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6 Day Top of the South Island 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 Kaikoura
Kaikoura
Collect your Apex Car Rental. Take a two and a half hour drive north of Christchurch via Waipara Valley to the Kaikoura District. Rich in marine life, the name Kaikoura stems from the Maori translation, Kai – food, koura – crayfish. Kaikoura is spectacularly located between the Pacific Ocean and the tallest mountains on the east coast of New Zealand – giving a beautiful backdrop of scenery from every direction.
Kaikoura is the leading eco-tourism destination in the country and its coastal waters are home to an array of marine mammals and birdlife. The mighty sperm whales can be spotted on a daily basis and share their habitat with dusky dolphins, fur seals and many species of albatross. There is also plenty of on land activities, from quad biking to horse-trekking to coastal walks and – for the more adventurous – sky diving.
With the ocean on its doorstep, it’s not surprising to discover that Kaikoura is the perfect place to sample some of New Zealand’s best seafood, including the local speciality – crayfish. Enjoy the ambience of restaurants with spectacular ocean and mountain views where you can sample local produce and wines and discover the stories behind them. Follow the recommendations of the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail by visiting the Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar, White Morph Restaurant, Café Encounter or the Pier Hotel.
Kaikoura Winery - www.kaikourawinery.co.nz
Kaikoura Winery is located on a limestone cliff offering amazing ocean and mountain views. Visit the unique underground cellar, enjoy winery tours and tastings, and finish off your day with a coffee in the café.
Springbank Estate – www.springbankestate.com
Springbank Estate is nestled on an old stony river terrace situated at the foot of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. You can choose from six varietals including the Springbank speciality - Breidecker.
Accommodation – www.kaikoura.co.nz
For a small district, there is an excellent range of accommodation options. You may prefer a location close to the town, an idyllic countryside setting or a stunning coastal location. The range of camp grounds, B&Bs, motels, self-catering apartments, backpackers and luxury accommodation provides cater to all needs and budgets.
Day 2 and 3 - Kaikoura to Blenheim
Continuing north for one and a half hours along wild and beautiful coastline before driving inland to the sweeping hills and valleys of Marlborough. Famous for its high sunshine hours and unspoilt environment, the region it blessed with conditions that produce wines and produce with the finest of flavours. The capital of Marlborough, Blenheim, offers a range of accommodation, including: Copthorne Hotel, Chateau Marlborough and Heartland Hotel. Visitors can also stay out of town on the local wineries, such as iVilla Maria and Vintners Retreat.
There is an extensive wine trail that can easily fill several days with delightful food and wine in a paradise setting. Sample at the cellar door, or match with regional flavours in the vineyard cafes and restaurants.
The dry, moderate climate gives near perfect growing conditions that help to create intense varietal characters in the grapes. With an enviable international reputation for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blancs, Marlborough’s cool, long-ripening season also produces superb aromatics such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, Chardonnay style Methode Traditionelle, and intense reds – Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Wineries
Villa Maria Winery - www.villamaria.co.nz
New Zealand’s most awarded winery welcomes wine tasting daily at their cellar door and winery tours are as available (by appointment only). Founded in 1961 by its current owner and Managing Director Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria Estate is seen as an icon in the New Zealand wine industry.
Cloudy Bay Winery - www.cloudybay.co.nz
In the centre of Marlborough and with a well established name, Cloudy Bay and its well-informed staff welcomes visitors looking for tastings and sales. The winemaking team are consistently exploring new styles which result in limited release wines. The winery takes its name from the bay at the eastern extremity of the Wairau Valley, named Cloudy Bay by Captain Cook on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770.
Spy Valley Winery - www.spyvalleywine.co.nz
One of Marlborough’s leading wineries, Spy Valley is family owned and produces ten varieties of grapes over 380 acres of estate vineyards. It is a modern winemaking facility with a passion for excellence that consistently produces globally acclaimed wines. Estate-grown olive oil is also for sale at the cellar door.
Yealands Estate - www.yealands.com
A classic example of a family owned and run vineyard and winery where a belief in the land is important. The certified carbon zero winery has won numerous environmental awards and produces top wines.
Day 4 - Blenheim to Nelson
The one and a half hour drive from Marlborough to the city of Nelson takes you through extensive wine country before winding through hills and valleys and along coastal roads with views across Tasman Bay to the Tasman Mountains. Nelson is a blend of arts and crafts, boutique wines and naturally brewed beer, gourmet seafood, cafes and chic restaurants – along with diverse beauty. Nelson accommodation includes the Rutherford Hotel, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco and Trailways Hotel.
