The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail - Help get it finished!

The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail is currently 7km long starting at the Glenmark Domain, near Waipara township, winding through vineyards and farmland, under SH1 and up over the north facing vineyards of Blacks Avenue to Black Estate.

The trail allows access to private vineyards and farms offering a beautiful experience of North Canterbury’s wine and food, including four cellar doors and two restaurants.

Most of the trail is Grade 2, and two short sections are Grade 3 at Greystone and between Mountford and Black Estate.

Currently, the Hurunui Trails Trust is fundraising to finish the trail by building the Omihi Creek Bridge and creating one loop, as shown on the map in red. The trust is asking you to please donate to the trail, any amount you can, or if you wish to be a partner or sponsor you can read about the tiered sponsorship opportunities here. For more information about the project click here.

The Trail

Glenmark Domain to Greystone. - 2.7 km

The trail starts under the majestic oak trees at the Glenmark Domain where you will find toilets, free camping sites and a map board to start.

Head out of the domain for a stop into Torlesse Winery and then down Church Road passing the local cemetery before turning onto the off-road trail just past Sherwood Estate.

The trail heads past the historic Glenmark Church and before heading under State Highway 1 there is a turnoff to Waipara Springs Winery (200m detour) . Once under the highway, you will pop out at the cellar door and excellent restaurant at Greystone

Greystone to Mountford - 2.69 km.

Follow the vineyard track up the hill through the stock grate to Muddy Water, Mountford, and Black Estate.

Stop for a picnic at Greystone’s pond and then wind up through the vines into and above Mountford Estate.

Mountford to Black Estate - 1.43 km.

Out of Mountford, the trail is out on the slopes of Stackhouse Farm.

You will be sharing the trail with inquisitive sheep so please shut all gates! The last stock grate enters Black Estate vineyard with restaurant and cellar door on site (check their website for opening hours and please make sure you book).

Help finish the loop! Black Estate to Glenmark Domain

At Black Estate it is recommended returning the way you have just traveled. If you wish to travel down Blacks Ave to Omihi Creek bridge, you are crossing the SH1 bridge at your own risk. The Hurunui Trails Trust is currently fundraising to build a bridge adjacent to the SH1 bridge to make this a safe crossing. They are almost there, please help them do this by donating here.