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5 Day Southern Grandeur Self Drive Wine Tour
Christchurch
Begin your Christchurch | South Island Great Wine Capital journey in Christchurch – the Heart of the South.
Christchurch is rightly named the ‘Garden City’ of New Zealand, due to its spectacular parks, gardens, and walkways. While, its big backyard offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular seascapes, landscapes and mountain ranges.
Travelling from Christchurch City is a seamlessly experiences. Discover alpine hot pools, lush vineyards, amazing eco-tourism activities, extensive mountain and ski opportunities as well as charming townships – all within two hours drive.
Whatever your pleasure, Christchurch and its big backyard offer the great New Zealand experience.
For information on where to stay and activities while in Christchurch and Canterbury, visit www.christchurchnz.com and to see more of ChristChurch through photos and videos visit www.christchurch.org.nz/photosvideos/
Apex Car Rentals is the key sponsor for the International Best of Wine Tourism Awards. Visit their website to view rates and make a booking www.apexrentals.co.nz
Wining and Dining in the City
SOL Square and Poplar Lane (both off Lichfield Street) –take a leisurely stroll through this inner city network of lanes that give Christchurch an urban edge. Lining the historic lanes are funky and sophisticated internationally themed bars, including the Cleaners Only, a quirky hole in the wall bar, Kiwi style fish and chip shop, the Yellow Cross pizza restaurant with brew pub, as well as numerous other clubs and boutique shops.
The Terrace - overlooking the river, or as refuge with a hot drink on a winter's day, the iconic Terrace gives you plenty of choice, and the chance to say, yes, you've really been to Christchurch. Liquidity, Sticky Fingers, The Viaduct and Coyote's are among some of the bars and restaurants that cater with delicious meals during the day and legendary nightlife after dark.
Christchurch Casino - enjoy great food and drinks at the restaurants and bars. Visit the Diamond Bar with its exciting fusion of old and new with a white bar set alight by 3,500 shimmering crystal glass shards.
Curator's House Restaurant - overlooking the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Avon River, this centrally located restaurant offers the freshest of local produce prepared with a subtle Spanish influence.
Indochine – award winning restaurant combining South East Asian and French style cuisine with an environment that combines Asian mystery with European opulence.
The Octagon Live – enjoy a world class dining experience with a fusion of heritage, fine dining and music all within a beautifully restored stone church.
Belgium Beer Café Torenhof – offering a commitment to Belgian Beer and outstanding cuisine, relax in a 1920’s cafe atmosphere overlooking the Avon River and garden reserve.
Dux de Lux – masters of fine indoor and outdoor casual dining and award winning hand crafted beer. Adjoining the Art Centre, this iconic Christchurch restaurant serves the finest seafood and vegetarian fare and is often home to some of New Zealand’s top live music.
Attractions
Take a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon. Travel high above the city and Canterbury Plains, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and endless blue ocean – topped off with a champagne breakfast.
Experiencing firsthand what life is like on the coldest place on earth at the Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre. Slide down an icy slope, shelter in an ice cave and endure minus 18 degree Celsius temperatures.
Experience indigenous and exotic animals by visiting Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. View the famous flightless kiwi bird in its natural habitat.
Immerse yourself in Maori Culture at Ko Tane – The Maori Experience. Learn about New Zealand’s native culture and participate in a powhiri (welcome), take in a Maori Performance, explore a historic village and indulge with a ‘Taste of New Zealand’ dinner.
Discover galleries, museums and heritage buildings on foot or from the comfort of the Christchurch historic tram. Check out the bustling art and craft market stalls at the Art Centre – complete with international food fair and street entertainment.
A day excursion to Akaroa is a picturesque 90 minute drive from Christchurch on Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming French-inspired village cradled in the arms of an ancient volcano. Take in sweeping harbour views and see the outer bays from a hilltop vantage point. In the village itself, spend a leisurely day exploring boutique shops, an antique museum, galleries and gourmet eateries, or swim with the rare Hector's dolphin.
Play a round of golf at Clearwater, home of the NZ PGA Championship. Offering five tee positions, the 18-hole golf course is the centrepiece of Clearwater Resort.
Sample some of the many Canterbury delights at various local farmers’ markets, including Lyttelton Harbour and Riccarton House, all located within twenty minutes drive of Christchurch City.
Accommodation Suggestions
An extensive range of accommodation is available in Christchurch city to enjoy the very best of what is on offer. Here are some options to consider:
Crowne Plaza - www.ichotelsgroup.com
The Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooks Victoria Square and the Avon River. The hotel is physically linked to the Christchurch Convention Centre, adjacent to the Christchurch Casino, and only minutes from the central business district and all leading city attractions. Canterbury Tales is the signature restaurant with fresh ingredients, superb flavours, innovative presentation and attention to detail creating an exceptional dining experience.
