DANNY : DE HEKThe Hurunui is a gastronomical experience not to be missed! Award winning wines, restaurants, cafes, local produce, organic foods, seafood… ahhh, enough to make even the most jaded tastebuds tingle in anticipation!

The Waipara Valley is New Zealand’s most rapidly expanding wine area and is home to award winning winery cafes and internationally acclaimed wines.

Situated 65km’s from Christchurch city, the long narrow Waipara Valley offers ideal conditions for growing premium quality grapes that is already resulting in award winning wines and international recognition. Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate local planting’s, however a number of other grape varieties are also grown.

Wine lovers will enjoy the fabulous selection of wineries open to the public along with winery restaurants serving local cuisine.

Wine tours in the Waipara Valley are available and highly recommended for anyone considering trying a few wines as drinking and driving don’t mix! Professional wine tour companies are located in Christchurch and the Hurunui area.

Pegasus Bay winery is situated in the heart of the Waipara valley and is renowned for fabulous wines and delicious cuisine! Whether it be tasting their range of highly regarded estate grown wines, viewing the barrel hall and wine cellars, or indulging in their scrumptious restaurant cuisine, Pegasus Bay is one of the ‘must visit’ Hurunui wineries.

Other popular wineries in the region include Daniel Schuster Wines, Waipara Springs boutique vineyard and winery, the hugely impressive Canterbury House, Muddy Water, Hurunui River Wines, Torlesse, Mt Cass, Sherwood and Floating Mountain Winery.

If the delightful cuisine and wines in the Waipara Valley aren’t enough to quench your appetite then don’t despair – there is plenty more to delight the tastebuds!

The award winning Nor’Wester Cafe is located in the heart of Amberley and is popular with locals and visitors. Open 7 days a week for brunch, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is set in a 1920’s bungalow and offers an extensive menu featuring fresh local produce. The Brew Moon cafe is also located close to Amberley and offers delightful dining and boutique beers. A great selection of tasty gluten-free menu options (including gourmet pizza and garlic bread) are incorporated into the delicious menu.

Visitors to Hanmer Springs are also spoilt for choice with a variety of dining options. Stylish cafes, fine dining restaurants, takeaway foods and local hearty bar meals are all on offer.