12 Hours Amberley & Waipara
Craft brews, excellent wine and standout local produce are awaiting in North Canterbury's Amberley and Waipara. Add breathtaking views, easy driving and friendly people to the mix and 12 hours in this region will fly by.
Start your day in Amberley with a coffee and some shopping, then leisurely roll into feasting and wine at some of the country's top wineries in Waipara.
Morning
Old School Collective
1429 Main North Road, Waikuku
Start your road trip by driving 30 minutes north from Christchurch Ōtautahi.
Heading through Waikuku to Amberley is a whole lot more interesting with the opening of the Old School Collective - a boutique retail and lifestyle destination in a 140-year-old school.
Retail and lifestyle businesses make up the collective, operating out of renovated old classrooms. The spaces include The Yoga Club, The Health Project - which offers health coaching and tailor-made health programmes, Twine Antiques, Room Six gift shop, clothing boutique Louis Who, Good Dirt Flowers florist and gift store and Woven Verandah outdoor furniture store share a space.
Finally, The Office Café is the perfect spot to rewind and nourish your body with some hearty, healthy kai and delicious coffee.
Little Vintage Espresso
20 Markham Street, Canterbury
Amberley isn’t normally a town that springs to mind when you’re looking for a decent coffee. However, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the little gem that is Little Vintage Espresso.
Little Vintage is simple, stylish, and inviting. The light, open space is filled with communal tables and happy customers. What more could you want?
Crown & Pantry
84 Carters Road, Amberley
A good old fashioned general store, Crown & Pantry in Amberley is a one-stop-shop for everything you might need for a platter and wine kind of scenario, be it a picnic, a get together with friends and family, or just something a little special for yourself. Stock up on some treats before heading north towards wine country.
Afternoon
Greystone Wines
376 Omihi Road, Waipara
The Greystone team are passionate about organic wine and educating others about their unique practices. Pop into their Cellar Door to try their outstanding range of award winning wines. For those wanting to see first-hand the true essence of Greystone, guided tours of the winery and vineyard offer a fascinating snapshot of the exciting things happening on the vines and in the wines.
Black Estate
614 Omihi Road, Waipara
A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food. Locally sourced and organic produce creates seasonal lunches that beg to be lingered over with a bottle. Minimalism is the aesthetic at this Waipara winery, and Black Estate's laid-back atmosphere hits a stylish note.
Pegasus Bay
263 Stockgrove Road, Glasnevin
Pegasus Bay is a true gem in the Waipara crown and an extremely memorable place to visit. Family owned and operated, the beautiful winery and restaurant reflect the passion and energy the Donaldson family pour into the Pegasus Bay empire. The striking castle-like building is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens full of beautiful trees, flowers, ponds, and red footbridges which add to the magic of the place.
Once you've tried the range in the tasting room, pick a glass or bottle and then check out their range of local bites within the deli to build your own cheese platter, and head out to the gardens to find your spot.
Terrace Edge Wines
328 Georges Road, RD2, Waipara
With rolling North Canterbury hills in the background, rows of grapevines in the foreground, and a glass of wine in your hand, Terrace Edge is the classy yet laid back winery atmosphere you’ve been looking for.
With delicious wines and homegrown olives, you can feast on special varietals here while sampling some of the winery's finest in olives.
Evening
Brew Moon Brewing Company
12 Markham Street, Amberley
The home of beer in Amberley, the Brew Moon Brewing Company is an independent family-run craft brewery and pizzeria. Residing on the historic Markham Street in Amberley, Brew Moon provides locals and travellers alike with a relaxed spot to enjoy some locally crafted beer, wood-fired pizzas and delicious burgers.
Guide:
12 Hours Amberley & Waipara
-
1
Greystone Wines
376 Omihi Road, Waipara
Restaurants, Eat & Drink
-
2
Black Estate
614 Omihi Road, Waipara
Accommodation, Restaurants, Eat & Drink, Stay & Explore
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3
Pegasus Bay
263 Stockgrove Road, Glasnevin
Eat & Drink
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4
Brew Moon Brewing Company
12 Markham Street, Amberley
Bars
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5
Little Vintage Espresso
20 Markham Street, Canterbury
Cafés, Eat & Drink
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6
Crown & Pantry
84 Carters Road, Amberley
Eat & Drink, Shops