Sip, savour, and explore: on a Cheeky Wine Tour in Waipara Valley
- Jesse Holmes
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 12
Looking for something different to do this week? Swap the city hustle for rolling vineyards and a glass (or three!) of local wine.
Just an hour north of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley offers a perfect day trip filled with laughter, delicious platters, and, of course, Pinot Noir! With bold reds, crisp whites, and vineyard views at every turn, Canterbury’s top wine region makes it easy to feel like you’ve escaped the everyday — even if you haven’t gone far.
Waipara Wine Country
New Zealand boasts eight unique wine regions, each with its own charm, soil, and climate. Nestled under the Southern Alps and kissed by coastal breezes, Waipara is North Canterbury’s hidden gem. First planted in 1978, its boutique wineries are now renowned for aromatic whites and elegant reds, perfect for sipping in the sun or sharing over a relaxed platter lunch. With us behind the wheel, you can sample the region’s best without a single worry.
The Cheeky Standard Wine Tour
Our Standard Wine Tour includes transport, tastings at three of Waipara’s favourite vineyards, and plenty of laughs along the way. We pick you up in Christchurch, crank the tunes, and cruise the Canterbury Plains before arriving in wine country. Spend 1–1.5 hours at each stop tasting, chatting, and snapping photos of the breathtaking vineyard scenery.
Torlesse Wines
A local favourite, Torlesse blends tradition with innovation. Sample aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Riesling, elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and their signature Port-style wines — all crafted with care and personality.
Waipara Springs
One of Waipara’s original wineries, Waipara Springs offers a warm cellar-door welcome and a relaxed platter lunch featuring local cheeses, meats, and fresh seasonal bites. Vegetarian or dietary requirements? No problem — tailored options are available. Their wines include Dry Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, all grown and bottled onsite.
Georges Road Wines
Tucked into sun-drenched slopes, Georges Road is a boutique gem known for handcrafted small-batch wines. Expect intimate tasting experiences, stunning vineyard views, and a chance to meet Pepper, the winery’s four-legged host. Specialties include Syrah, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris — a perfect final stop before returning to Christchurch.
Want to go private?
We also offer Private Wine Tours, perfect for shore excursions, corporate events, birthdays, hens and stags, team days, or “just because we can” celebrations. The tour is fully customised, with all the details handled by us — from timing to winery selection — so you can relax and enjoy a completely personalised experience.
Ready to go Cheeky?
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply after a fun day out with friends, Cheeky Wine Tours delivers the perfect mix of great wine, good company, and Canterbury charm.
Book your next adventure with us and discover why Waipara is one of New Zealand’s most exciting wine regions — just an hour from Christchurch, but a world away from ordinary. Grab your mates, your sunnies, and your sense of adventure — let’s head to Waipara!
For more information or to make a reservation, email us at: wine@cheekykeatravel.com or visit our website here.
That’s all from us for now! We’ll be back in a couple of weeks with our next instalment of blogs as we gear up to Christmas.
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