North Canterbury

Covering the expansive Pacific coastline from Cheviot to Ashburton, North Canterbury’s wine region is often described as ‘the Little Wine Region that could.’ From limestone hills to hardy gimlet soils, riverbeds of ancient fossils and hot dry microclimates, the region is still in its infancy and making a name for itself in reflecting terroir, kaitiakitanga and cooperation. Featuring an astounding number of family-owned and operated organic offerings, prepare to be spoilt for choice. Did you leave room in your suitcase? We guarantee it’ll be full before you return home.

Now featuring two accommodation options, Tussock Hill is the perfect place to stay the night and long lunch. Soak in your private tub under the stars with views over the city, then wake up to views of the urban centre framed by snowcapped Alps. Open from 11am, select from an extensive list of sustainably sourced kai or Trust the Chef with friends while exploring the exceptional wine offering.

Plucky new kids on the block, discover the South Bank. Named for the fossils found in their gravelly riverbed soils, the Boneline is truly history. Aptly named, Terrace Edge specialise in handmade ‘Liquid Geography’ and produce olive oil onsite as well. George’s Road boasts an accommodation option and a ‘build your own antipasto platter’ perfect for a long afternoon watching the sun go down over the western ranges.

Easily one of Waipara’s best cellar door offerings is Greystone Wine’s Long Lunch. Four courses, and five expertly matched wines await you in the dramatic setting of the Omihi Hills which shape the minerally rich flavours of their handmade range. The viticulturists experiment with Pet Nats, fruity Roses, and wild ferments made IN the vines - if you can make one of these sessions, we highly recommend. To top it off, Greystone features a Purepod accommodation option with incredible views out across the Waipara Valley, and stunning vistas of the Milky Way at night.

Highly celebrated and Two-Hat decorated Black Estate, boasts the finest cellar door in the region. Chef Ollie Le Maitre’s style is rustic, honest food focusing on biodynamic and organic fare - he lets the food do the talking, and the wine sing! Among one of the most celebrated, give Black’s Homeblock Chard the nudge it deserves. Stay the night at their accommodation on site, Koromiko Guest House, or Russell’s Cabins options.

Finally return from whence you came with a must-do experience at Cellar Door. Whether you prefer to sample a little of everything, or go it alone with an epic main all to yourself, the real reason you’re here is the wine, right? A recent recipient of ‘Best Of’ Award of Excellence in the US Wine Spectator awards, get to know the local wines even better with one of 20+ expertly curated and constantly evolving wine flights. Topped off with the history of the Arts Centre precinct, no Cellar Door experience is complete without a stay in the historic Observatory Hotel. Step back in time and see the painstakingly restored University of Canterbury former Astronomy school. A stay here will leave you feeling like you’ve wound back the clock, enjoy!