Christchurch offers a surprisingly diverse array of wine tours thanks to its proximity to the Waipara Valley, a region renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest reds and whites. Whether you’re drawn to intimate boutique wineries, luxury helicopter lunches, or farm visits, the area delivers authentic experiences. We love tours that combine beautiful scenery with insightful tasting, like Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, which offers personal attention and includes lunch, making it a hassle-free way to explore rural vineyards.
While Christchurch’s city charm and nearby landscapes make it ideal for wine lovers, it’s the combination of scenic vineyard visits, gourmet food, and the chance to meet passionate winemakers that truly stand out. The variety of tours caters to different styles—some are short and relaxed, others are full-day adventures, and a few even include helicopter rides or farm visits. This list balances those options, so you can find the perfect match for your interests and schedule.
1. Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch
At number 1, this small-group wine tour offers a highly personalized experience with a maximum of 6 guests. You’ll leave Christchurch and head into the scenic Waipara Valley, renowned for its lush vineyards. The tour includes visits to Pegasus Bay Winery, Georges Road Wines, and Torlesse Wines, each known for their quality reds and whites. The day combines tastings with a shared lunch and a garden tour at Pegasus Bay, which is famous for its elegant wines and stunning estate.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized attention from your guide and the intimate size, ensuring guests get tailored insights into each winery. Reviewers highlight Giles’ knowledge and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Tours like this are perfect for wine enthusiasts who want quality over quantity and enjoy a more relaxed, small-group vibe. The price of $121.36 per person offers excellent value, especially with lunch included.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a relaxed, intimate winery experience with expert guidance and included lunch, this tour offers high-end value and a memorable day.
2. Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings
Coming in at number 2, this half-day tour is slightly more budget-friendly at around $109.77 per person and covers three boutique wineries in Waipara. The itinerary includes stops at Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, and Torlesse Wines, with tastings of about 15 wines in total. You’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch at Waipara Springs, known for its award-winning wines and welcoming atmosphere.
This tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive tasting lineup and the opportunity to learn about Waipara’s terroir from knowledgeable guides. Guests praise the friendly guide Jude and the generosity of winery staff, making it a very relaxed and enjoyable experience. The roughly 5.5-hour duration makes it ideal for travelers who want a solid introduction without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: An accessible, well-rounded winery experience perfect for those who want to explore multiple wineries with tastyfood and engaging tastings in a friendly setting.
3. Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit
Number 3 combines farm visits with wine tasting, blending rural authenticity with vineyard charm. You start in Christchurch, visiting the Glenafric Sheep Farm in Waipara Valley, where you can interact with sheep, see shearers in action, and enjoy a guided farm tour. Later, you visit Georges Road Wines and indulge in wine tastings paired with local stories. The tour also includes a short city tour of Christchurch, which is a bonus if you’re interested in the city’s architecture and green spaces.
What makes this tour unique is the farm experience—feeding lambs, meeting the farmers, and seeing vintage tractors—offering a glimpse into rural New Zealand life. The lunch and wine tasting at Georges Road add a gourmet touch. The full day, approximately 7 hours, makes it perfect for those who want a mix of farm life and wine.
Reviewers love the personal farm experience, with one mentioning, “Holding a baby lamb was a highlight.” It’s ideal for travelers wanting a more varied day of rural sights and wine.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those who want more than just wine—farm visits, lambs, and rural scenery make this a full, authentic Kiwi day out.
4. Wine trail and Christchurch City – Luxury, Small Group Tour
Number 4 offers the ultimate luxury combining city sightseeing with boutique vineyard visits. Departing in a luxury mini-van, you’ll explore Christchurch’s major sights, including the historic cathedral and Port Hills, before heading north to the Waipara wine region. The focus on Pinot Noir and aromatic whites reflects the region’s strengths.
The tour includes a private city tour and visits to boutique wineries, with a gourmet lunch included. Reviewers mention the personalized experience, with guides providing rich local tips. The 5-7 hour schedule is perfect for a leisurely day with both cultural and wine highlights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a luxury, all-encompassing day that covers Christchurch’s sights and top boutique wineries, making it ideal for discerning travelers.
5. Canterbury Winery Heli Lunch
For a truly special occasion, number 5 combines a 20-minute helicopter flight with a luxury winery lunch. Starting from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the Canterbury landscape to one of the region’s premium wineries, like Black Estate or Greystone. After a gourmet lunch (own expense), you’ll take to the skies again.
This tour is perfect for celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or just if you’re after an exclusive experience. The reviews highlight how exquisite and seamless the helicopter and winery service are, making it a standout option for those who want to combine adventure and fine wine.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable experience for those seeking a high-end, memorable day with stunning scenery and exquisite wines.
6. Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch
Number 6 is a cruise-friendly tour designed for travelers arriving in Lyttelton. This 5-hour trip includes visits to two wineries—Waipara Springs and Georges Road—and a delightful lunch at Waipara Springs Winery. The tour is flexible, with timings adjusted to your ship’s schedule, making it ideal for cruise passengers wanting a taste of New Zealand’s renowned wine country.
Guests enjoy the comfortable vehicle, local commentary, and the chance to explore Waipara’s vineyards in a short but memorable day. One reviewer appreciated the informative guide and the varied wineries, making it a practical shore excursion.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise travelers wanting a hassle-free, well-organized day of wine tasting combined with local sightseeing.
7. Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour
Number 7 combines city highlights with regional wine tasting in a 7.5-hour shore excursion. Starting in Lyttelton, you’ll see Christchurch’s iconic landmarks like Mona Vale Gardens, the Cathedral, and panoramic views from Port Hills. Then, enjoy a lunch and tastings at three wineries in Waipara, including Pegasus Bay, Georges Road, and Torlesse.
The reviews praise the engaging guide and the well-paced itinerary. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine cultural sightseeing with wine tasting, adding a broader perspective of Christchurch’s surroundings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a detailed city tour plus a comprehensive winery visit, all within a full day.
8. From Christchurch: Sheep Farm Day Trip with Lunch & Winery
Number 8 offers a farm-focused experience with wine tasting thrown in. You visit Glenafric Sheep Farm, where you’ll see sheep shearers, meet working dogs, and enjoy a picnic lunch with views. Afterwards, you visit Georges Road Winery with tastings included. The day runs around 6 hours and is especially suited for those interested in agriculture and rural life.
The highlight is the authentic Kiwi farm experience, praised by visitors who loved feeding lambs and the personal touch of the farm tour. The combination of farm life and wine makes this a unique outing.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers wanting farm visits, sheep-shearing, and vineyard tastings in a single day.
9. Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views
Number 9 showcases the enchanting landscapes of Waipara, with visits to Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, and Torlesse Wines. The tour emphasizes award-winning wines and gourmet food pairings, with hotel pickup for convenience. It’s ideal for those who want an immersive experience of top wineries and breathtaking scenery.
Guests particularly enjoy the in-depth tastings and the chance to learn about regional terroir from expert guides. The tour lasts about 5-6 hours, making it a comprehensive option.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine aficionados who want a relaxed, educational, and scenic day exploring some of the best wineries in Waipara.
$170.42 per person
10. Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch
Number 10 is a customizable private tour for groups, offering a personalized experience across Waipara’s wineries. You’ll visit Waipara Springs, Torlesse, and Pegasus Bay, with options for different wineries depending on your tastes. The tour can last from 1 to 6 hours, giving flexibility.
The focus on private, tailored experiences makes this ideal for groups celebrating or travelers wanting a bespoke day. Reviews highlight the personalized service and high-quality wines.
Bottom Line: Best suited for private groups wanting a flexible, exclusive wine tour in Waipara.
$143.55 per person
11. From Christchurch: Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara
Number 11 offers a relaxed yet informative 5.5-hour day exploring Waipara’s top wineries. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, with visits to wineries like Pegasus Bay and Torlesse. The guide shares local insights, making it ideal for those who want a less commercial but informative experience.
This tour is perfect for those who prefer a smaller, guided experience with a focus on regional character rather than a large group.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting an authentic, guided tasting experience with a touch of local flavor.
12. Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Waipara Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
Number 12 combines wine tasting with a full-day itinerary tailored for cruise guests. Starting at Lyttelton Port, it includes a scenic drive, morning tea, wine tastings at Greystone, and a three-course lunch paired with wines at Greystone Vineyard. The tour also visits Waipara Springs and Torlesse.
Reviewers note the well-organized schedule and the delicious lunch, making it an excellent cruise shore excursion. The 8-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise travelers who want a comprehensive, well-paced day with excellent food and wine.
$150.80 per person
13. Waipara Valley Wine Region and Hanmer Springs All Day Tour
Number 13 is a luxury full-day adventure combining wine tasting with a visit to Hanmer Springs. Departing from Christchurch in style, you’ll explore local wineries like Greystone and Black Estate, then head to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs for relaxation. This tour is perfect for those wanting a luxurious, multi-faceted day.
While no reviews are available, the itinerary’s focus on high-end experiences and scenic diversity makes it stand out for travelers seeking indulgence and variety.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a complete, luxurious escape with wine, scenery, and relaxation.
$1,214.42 per group (up to 4)
14. Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch
Closing our list, number 14 offers a flexible, family-owned experience in Waipara. With 29 years of history, Waipara Springs provides a genuine atmosphere, with visits to Torlesse and Pegasus Bay. The tour is customizable, with durations from 1 to 6 hours.
Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, authentic experience without the fuss of large groups. The focus on personalized service and award-winning boutique wines makes it a lovely choice for quiet wine lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors seeking a friendly, authentic winery experience tailored to their preferred pace.
$141.76 per person
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Christchurch
When selecting your perfect wine tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. For a quick but comprehensive introduction, Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch offers excellent value. If you want a luxury experience, look at Wine trail and Christchurch City – Luxury, Small Group Tour. For those interested in combining farm life and vineyards, Sheep Farm Day Trip hits the mark.
Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited group sizes or special experiences like helicopter lunches. Think about your preferred pace—full-day tours like the Waipara Valley Wine Region and Hanmer Springs suit travelers wanting a luxurious, leisurely day. Conversely, short shore excursions or private tours offer quick but rich experiences for cruise passengers or those on a tight schedule.
In summary, Christchurch offers an impressive range of wine tours tailored to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after an intimate tasting, a scenic farm visit, or a luxurious helicopter lunch, there’s something to suit your style. Two or three standout choices include the Waipara Wine Experience for its personalized approach, the luxury Christchurch city and wine tour for a high-end day, and the farm visit for a more authentic, rural touch. Booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences—cheers to planning your perfect vineyard adventure in Canterbury!