The 10 Best Wine Tours & Tastings in Christchurch, South Island

June 13, 2021 Kandra Bartel

Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.
Restaurants in Christchurch

1. Canterbury Winery Lunch

73 Grays Road, Yaldhurst, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand Garden City Helicopters
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Canterbury Winery Lunch Enjoy the thrill of a helicopter flight to one of our regions finest wineries for lunch and arrive like a rock star! no need to worry about drink driving. Be the envy of other guests as you arrive and depart in style. • Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off by prior arrangement (selected hotels only), $50.00 voucher per person to be used at the winery

Exclusions: Lunch not included in price, but the voucher can be used towards this

Reviewed By KeaMite

It was a 50th Birthday surprise for my partner. She loved it, had an excellent time and the whole experience was professional from the start. Special mention to the pilots, Jono and Matt. The hosts at Middle Rock Station were great too. Worth every penny!

2. 8-Day Tour: South Island from Christchurch, Franz Josef, Wanaka and Queenstown

The Road Trip New Zealand
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

See the best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island on this unforgettable 8-day tour! Traveling by private luxury vehicle you’ll visit all the highlights of this amazing destination on an counter-clockwise route from Christchurch. Explore Arthur’s Pass, see West Coast rainforests from Franz Josef Glacier, and visit Mount Cook and Queenstown. Customize your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities (own expense) including helicopter rides, mountain walks, bungee jumps and more! The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip. With a round-trip transfer from Christchurch Airport or your local hotel plus seven nights of accommodation included, this adventure-laden tour enables you to see the South Island with ease.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver), Transport by private vehicle and all fuel charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip airport transfer (Christchurch), 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)

Reviewed By Pipnruss

Fiordland Lodge and Doubtful Sound. Fantastic ferry ride across Lake Manapouri and bus ride over the Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator for 2 nights. 3 sunny, calm days to relax on board, spoiled by the chef's lovely food and Courtney's very knowledgeable commentary about the Sounds, history, wildlife, birdlife and little things like having complete silence in the Sound to enjoy the peace and look at the amazing mountains and their reflections in the calm water. An unexpected run out into the Tasman Sea was a bonus. The Fiordland Lodge is an American style Lodge built with lots of logs and wood and stone, very spacious. Friendly helpful staff. Located 6km from Te Anau. Our only concern was the lack of food choice for dinner, on a 3 course meal was offered, no light meals. The breakfast (included) was lovely, as was all the food, some interesting variations in tastes.

3. Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch

NZ South Island Tours & Travel Ltd., 17/268 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand NZSI Tours & Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

A 40-minute scenic drive from Christchurch in your private and exclusive chauffeur-driven vehicle will take you to Waipara Valley in North Canterbury, the coolest little wine region in the country! With 74 vineyards, 31 wineries, 10 cellar doors and 4 winery restaurants, Waipara Valley region is a masterclass in cool climate wine making. Waipara Valley is best known for elegantly spicy and rich Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. The region also offers other aromatic varieties such as Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, and has its own unique take on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Indulge yourself in a half day of wine tasting with a quality selection of wines and enjoy a scrumptious gourmet lunch made from fresh local produce at one of the winery.

Inclusions: Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Hotel Pick up and Drop Off., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI provided., Complimentary light refreshments provided., Wine Tasting at 4 wineries., 2 Course Lunch at one of the winery (if option selected)

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By AbigailCC

The Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mt. Cook views were just simply spectacular. So lucky to have a nice, warm weather today. Our tour guide/driver, Anujk, was excellent! He was very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. The service he provided was superb from pick up to drop off. We will definitely come back to South Island and do more tours with NZSI. If you are making an itinerary, I highly recommend you include this full day tour on your to do list. It was 100% the highlight of our South Island trip! :-)

4. Wine trail and Christchurch City day tour

Canterbury Trails - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Here is your opportunity for a personally guided experience taking in Christchurch and the world renowned Waipara wine valley. You'll be picked up in a luxury mini van and shown the highlights of this wonderful city. Though badly damaged in earthquakes earlier in the decade, the progress of the rebuild is an exciting testimony of what's to come. A trip onto the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton port and beyond to the Canterbury farming plains is also included. North of the city lie a number of boutique vineyards and all are within easy reach. The area produces a range of varietals especially aromatic whites and Pinot Noir. We'll visit a selection of these vineyards as well as enjoying some of Canterbury's finest fare over a bistro lunch. A visit to " She Chocolate " is also possible.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Afternoon tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Cheezel

This was a fabulous way to travel from Greymouth to Christchurch after a road trip around the top area of New Zealand. The staff were great from check - in to leaving the train at Christchurch. Good food and refreshments were offered. The scenery is varied and the commentary informative during the journey. I would love to do this again in winter as it would be spectacular. A great way to see some of the South Island, comfortable and good information. Will do this again and highly recommend.

5. Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Christchurch Bus Exchange Lichfield Street - Regional Platform, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand NZSI Tours & Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet boat ride or a relaxing 90-minute hot stone massage. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs nestled in the Southern Alps • Savor Pinot Noir and Riesling with wine tastings at three Waipara wineries • Soak in the renowned thermal waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa • Thrill yourself with 360-degree spins on an optional and exciting jet boat ride • Pamper yourself with an optional traditional hot stone ritual massage

Inclusions: Private Tour (i.e. only for one party), Hotel pick-up & drop-off., Wine-Tasting at 3 Wineries., Jet Boating (if option selected), 30 minutes use of Private Indoor Thermal Pools., 90 minutes Traditional Hot Stone Ritual Massage (if option selected), Professional guide., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Complimentary light refreshments., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI.

Exclusions: Meals.

Reviewed By AbigailCC

The Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mt. Cook views were just simply spectacular. So lucky to have a nice, warm weather today. Our tour guide/driver, Anujk, was excellent! He was very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. The service he provided was superb from pick up to drop off. We will definitely come back to South Island and do more tours with NZSI. If you are making an itinerary, I highly recommend you include this full day tour on your to do list. It was 100% the highlight of our South Island trip! :-)

6. A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch

8A Mona Vale Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Giles Tours
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a wine-tasting tour with a delicious lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Torlesse, Greystone and Terrace Edge or Waipara Springs. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique micro-climate as you taste a range of world class red and white wines. Booking essential - we need a minimum of 4 people to run and you should be prepared to share your tour with others (Maximum of 6 per tour)

Inclusions: Lunch, Wine tasting

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7. Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch

Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand Leisure Tours
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4.4 based on 173 reviews

Enjoy an afternoon Wine Trail tour exploring four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards including Waipara Hills, Greystone, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs, all producing a fine selection of both white and red wines for tastings. Afternoon tour also includes the option of a delicious lunch at Waipara Springs.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Explore four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards, Lunch (if option selected at time of booking)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

8. 17-Day Kiwi Explorer

Bamba

Arrive at Auckland Airport on Day 1, transfer to your accommodation and settle in. Visit the Waitomo Caves on Day 2 to marvel at shimmering glow worms. Set foot on the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie sets on Day 3. Visit Taupo on Day 4 and Napier on Days 5-6 for a fun-filled wine-tasting afternoon. Continue your trip to Wellington on Days 7-8 with free time to explore the city. Arrive to Nelson on Days 9-10 for a relaxing sailing trip on the pristine waters of the Abel Tasman followed by a nature walk to Marahau along sandy beaches. Travel to Franz Josef on Days 11-12 and embark on a Glacier Valley Walk along the mighty Waiho River with spectacular views of the glacier (you will not walk directly on the ice). Reach Queenstown on Days 13-15 for a peaceful cruise through the dramatic and breathtaking Milford Sound and free time. Reach Christchurch on Day 16 for your last night. Your trip will come to an end on Day 17 with an airport drop-off.

Inclusions: Lunch, Auckland Airport Pick-up, Christchurch Airport Drop-off, All Coach Transportation as per Itinerary, 16 Nights Hostel, 3* or 4* Hotel Accommodation, Depending on Package:, 1N in Auckland, 2N in Rotorua, 1N in Taupo, 2N in Napier, 2N in Wellington, 2N in Nelson, 2N in Franz Josef, 3N Queenstown, 1N Christchurch, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Experience, Hobbiton Experience, Hawkes Bay Wine Tour, Abel Tasman by Land & Sea Experience, Franz Josef Glacier Valley Experience, Milford Sound Cruise Experience

Exclusions: Other Meals & Drinks, Transfers to/from bus stations and meeting points, Optional Activities, Personal Expenses, Tips for Guides, Travel Insurance

9. Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch

Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand Leisure Tours

Enjoy a shore excursion from Lyttelton exploring four of North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards, including Waipara Springs Winery, Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills and Greystone Winery, with wine tastings of both red and white wines and lunch.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery, Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

10. Waipara Wine Trail Morning Tour from Christchurch

Leisure Tours

Enjoy an incredible morning in Waipara on this wine trail tour exploring four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards including Waipara Hills, Greystone, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs - each producing a fine selection of both white and red wines for tastings.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Wine Tastings, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Explore four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

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