The Waipara Valley is situated only 40 minutes drive north of Christchurch City. The fastest growing wine region in New Zealand, it is home to around 80 vineyards covering more than 1,200 hectares of plantings. Tucked at the base of the Teviotdale hill, it is sheltered from cool easterly winds but open to warming north west winds. The valley has three general sites, valley floor, hill slopes or river terraces. The soil types include; gravely deposits on flats and terraces in the central and west of the valley, limestone derived clays on hillsides and valley floor to the eastern side and gravely loams over alluvial subsoil in the southern part of the region. The north facing sloping terrain provides an ideal sun trap for fruiting vines.
This gives each vineyard unique characters that contribute to a range of wine styles. The “Terroir” combined with the long hot autumn period helps produce unique richer, spicier Pinot Noirs and Rieslings – regional specialities. Other varieties of note include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Vineyards of note include Pegasus Bay with its award winning restaurant and Mud House which also has a cafe linked to the cellar door.
Another great local attraction is The Weka Pass Railway. This historic rural railway uses both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives on 12.8 km of scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass out of Waipara, where superior weather patterns provide crystal clear air and high sunshine hours. Open most Sundays and public holidays during the summer months.