12 Hours Amberley & Waipara

Start your road trip by driving 30 minutes north from Christchurch Ōtautahi. 

Heading through Waikuku to Amberley is a whole lot more interesting with the opening of the Old School Collective - a boutique retail and lifestyle destination in a 140-year-old school.

Retail and lifestyle businesses make up the collective, operating out of renovated old classrooms. The spaces include The Yoga Club, The Health Project - which offers health coaching and tailor-made health programmes, Twine Antiques, Room Six gift shop, clothing boutique Louis Who, Good Dirt Flowers florist and gift store and Woven Verandah outdoor furniture store share a space.

Finally, The Office Café is the perfect spot to rewind and nourish your body with some hearty, healthy kai and delicious coffee.

Amberley isn’t normally a town that springs to mind when you’re looking for a decent coffee. However, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the little gem that is Little Vintage Espresso.

Little Vintage is simple, stylish, and inviting. The light, open space is filled with communal tables and happy customers. What more could you want?

A good old fashioned general store, Crown & Pantry in Amberley is a one-stop-shop for everything you might need for a platter and wine kind of scenario, be it a picnic, a get together with friends and family, or just something a little special for yourself. Stock up on some treats before heading north towards wine country. 

The Greystone team are passionate about organic wine and educating others about their unique practices. Pop into their Cellar Door to try their outstanding range of award winning wines. For those wanting to see first-hand the true essence of Greystone, guided tours of the winery and vineyard offer a fascinating snapshot of the exciting things happening on the vines and in the wines.

A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food. Locally sourced and organic produce creates seasonal lunches that beg to be lingered over with a bottle. Minimalism is the aesthetic at this Waipara winery, and Black Estate's laid-back atmosphere hits a stylish note. 

Pegasus Bay is a true gem in the Waipara crown and an extremely memorable place to visit. Family owned and operated, the beautiful winery and restaurant reflect the passion and energy the Donaldson family pour into the Pegasus Bay empire. The striking castle-like building is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens full of beautiful trees, flowers, ponds, and red footbridges which add to the magic of the place.

Once you've tried the range in the tasting room, pick a glass or bottle and then check out their range of local bites within the deli to build your own cheese platter, and head out to the gardens to find your spot. 

With rolling North Canterbury hills in the background, rows of grapevines in the foreground, and a glass of wine in your hand, Terrace Edge is the classy yet laid back winery atmosphere you’ve been looking for.

With delicious wines and homegrown olives, you can feast on special varietals here while sampling some of the winery's finest in olives.  

The home of beer in Amberley, the Brew Moon Brewing Company is an independent family-run craft brewery and pizzeria. Residing on the historic Markham Street in Amberley, Brew Moon provides locals and travellers alike with a relaxed spot to enjoy some locally crafted beer, wood-fired pizzas and delicious burgers.