Day 1 - Explore Oxford
Prior to leaving Christchurch, get the North Canterbury
Food & Wine Trail map available at the Christchurch i-Site Visitor Centre
located in Cathedral Square. This map showcases
the best cafes, restaurants and wineries to visit along your
itinerary.
Drive all the way to Oxford, an easy 50-minute
drive out of Christchurch, and enjoy a delicious
lunch at the famous Seagars at Oxford Café & Cooking
School. Wander around town through boutique stores, and then head
to Okuku Country Estate. Check-in and
then relax in the pool, sunbath on the terrace, or find a shady
spot to read or just catnap. Indulge in dinner of local organic
produce and unwind for the rest of the evening whilst outlooking
Mount Thomas and the sunset.
Day 2 - Waipara and Hanmer Springs
Start your day with breakfast at Okuku Country
Estate.
Then head towards State highway 1 which leads to Pegasus Bay Winery located in the
heart of the Waipara Wine Valley. A 100% family-owned
winery, stay and sample one of many wines crafted under two labels:
Pegasus Bay and Main Divide.
Feeling refreshed, make you way to The Mud House. Try the
vast range of exciting Mud House and Waipara Hills wines in the
tasting room.
At your leisure head to Hanmer Springs and the Amuri Estate Retreat. There sample
'A Taste of Italy' delicious olive oil tasting and an olive grove
tour. The luxury accommodation and park-like grounds, include an
olive grove, small fruit and nut orchard, and vegetable and flower
gardens. Unwind and settle in for the night.
Day 3- Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the
Powerhouse Café in Hamner. Enjoy the alpine air on
a gentle village stroll or soak away your worries in the natural thermal
pools.
Mid-morning, make your way to Kaikoura - take your time and drop by a few
boutique wineries en-route. Don't miss the Kaikoura Winery with views overlooking
the ocean.
Tonight stay and dine sea-side at the Pier Hotel
Kaikoura.
Day 4 - Kaikoura and Christchurch
Begin your day with views across the bay and a light breakfast
at your hotel. Before heading back to Christchurch be sure to visit the
nearby resident seal colony.
En-route to Christchurch we suggest you make a time to stop for
lunch at the award winning Nor'wester Café in Amberley - also the
Cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2009.
Breeze back into Christchurch for the night or onwards with your
travels.
The Christchurch i-SITE is your ultimate source of
itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge. They offer a FREE
booking service for accommodation, activities and transport
throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and New
Zealand.
If you would like a few more suggestions on where to stop in
North Canterbury for great wine and food, click here for the North
Canterbury Food and Wine Trail