Selwyn Wine Trail

Just a short drive from Christchurch, the Selwyn Wine Trail offers a relaxed yet sophisticated journey through Canterbury's burgeoning wine region. This scenic route winds through rolling hills and river valleys, past family-run vineyards and cellar doors that specialise in aromatic whites and elegant Pinot Noirs. It's an ideal day trip for wine lovers and anyone wanting to experience the region's pastoral beauty without the crowds of Marlborough.

Highlights & What to See

• Waipara Hills Wine Estate – A standout for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Riesling, with a modern tasting room and sweeping views over the vineyards.
• Muddy Water Wine – A boutique, organic winery known for its complex, food-friendly wines and intimate cellar-door experience.
• Pegasus Bay Winery – Famed for its bold, age-worthy reds and a beautiful garden setting perfect for a leisurely lunch paired with a tasting flight.
• The Dunsandel Store & Kitchen – A charming local café and artisan food hub, ideal for a coffee break or to pick up picnic provisions.
• Rakaia Gorge & Walkway – A short detour offers stunning river views and a gentle walking track through native bush, balancing the wine tasting with fresh air.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least a full day to properly explore the Selwyn Wine Trail. Start mid-morning at one winery, then take a relaxed lunch at another, and visit two or three more cellar doors in the afternoon. If you're short on time, a half-day can cover two wineries and a café stop, but you'll miss the leisurely pace that makes this trail special.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Christchurch City – Start or end your wine trail with a visit to Christchurch's vibrant food scene and post-earthquake rebuild, including the Riverside Market and the Botanic Gardens.
• Akaroa & Banks Peninsula – A scenic drive from the wine trail, this charming French-influenced harbour town offers wildlife cruises and stunning coastal walks.
• Canterbury Plains & Lake Ellesmere – Explore the vast flatlands and birdlife around Te Waihora, perfect for a nature break between tastings.
• Methven & Mount Hutt – In winter, combine wine tasting with skiing or snowboarding at this popular ski field; in summer, enjoy mountain biking and hiking.

Please check official sources for current details.