When thinking about New Zealand’s wines, regions such as Marlborough or Central Otago naturally come to mind. But there’s another southern area that needs to be on your vinous radar for a visit, one of the most diverse wine districts in the world not only in terms of varieties but also in soils and landscapes.

North Canterbury is a large region spanning 200km, starting from down south at Rakaia reaching all the way up north to Cheviot. It includes four distinct subregions: Waipara with both Glasnevin and Omihi; Waikari; Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. On the map, North Canterbury sits between its well-renowned neighbours and, being a short drive from Christchurch, makes it an easily accessible destination for just a day, but with enough packed in it to keep you captivated for longer.

Waipara is the main subregion of North Canterbury and includes the areas of Glasnevin on the valley floor alongside the Waipara river and Omihi further north. Glasnevin hosts gravelly, free-draining soils deposited by an ice-age glacier, while Omihi sits higher on hills of clay and limestone soils. Waikari is inland from the valley and, like Waipara, finds itself sheltered from strong north-westerly winds by the nearby Teviotdale Hills. Closer to Christchurch and including the city itself is Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains, home to the oldest pinot noir vines in the country, with a mixture of basalt and stony soils.

Such a diverse collection of microclimates and soils results in a region boasting a long list of wine styles. Expect an abundance of quality pinot noir in both elegant and robust styles, alongside stone-fruited chardonnay and fresh rieslings. But also keep a lookout for the region’s take on pinot gris, gewürztraminer and the rare examples of syrah, cabernet franc and albariño if you are lucky enough to find them.

Wineries here range from boutique- sized where the winemakers and owners serve you themselves, to much larger cellar-door operations. Regardless of the size, the sense of community in the region is evident. With staff at each cellar door always happy to recommend another spot based on your drink of choice, they are equally as keen to hear you recount where you’ve been and what you’ve enjoyed throughout your visit.

DAY ONE

Driving is the best way to get around North Canterbury, but before you leave Christchurch nip up the hill to Tussock Hill Vineyard. It’s a family affair here with the Targett family running the estate’s cellar door, restaurant and accommodation all boasting a great view of Christchurch city. Leave plenty of time for lunch, with the kitchen team serving a share-style menu filled with local produce and wine-flight-friendly dishes. tussockhill.co.nz

On the road north is the homely cellar door of Torlesse for a delicious tasting. The Omihi Road Pinot Gris is a must and be sure not to overlook the blackcurrant Torlesse Creme de Cassis for something a bit different. Fortified fans are also in luck here with Torlesse White Port and 10 Year Old Tawny both winners. torlesse.co.nz

The final stop of the day is at Greystone Wines for a tasting of the winery’s award-winning portfolio. Choose from either six Organic Estate Wines for $19pp, or three Reserve Wines for $18pp. Fans of pet-nat are in for a treat with Greystone’s Pétillant Naturel Rosé – one of our personal favourites for its vibrancy and berry-centric palate. If you find yourself wanting a nibble, the cellar door offering includes a long lunch option as well as a small-plates menu showcasing local North Canterbury produce. greystonewines.co.nz

Accommodation for the night is a short drive up the hill to the Greystone PurePod. With a sense of seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the region and complete privacy, it’s just yourself and the North Canterbury scenery. Settle in with the platter as part of your booking and watch the sunset before falling asleep under the starry night sky viewed through the pod’s glass ceiling. purepods.com

DAY TWO

Your second day kicks off with a drive to Waikari to visit Pyramid Valley. Biodynamic viticulture and natural, minimal-intervention winemaking methods work hand-in-hand here to craft an expressive selection of wines. The Pyramid Valley portfolio features the Botanicals, Pastures, Colours and Library collections with grapes grown across North Canterbury and also Marlborough and Central Otago. pyramidvalley.co.nz

Next stop is Waipara Springs for a wine flight where you can choose five wines from the range for $20pp. Top picks are the Reserve Riesling, Moore Rosé and the northern Italian variety of lagrein. Gin fans are in luck, too, with the estate’s Aroha Gin a good way to break up the wine session. Grab a platter to nibble with some honey and blue cheese to pair with the impressive Reserve Riesling. waiparasprings.co.nz

Your afternoon is reserved for a long lunch and tasting at Black Estate. Nic Brown and wife Penelope Naish run this award-winning operation boasting arguably the best vineyard views in the region. Our suggestion is to book in for a private tasting and tour where you will get an in-depth look into organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking.

