Tailor-Made Wine
Tours of Canterbury
Discover the region's diverse wineries, featuring more than 150 vineyards that span from boutique establishments to renowned brands.
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Explore Canterbury's Scenic Countryside and Renowned Wine Region
Perched on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Canterbury is a region rich in diverse landscapes, ranging from lush vineyards draped over rolling hills to the rugged coastline defining its boundaries. This haven invites luxury travelers and wine enthusiasts to indulge in a perfect blend of wine tours, tastings, and enriching experiences.
Canterbury's natural splendor provides a breathtaking backdrop to its vibrant cultural tapestry. From historic Christchurch, known for its resilient spirit and Gothic revival architecture, to the ancient Maori rock art in Timaru that echoes stories of the past, the region offers an enriching cultural journey.
Renowned for fresh, locally sourced cuisine, the region shines with its seafood, lamb, and artisan cheeses, ensuring a remarkable gastronomic adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in awe-inspiring scenery, from the snow-capped Southern Alps to serene beaches and thermal hot springs, offering an idyllic setting for exploration and relaxation.
Discover other wine regions in New Zealand
New Zealand Grape Varieties:
- Auckland Auckland
- Marlborough Marlborough
- Martinborough Martinborough
- Central Otago Central Otago
- Canterbury Canterbury
- Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay
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Go to: Marlborough →
Go to: Martinborough →
Go to: Central Otago →
Go to: Canterbury →
Go to: Hawke's Bay →
Canterbury
A hidden gem that beckons oenophiles and novices alike with its distinctive vintages and stunning landscapes. This region, with its cool climate and diverse terroir ranging from gravelly soils on the plains to limestone-rich areas in the hills, provides an ideal environment for growing a variety of grapes that result in wines of exceptional complexity and depth.
The star of Canterbury's vineyards is undoubtedly Pinot Noir, producing elegant and sophisticated wines that capture the essence of this unique terroir. Chardonnay also thrives here, delivering crisp, minerally wines with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity. In addition to these varietals, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling have found a favorable home in Canterbury, each expressing vibrant fruit flavors and an invigorating freshness that is characteristic of the region.
What sets Canterbury apart is the quality of its wines and the innovative spirit of its winemakers. Embracing sustainable practices, many wineries are committed to preserving their natural environment while crafting exquisite wines. This dedication to sustainability adds to the unique story of Canterbury wines, inviting enthusiasts to savor both the taste and the story behind each bottle on each wine tour.
The region's picturesque scenery, combined with its outstanding wines, makes it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in New Zealand's wine culture and history.
Highlights
Where land meets the sea: Soak in some of New Zealand's most beautiful landscapes, including the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains, and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
Rich cultural heritage: Learn about the region's Maori and European history with numerous museums, art galleries, and historic sites to explore.
Artisanal delights: Sample the abundant fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and award-winning wines at farmers' markets, wineries, and restaurants throughout the region.
The wildest life: Join a small group for whale watching that may also feature dolphins and seals. Look for penguins and other seabirds on a wildlife cruise, or hike through protected reserves to spot native birds such as the Kiwi and the Kea.
Take the Train to Arthur's Pass
Features
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass on the renowned TranzAlpine train, offering breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and rugged mountain ranges. Meet fellow travelers in Arthur's Pass for a scenic nature tour with interpretations and short walks or a guided hike into the mountains. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Waimakariri River and Arthur's Pass National Park, with its forests, rivers, and mountain vistas.
Take a Private Tour to Lake Tekapo
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Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Tekapo on a private day tour from Christchurch. Marvel at the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Statue, immersing yourself in the town's picturesque charm. Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the awe-inspiring views of Mount Cook in the distance.
Indulge in a sampling of award-winning cheese at a local factory and visit a Salmon Farm for a unique experience. Capture the breathtaking landscapes from the summit of Mt. John at the Observatory. And finally, unwind at Tekapo Springs, dip in the hot pools, or enjoy the waterslide and aqua play area. This unforgettable journey showcases the best of Mackenzie country's natural wonders.
Stay at the Heritage
Features
An iconic hotel located in the heart of the Garden City. The luxury hotel occupies an opulent Italian High Renaissance Palazzo style building. Designed by Joseph Clark Maddison and opened in 1913, the hotel is listed as a category one building on the Historic Places Trust Register, reflecting its status as a building of national significance.
Walk Historic Christchurch
Features
Christchurch, the oldest established and second largest city in the country, promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. As the gateway to the South Island, it's a must on any itinerary. The city was rebuilt after the Canterbury Earthquakes over a decade ago with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favorites.
Sample Itineraries
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You're in control
At Into The Vineyard, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer you complete freedom to build your perfect trip. Start with one of our many sample itineraries and customize as you desire, or start with a blank page, and with the help of our expert Trip Planners, we can create your dream wine-inspired travel experience.
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Testimonials
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Carol F
We booked Into The Vineyard to plan a custom itinerary for our trip to New Zealand in March 2023. They did not disappoint on any level at all. They listened to our wants/travel style needs and planned accordingly. The accommodations were first class and wonderfully different in every city. The private tour drivers were excellent, very experienced and knowledgeable in every city. We could not have asked for a better experience in any aspect of this trip. Without reservation, we would recommend this company and we would use them again to plan future trips.
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Keith S
On our third trip organized by our friends at Into the Vineyard and what can I say but they have helped us with another amazing experience. Whether it was our tour of Argentina, Italy or now these two amazing countries they consistently deliver an experience that gives us a local flavor and wanting more! Always courteous and conscious of our needs and the time we have, I don’t know how they are able to help us experience so much.