $35-45, d $55-65; ) Train tragics will appreciate this unusual hostel, where you can
bunk down in converted carriages and cook your own meals in the 'station house'. The
facilities are fairly basic and you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag for the dorm
room.
Eating & Drinking
Pukeko Junction CAFE, DELI $
( www.pukekojunction.co.nz ; 458 Ashworths Rd (SH1); mains $10-19; 9am-4.30pm) One of the
most popular roadside pitstops, this cafe-cum-giftstore in Leithfield (south of Amberley)
serves delicious baked goods including gourmet sausage rolls and lamb shank pies. As
well as arts and crafts, the store stocks a good selection of local wine.
Nor'wester CAFE $$$
( www.norwestercafe.co.nz ; 95 Carters Rd (SH1); breakfast $9-21, lunch $18-26, dinner $20-39;
9am-late) Bluster into this old wooden villa on the main street of Amberley for great cof-
fee, yummy muffins and a whole variety of cooked meals, ranging from pizza and pasta
to bistro-style meals in the evening.
Brew Moon CAFE, BREWERY $$$
( www.brewmooncafe.co.nz ; 150 Ashworths Rd (SH1); mains $16-28; 10am-late) Just south of
Amberley on SH1, Brew Moon crafts six different beers along with seasonal brews;
sample four of them for $16. The menu stretches from cooked breakfast to gourmet
pizza, pasta and daily fish specials.