Olly Le Maitre and his team have crafted the ideal winery long lunch. Choose your own dishes, or try the Trust the Chef option where you’ll receive four courses with wine pairings. Wine-wise, get your hands on the Home Cabernet Franc, Netherwood Pinot Noir and Netherwood Chardonnay. blackestate.co.nz

Accommodation for the evening is just a short stroll away at Russell’s Cabins at Kumiko Estate. The off-grid, sustainable eco huts see you fully immersed in the North Canterbury environment. Be sure to bring over a bottle from Black Estate and a take- home lasagna, then run the outdoor hot tub to watch the sunset in luxury. kumikosnz.com/russellscabins

DAY THREE

Prep for the day ahead with a brunch at Waipara Hills followed by a tasting with the friendly team. The majority of the wines are from grapes across the North Canterbury region, but also expect to see a few drops from nearby regions. Be sure to try the Waipara Hills Gewürztraminer. waiparahills.co.nz

Pegasus Bay is next on the itinerary. The wine range is extensive, with the rieslings a standout with both dry and off-dry examples sure to suit any palate. After your tasting, wander the gorgeous estate gardens, then stroll through the estate’s Mini Deli to build your own local tasting plate to enjoy on a beanbag in the sunshine. pegasusbay.com

Then it’s time to experience the true hospitality of North Canterbury with a night’s stay at Tipapa Estate. Your hosts Stewart and Jane Whiteside will treat you to a home-cooked meal and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to try Jane’s famed pavlova. The estate is stunning, so allow time for a wander around. tipapaestate.co.nz

DAY FOUR

Reserve a day for an exploration of the area affectionately known as the South Bank. Terrace Edge is the first stop – be sure to get a peek at the estate’s syrah vines which are planted on a north-facing slope at a 45-degree angle. It’s a staggering slope and position for the vines, which sees viticulturist Pete Chapman harvest by hand. The Terrace Edge portfolio is an expression of place, with the albariño and the sloped syrah both must-try tipples. terraceedge.co.nz

Next on the South Bank route is The Bone Line to enjoy a tasting and lunch. It’s a full-circle experience here, with the cellar door adjoining the winery surrounded by the winery’s vineyards, so you see every step of the process. Taste your way through The Bone Line’s range (the Dry Riesling and Sharkstone Chardonnay are our picks) before enjoying a share-style lunch outside. If time permits, take yourself on the self-guided Vineyard Walkway to learn more about each of the winery’s prized vineyard sites. theboneline.co.nz

Don’t miss the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park during your travels. Sculptor Raymond Herber has crafted a range of exquisite masterpieces which sit proudly in the park among the hills. Entry is $16pp and is a great way to break up your tasting sessions. ironridgequarry.co.nz

Last stop of the day is at Georges Road Wines where Kirk and Alison Bray have created a homely, warming cellar door on their 8-hectare estate. Pair your wine tasting with a selection of local cheeses, bread, meats, dips and sweets. Wine-wise, the Selection Pinot Gris and L’Etranger Pinot Noir are standouts.

Georges Road Wines is also the location of your tiny home stay for the night. Situated on the property, the Georges Road Wine Pod is a private oasis among the vines where you can watch the sunset, go for a ride on the complimentary bikes, or relax for your final night in North Canterbury in the outdoor tub – with a glass in hand of course! georgesroadwines.co.nz

DAY FIVE

Upon returning to Christchurch, no North Canterbury wine tour is complete without a visit to Cellar Door. Lovingly restored to its former glory and set in the heritage-listed Arts Centre, Tim Ogle’s restaurant is an award-winning hotspot for visitors and locals alike. Featuring an impressive range of cleverly crafted wine flights masterfully matched with outstanding cuisine, it’s difficult not to settle in for the afternoon and nibble at share plates showcasing the region’s providores. cellardoor.nz

This short break in North Canterbury is just a taste of what’s on offer in this wine region that punches well above its weight, with new operators popping up constantly. Jam-packed with incredible producers and future-focussed stewards of the land, there’s magic at every cellar door, giving the area its own unique appeal and a new southern hospitality that’s hard to replicate.