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The Limestone Limo Guided Tour

Discover the charms of the Waipara Valley on a private and personalised, wine‑soaked adventure through one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and diverse cool‑climate regions. With its warm, dry days, cool nights, limestone‑rich soils, and long, clear autumns, Waipara produces some of the country’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and other aromatic varietals - and you’ll taste them right where they’re made.

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​After a central Christchurch pickup, this private guided tour takes you on a scenic 50‑minute drive to the Waipara Valley where you can visit up to four boutique wineries.

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Because this is a small, guided experience, you have the freedom to choose the wineries you’d like to visit, the tasting flights you want to try, and the type of lunch you prefer.

You pay the wineries directly for any tastings, food, or drinks you select, ensuring you only pay for the experiences you choose, rather than a fixed package.

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We can recommend an itinerary based on your preferences, but the final choices are always yours. Whether that includes an in-depth, behind the scenes look at a particular winery, a long sumptuous lunch, a visit to the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park or finishing with a refreshing ale at local brewery Brew Moon, it's your call.

 

Whatever your choice, you're in for a great day out, soaking up the charms of the Waipara Valley, enjoying great wine and great views, with a friendly guide who knows the region, and the wines, really well.

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The Limestone Limo Guided Tour is for up to 6 six guests and costs $500

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The Wineries

Visit your choice of these boutique, family‑owned vineyards. All are locally owned, proudly independent, and full of character. Many of these wineries are not accessible to larger tour groups, so you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personal tasting experience.

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  • Pegasus Bay: A Waipara Icon - Set amongst beautiful gardens and world-renowned for their Pinot Noir, Riesling, and extraordinary dessert wines. 

  • Black Estate: A family‑owned, certified organic and biodynamic winery and restaurant with three hillside vineyards producing exceptional terroir‑driven wines. 

  • Greystone: North Canterbury’s most awarded winery with world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Certified organic and known for their innovative vineyard and winemaking practices.

  • The Bone Line: Most definitely off the beaten track and full of personality, just like the wines. Varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and the fabulous Iridium. 

  • Georges Road: A truly boutique operation producing superb single vineyard wines. Family operated, quality focused and boasting some of the best views in Waipara at their relaxed and welcoming cellar door. 

  • Torlesse: A pioneering Waipara winery making a wide range of wines from four different sites. Varieties include Albarino, Verdelho, Gewurztraminer and an outstanding 10-year-old Tawny. 

  • Terrace Edge: NZ Organic Vineyard of the Year 2018, 2021 and 2025. Fantastic organic wines including Albarino, St Laurent, Syrah and the award-winning Liquid Geography Riesling. (Currently closed but reopening summer 2026)

  • Waipara Wine House: A regional cellar door representing 10+ local winemakers showcasing the diverse varieties and styles found in the area. Always an interesting selection. 

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Lunch Options

 There’s something for every taste and budget, and most dietary requirements can be catered for.

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  • Pegasus Bay: Choose your own deli style lunch or grab a gourmet pie

  • Torlesse: A great option for a vineyard platter lunch. (I stop here for lunch on my other tour, the Waipara Wine Experience)

  • Greystone: Home of the famous “Long Lunch” fine dining experience. 'Trust the Chef' or a-la-carte menus

  • Georges Road: Mini Deli or Platter style lunch

  • Black Estate: From a simple pie and greens to stunning award-winning a-la-carte and 'Trust the Chef' menus 

  • Waipara Wine House: Platter style or Shared Plates menu

 

Wine tasting fees and meals are not included, as each winery sets its own prices. Guests pay the wineries directly for any tastings, food, or drinks selected. This ensures you only pay for the experiences you choose, rather than a fixed package.

Typical tasting fees range from NZD $15–$30 per person, depending on the winery. Lunches start from around $25. 

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Important Information

  • Departure Point - Pick-up from your central Christchurch accommodation or pre‑arranged location between 9:30 and 10:30am. Lyttelton pick-up can be arranged - additional charge of $60 per group. 

  • Duration - Allow approximately 6 hours - depending on your itinerary.

  • Return  - Return to the original pick-up point (unless otherwise arranged) between 3:30 - 4:30pm​

 

Inclusions

  • Private, personalised, guided wine tour for up to 6 people

  • Pick-up from your central Christchurch accommodation

  • Return transport in premium vehicle

  • Visit up to four boutique wineries

  • A passionate and knowledgeable guide

  • Commentary and hosting throughout the day

  • A relaxed exploration of North Canterbury’s family‑owned wineries​

  • All tasting and lunch bookings will be made by Giles Tours

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Conditions

  • Tours usually run Thursday to Monday, subject to availability

  • This is not a pre-packaged tour and the cost of lunch and tastings is not included

  • Wineries may change on the day due to circumstances beyond our control

  • 48‑hour cancellation policy applies

  • Maximum of 6 guests

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