Soils: Free­draining chalk loams over gravels and glacial limestone types. Climate: Average annual rainfall 650mm. Average annual sunshine 2400 hours. Mild to cool winters. Warm, dry summers extending into autumn. www.waiparavalley.com.

The roadside is festooned with winery and vineyard signs and as one approaches Waipara, less than an hour from the city, the first rows of vineyards appear. The first vineyards in Waipara were planted in 1981 and since then the region has expanded quickly and gained an enviable reputation for producing fine, distinctive world­class wines. The vineyards and wineries are centred on the quiet towns of Waipara and Omihi at the northern end of the Canterbury Plains.

The region enjoys a warm, mild climate that stretches well into autumn thanks to a series of hills that provide protection against the cooling sea breezes and from the hot nor‘westers that dry out the southern plains.

The soils in Waipara are quite varied in the three main vineyard districts, the valley floor, river terraces and hillsides. The soils range from chalky/limestone types to alluvial gravel loams to heavier clay types. The different soil types and nature of the undulating land and valleys provide a variety of meso­climates. This combination of soil and aspect gives individual vineyards unique terroirs, resulting in a selection of wines that have distinctive flavour profiles.

Waipara is easy to navigate. The wineries are located within a short distance of each other and the diversity of wines available makes a visit to this delightful region truly worthwhile. The white wines are characterised by their purity of fruit very evident in the elegantly structured Rieslings, rich Pinot Gris, zesty Sauvignon Blanc, seductive Pinot Noirs and scrumptious sparkling wines.

The wineries are well set up for visitors and have fast become a favourite destination for Christchurch folk who flock to the region to sample fine wines and dine at some excellent establishments.

GETTING THERE & GETTING ABOUT

By road: From Christchurch via SHI. From Marlborough via SHI.

THINGS TO DO

The heart of Alpine Pacific Triangle touring crossroads, Whale­watching in Kaikoura, Visit olive groves, Nut farms, Hanmer Springs Alpine Village, Hanmer Hot Springs, Weka Pass historic steam railway, Fishing, Golf.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Waikari‘s unique limestone formations Hanmer forest park Hurunui‘s artistic community workshops Gardens.