Hotel Grand Chancellor - www.ghithotels.com
Hotel Grand Chancellor is one of Christchurch’s favourite hotels and is the tallest in the city offering fantastic views either over the mountains, Pacific Ocean or neighbouring Port Hills. With the central shopping precinct at your doorstep and a short stroll to cafes, restaurants and bars this location is hard to beat.
The Heritage Christchurch - www.heritagehotels.co.nz
The Heritage is situated in the heart of Cathedral Square. Formerly the Old Government Building, this magnificent historic building has been lovingly restored and complements the contemporary tower with many rooms and suites offering views over Christchurch and the majestic Southern Alps.
The Millennium Hotel - www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
The Millennium Hotel is also overlooking Cathedral Square and offers five star accommodation. As one of Christchurch’s superior hotels, the service and experience will not disappoint.
The George - www.thegeorge.com
The luxurious, boutique George Hotel is the essence of supreme comfort and is renowned for offering a personalised stay and two award winning restaurants. Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and Avon River, find a peaceful retreat just steps from Christchurch's cultural precinct.
Day 1 – Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook
Collect your Apex Car Rental and head south west from Christchurch through quaint countryside to a selection of vineyards and restaurants just 20 minutes away.
Wineries
Rossendale Restaurant and Winery - www.rossendale.co.nz
It is an excellent venue with a fuse of wines and high quality beef reared on the Rossendale farm.
Melton Estate – www.meltonestate.co.nz
Melton Estate is a boutique vineyard producing award winning wines. Their wines are served at their vineyard cafe and are available directly from their Cellar Door.
Lone Goat Vineyard - www.lonegoat.co.nz
Lone Goat’s name is inspired by the vineyard’s sole inhabitant and guardian of the vines - Ella the goat. The vineyard on Burnham School Road, established by the Giesen Brothers, has been producing outstanding wine for nearly 30 years. This tradition has been continued by Lone Goat Vineyard, with their first wine, the Botrytis Selection 2007, winning the Champion Sweet Wine Trophy at the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show.
Tresillian Vineyard - www.tresillian.co.nz
The Tresillian vineyard is situated on a flat, sheltered site where the first Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir vines were planted in 2001. A high standard of viticulture management is practiced with emphasis on sustainable winegrowing.
Continue south over the flat Canterbury Plains via the agricultural town of Ashburton. Feel the pulse of the heartland while travelling inland to Geraldine, a beautiful village with cafes, art and crafts prior to driving inland to the Mt Cook/Mackenzie region. Pass through Tekapo, home to the Church of the Good Shepherd – one of the most beautiful churches in the world - and pass the breathtakingly beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo.
One and a half hours further is the village of Mount Cook, with dazzling views of Australasia’s tallest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook. When it comes to hiking and sightseeing in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, there is something for everyone, including: a landscape of glaciers, mountain streams, kayaking amongst icebergs and glacial lakes. Accommodation is available at the Hermitage Hotel.
Day 2 and 3 – Aoraki/Mt Cook to Central Otago
Travel four hours south through alpine scenery and over the Lindis Pass to the Central Otago wine region. Queenstown and Cromwell are delightful towns with various attractions, scenery and wine.
Attractions
Affectionately called ‘Central’, Central Otago is New Zealand’s most inland region, located in the southern half of the South Island.
Central Otago’s mountain and valley landscape, inland location and semi-arid climate create distinctive seasons. Taste award winning wines, try curling year round, play a round of golf at one of the 11 golf courses, cruise the Clutha River, visit quaint gold mining towns or just relax at one of the many boutique accommodations.
Central Otago is a place to relax, indulge and rejuvenate. The local people have a strong sense of “Love of Place” and are proud to share it with visitors.
Accommodation Suggestions
A range of accommodation is available in Cromwell from boutique Bed and Breakfast to hotels, and a large range of quality motels.
Aoturoa Luxury Villa – www.aoturoa.co.nz
Situated between Cromwell and Lake Wanaka, Aoturoa Luxury Villa is a five star boutique lodge on the banks of the Clutha River. With 360-degree mountain views and barely a building in sight, the feeling of seclusion and remoteness is absolute – yet it is just a 15 minute drive to Lake Wanaka and 20 minute drive to the surrounding wine growing region.
Pisa Range Lake Resort – www.pisarangelakeresort.co.nz
Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Pisa Range Lake Resort offers 5-star accommodation, with bedroom villas. The boat style villas are built over a newly constructed marina and guest can easily access the lake. Soak in the amazing views of the region as you sit on the deck with a Central Otago world class wine in hand.
