Forty-five minutes up SH1 at the Glasnevin turn-off, hang a left onto George’s Road to find 2021 Organic Winery of the Year Terrace Edge Vineyard and Olive Grove. This sun-drenched terrace descends sharply down to the Waipara River, creating an exceptional place for growing grapes.

A sheep farm little over two decades ago, the Chapman family converted the land believing premium wine is first handcrafted in the vineyard, with each growing location specifically selected to express the most desirable qualities in the different wines. Their beautiful fruit is then transformed into pure, artisan wines.

Rated Trip Advisor’s #1 Thing to Do in Waipara, a standard tasting of five wines from their range is just $10 and complimentary upon purchase of wine. Their Wine & Food Experience is hands down the best way to experience the art of wine and food pairing – a seated tasting of thoughtfully prepared local creations matched with five wines in the picturesque setting. Bookings are essential!

All of three minutes further west, discover the appropriately named George’s Road Wines. This eight-hectare estate produces some of NZ’s finest Syrah and Pinot Gris, along with its perennial customer favourite – Les Terrasses Rosé. Bright pink, with gentle watermelon and spice flavours, this hand-picked, indigenous yeast ferment is instantly appealing.

Winemaker Kirk Bray believes in winemaking with a natural touch and is intimately involved in all aspects of production. He loves sharing stories of the vineyard and encourages booking online so he can personally guide you through the wines. At $12 per person, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery and taste their current selection.

Relax on their Winery Lawn and taste the fare of local provedores with the ‘Craft your own Antipasto’ option. If you’ve enjoyed yourself too much, extend your stay in the region and stay at their stunning WinePod accommodation. Located in a private area of the vineyard with incredible views and a hot tub, it’s a perfect base for further exploration of Waipara.

Five minutes further on, uncover The Bone Line, named for a geological layer of fossilised remains from over 65 million years ago. This intimate family-owned business makes wine exclusively from the vineyard they began planting in 1989. The sheltered topography of their site allows experimentation beyond the normally planted selections in Waipara, providing a wide range of varieties and a seriously impressive library of wines.

Drawing inspiration from the French and staying true to traditional winemaking, their vintages are an expression of terroir or how the soils, climate, and aspect all influence and reflect the true nature of wines. Drop into their cellar door for a highly recommended Cabernet Franc or toasty Sharkstone Chardonnay. After a day in your cups, stretch your legs along their Vineyard Walkway and explore their tangible connection to the earth on an informative jaunt through the vines and across the landscape.

Last but certainly not least is the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park. Sculptor Raymond Herber purchased the abandoned lime works in 1997 and transformed the quarry into a magical wonderland. His own work, along with guest artists, lies carefully curated around the dramatic landscape, nestled in under the shadow of the breathtaking hillside. Entry is $16 per person, and children under 16 are free. Picnics are welcomed and open hours vary, so make sure to check the website.

Southbank secrets