Wine hotels in Canterbury and the Waipara Valley
New Zealand’s third-largest city, Christchurch, on the east coast of South Island, is one of the gateways to the Canterbury wine region. Although the area is bordered by the more famous vineyards of Marlborough and Central Otago, it certainly holds its own for producing elegant, balanced wines, made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. The sheltered Waipara valley, some 40 miles (65kms) north of Christchurch, is famed for its honeyed, spicy Rieslings. Our selection of wine hotels in Canterbury gives you the choice of staying in the city or in the countryside.
Wine hotels in Christchurch
- Closer to the centre and next to the Botanic Gardens, The Classic Villa is a startlingly pink, Italian-style affair offering sharp, contemporary rooms with boutique-hotel fittings. Expect stripped-wood floors, faux-fur throws and silky cushions. There’s an outdoor terrace with fire, while the breakfasts are rich and exotic.
- In the heart of the city, The George is a crisp and stylish property with light, minimalist rooms, huge beds, feature wallpapers, underfloor-heated bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s chic and sleek without losing comfort to design. There’s a choice of two award-winning restaurants plus free bicycles to borrow.
- If you’re looking for luxury and romance, Otahuna Lodge just to the south of the city, might fit the bill. Sitting in beautiful gardens and parkland, its rooms are softly grand with antiques, fireplaces and vast windows. Fresh flowers fill the elegant lounges plus plenty of activities are on offer including an outdoor pool, tennis, and cookery classes with the chef.
Our choice of the best wine hotels in Canterbury means you can enjoy either a taste of the city life or take it more slowly with a relaxing stay in the countryside. Alternatively you can check out our Ultimate guide tof the best wine hotels in New Zealand, or expand your search to include all our recommendations in Christchurch or the South Island.
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The Classic Villa Christchurch Arts Centre 12 rooms from $192
Cycling - Enjoy 60km of cycleways, including along the Avon River - this is NZ's most popular city for cyclistsMuseums - Stroll to The Christchurch Art Gallery, The Christchurch Museum & other nearby cultural highlightsLocal exploring - A historic villa in central Christchurch, perfect for culture buffs and keen on-foot explorersHistoric - Built in 1899, this Italian-style villa won a heritage award for its tasteful restoration
Recommended by - FodorsCheck AvailabilityBoutique B&B in a bright pink Italian-style villa in Canterbury. The 12 rooms have top amenities, and delicious Mediterranean breakfasts of fresh tropical fruits and local produce set guests up for the day. Eco-friendly and close to sights such as Botanic Gardens and Christchurch Arts Centre. See More
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The George, Christchurch Christchurch 53 rooms from $277
Learning - The hotel's collection of innovative NZ art has been refined since the 1990s by curator Stephen Gleeson, also an NZ sculptorFoodies - Executive Chef Chanaka Jayabahu heads award-winning 50 Bistro, specialising in seasonal fare. Great for keen foodiesWine tasting - Enjoy 5-course Winemaker's Dinners, with each dish matched to wines from Misha's Vineyard & Langmeil WinesMountain biking - Borrow bikes & helmets from the hotel, and head out to explore the city or cycle along the Avon River
Recommended by - Tablet, FodorsCheck AvailabilitySmall luxury boutique hotel in centre of Christchurch. Local art on walls, top amenities and great views from rooms out to Hagley Park or River Avon. Two award-winning restaurants, access to a gym and free use of mountain bikes. City style done well. See More
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Otahuna Lodge Christchurch 7 rooms from $822
Cooking classes - A cooking lesson with Chef Jimmy McIntyre provides an overview of the philosophies behind the Lodge’s celebrated food and wineGarden - Stunning 118 year old gardens laid out by A.E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens & include a lovely potager, lake and Dutch gardenBack to Nature - The song of native birds invites guests to discover hidden glades, ponds and organic fruit, vegetables and nuts in the gardensOther Activities - Embark on the TranzAlpine, which traverses the South Island’s majestic landscapes, arriving into Arthur's Pass National Park
Recommended by - Tablet, Relais & ChateauxCheck AvailabilityAn historic mansion set in lush gardens at the foot of the cone of an ancient volcano. All suites have private sitting rooms and en-suite bathroom. Breakfast and 5-course dinner included using home-grown organic ingredients. A quiet country retreat, with many walking trails and sights close by. See More
Written by Helen Pickles
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