Golden Gate Lodge – www.goldengate.co.nz
Discover the golden opportunities of Central Otago and the Southern Lakes as guest of Cromwell’s 3+ star Golden Gate Lodge. This 47 studio room property is ideally located for guests to base themselves and explore the wider region.
Orchard House – www.orchardhouse.co.nz
Set in a secluded and unique orchard setting, Orchard House is where you can experience the hospitality and the delights of the Central Otago region. Experience summer fruits, autumn colours, snow covered mountains and the spectacular orchard blossom in spring.
Wineries
Spend time in Central Otago’s largest wine-growing sub-region, the Cromwell Basin, and enjoy wineries at Bannockburn in the south, and Lowburn, Wanaka Road and Bendigo to the north. The wine region is surrounded by mountains rising to over 2000m, with vines set amongst spectacular alpine scenery. The vineyards are also the highest in New Zealand, located between 200 and 400 metres above sea level with the most famous being Pinot Noir.
The Big Picture – www.bigpicturewine.com
The Big Picture is the ‘essential wine adventure’ located in Cromwell. It will take you on a journey of discovery throughthe region, meeting the winemakers and viewing the stunning scenery which makes Central Otago so geographically unique. Enjoy the awe inspiring Aroma Room and the interactive wine film and tasting in the auditorium.
Mt Difficulty Winery - www.mtdifficulty.co.nz
The founding vineyards were established in 1992; Mt Difficulty owns some of the oldest vineyards and is one of the most respected wineries in the Central Otago region. Situated in Bannockburn, a unique and rare area of extremes, Mt Difficulty has harnessed the once brutal terrain to produce premium wines at the forefront of Central Otago's wine production. Lunch in their acclaimed restaurant is highly recommended.
Quartz Reef Winery- www.quartzreef.co.nz
Named after New Zealand’s largest quartz deposit that lies beneath the wineries principal vineyards at Bendigo Station, Quartz Reef has become the vessel for what winemaker Rudi Bauer calls - his search to make wines that exhibit “a symphony of flavours that capture attention and entertain so that you forget everything else”. Split between two vineyards, Quartz Reef has 30 hectares cultivated within the Central Otago sub-region of Bendigo.
Carrick Vineyard – www.carrick.co.nz
Situated in Bannockburn overlooking the Bannockburn Inlet of Lake Dunstan, Carrick Vineyard was first planted in 1994. As a member of the sustainable Winegrowing Group, the philosophy of Carrick is one of minimal intervention in the vineyard and a commitment to environmentally sound land management practices.
Felton Road Vineyard – www.feltonroad.com
A small, artisan producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, the vineyard was established in 1991. Investing heavily in meticulous biodynamic viticulture practices, Felton Road has quickly gained a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading premium wine producers. The three vineyards are all located in Central Otago’s Bannockburn sub-region.
Olssen’s – www.olssens.co.nz
Family owned and operated, this ten hectare vineyard has won numerous gold medals, five star ratings and trophies both in New Zealand and Australia. This sheltered vineyard at the end of Felton Road with its park-like setting and stunning views is more than a wine producer. Considerable landscaping has created a rural haven in the rugged, stark hills of the Bannockburn region.
Day 4 – Central Otago to Dunedin
The drive to Dunedin is approximately four hours and passes through rugged scenery along the Clutha River. Dunedin, home to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, is situated between a harbour and ocean beaches. Make sure to participate at the Speight’s Brewery Tours and Cadbury World – Chocolate Factory tour. Accommodation includes Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Mercure Hotel Dunedin and Larnach Castle Lodge.
Wineries
Take a short detour into Clyde and follow the Earnscleugh and Alexandra Trail to vineyards nestled among rugged rock and historic landmarks.
Black Ridge – www.blackridge.co.nz
A gracious winery set in the hills overlooking Alexandra in stunning surroundings. Black Ridge wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in their vineyard. The terroir is a unique contributor to the uniqueness of Black Ridge.
Two Paddocks – www.twopaddocks.com
A small family business that is entirely dedicated to making great wine. Sam Neill (actor) started the winery in 1993 with friend Roger Donaldson (Director) by planting next door, hence the name Two Paddocks. The original vineyard has now been augmented by two other small, superbly sited ones in the Alexandra area. Alex Paddocks is a 7-acre vineyard on a beautiful terrace above the Earnscleugh valley.
Day 5 – Dunedin to Christchurch
Depart Dunedin for a six hour drive north to Christchurch via wild and beautiful coastline featuring sandy beaches, boulders, the historic town of Oamaru, city of Timaru with its numerous cafes, bars and restaurants before crossing the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