Nelson features two distinct wine regions with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir its premium varietals. It also produces high quality Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The gravel threaded Moutere Hills produce wines with richness and texture, while the stony soils of the Waimea Plains provide a great terroir. There are wine trails for every taste which can be combined with excursions to Abel Tasman National Park – famed for its kayaking and stunning walks.
Wineries
Neudorf Vineyards - www.neudorf.co.nz
Situated in the upper Moutere Valley of Nelson, it was established in 1978 and is credited with producing one of New Zealand's best Chardonnays. It also boasts international recognition for its quality Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Neudorf is an interesting winery to visit, with its welcoming cellar door, secluded location, outdoor sculpture and proximity to other rural attractions.
Waimea Estates - www.waimeaestates.co.nz
Since 1997, Waimea Estates has been creating award-winning wines. At ‘Cafe in the Vineyard’, guests can sample and purchase Waimea wines and enjoy lunch from the seasonal menu featuring fresh Nelson-sourced produce.
Anchorage Wines - www.anchoragewines.co.nz
A belief exists that the rich fertile soils surrounding the Motueka township, its balmy sea breezes and consistently high sunshine hours, make this location the ideal climate to craft aromatic wines. Grapes from the neighbouring Moutere vineyards add a further dimension to their classic aromatic varietals.
Day 5 – Nelson to Hanmer Springs
Head south on a five hour drive through hinterland, mountain valleys, detours to stunning lakes and finally over the Lewis Pass to the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. Breathe in the mountain air, relax in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa or get active with jet boat thrills, river rafting or even a bungy jump. There are a number of accommodation options available, including: the Heritage, Select Braemar Lodge or Fontainebleau Bed and Breakfast.
Day 6 – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
Continue south to Christchurch via Waipara Valley. Christchurch is only 90 minutes drive, but allow a full day to enjoy a delicious lunch at a café or restaurant in the Waipara Valley.
Waipara Valley
Waipara Valley in North Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most award winning wine regions and only a 45 minute drive north from Christchurch. Grapes were first planted in the early 1980’s and vineyards can be easily visited by car or a choice of tours that include gourmet food and wine, including Taste Canterbury – a personal tour by award-winning food and travel writer Mavis Airey.
Today there are 11 well-established wineries producing a range of varietals, including: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This narrow valley offers ideal conditions for growing premium quality grapes. The combination of elevated heat summation, well-drained soils and protection from cool easterly wind, produces full ripeness in both red and white grapes. The region is currently producing in excess of 200,000 cases of wine every year. Many cellar doors are open to the public for tastings and fine local cuisine can easily be found at selected cafes and restaurants.
The North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail showcases the incredible produce and passionate people of this rural region.
Wineries
Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant - www.pegasusbay.com
The Donaldson family have been involved in wine since the early 1970s and were pioneers of local grape growing and wine making in the region. They produce award winning wines and their reserve wines are produced only in selected vintages.
Pegasus Bay is an accredited member of the NZWG sustainable viticulture programme and the owners are firm believers in using natural methods to combat pests and diseases as opposed to using pesticides and herbicides. Lunch at the restaurant is highly recommended.
Camshorn Vineyard - www.waiparawine.co.nz/wineries/camshorn
The vineyard was originally a Suffolk sheep farm and features north and south facing rows, created using laser lights. A variety of clay and gravel soils, combined with a sun-trap climate, creates an environment that produces rich, aromatic wines with a variety of flavours and textures. The clay soils cover 65 per cent of the un-irrigated vineyard – which increases the quality. The first wines were launched in 2005 and include Pinot Noir and Riesling varietals.
Greystone Wines - www.greystonewines.co.nz
With amazing views of the Waipara Valley, Greystone Wines has an outstanding reputation for quality wines. The 2009 Greystone Pinot Gris has won the champion's trophy in its class at the New Zealand International Wine Show. A welcoming experience is provided by the family, who invite guests to taste the wines and discover their local secrets.
Mountford Estate - www.mountfordvineyard.co.nz
Featuring some of the highest and steepest vineyards to be found in the Waipara Valley, Mountford Estate was established in 1991. The vineyard was planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines and 2008 saw a further four hectares of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling vines planted, increasing the vineyard to ten hectares. Wine tastings are by appointment.
