Waikari: Railway, Rock Art and Wine

Waikari brings together rail travel, a limestone landscape and Māori rock art in the Weka Pass Reserve, along with guided winery experiences at Pyramid Valley. These varied experiences give your trip planning some clear options: a ride on historic locomotives, trails with scenic views or a wine visit.

Ride the Railway Through the Weka Pass

The Weka Pass Railway runs between Waipara and Waikari; Waikari is also the terminus of the Weka Pass Vintage Steam Railway. The 12.8-kilometre scenic route passes through the distinctive limestone landscape of the Weka Pass. Excursion trains run with historic steam and diesel-electric locomotives. When planning your trip, you can weigh up two aspects: the 12.8-kilometre journey through the limestone landscape or the different types of locomotives. This will help you decide whether the route or the trains themselves appeal to you more.

Waikari Station is on the southern side of the village, on State Highway 7 (Weka Pass Road). A 25-metre path with a gentle incline connects the station to the road. Check information about facilities again before your trip. The Waikari Village Walkway starts opposite the station.

On Foot: Views and Māori Rock Art

The Weka Pass Walkway is all about views of the mountain ranges and hinterland. The Waikari Village Walkway, by contrast, starts opposite Weka Pass Railway Station and is also the route from which you can access the Plane Table Walk via a stile. A tourism listing dated 21 November 2024 gives a 15-minute uphill walk for the Plane Table Walk.

Visitors can see ancient Māori rock drawings on a local hill in Waikari, in the Weka Pass Reserve. Access starts from the Waikari Village Walkway; you can begin at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7, where there is parking, or from the Waikari township. Near Waikari, the trail crosses private farmland. In the Weka Pass Historic Reserve, a 40-minute walk leads to a large overhanging limestone shelter with examples of early Māori rock art. Māori used the shelter as a temporary overnight camp. The trail is closed during lambing season, from 1 August to 1 October; dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Wine and Accommodation in Waikari

For wine enthusiasts, Pyramid Valley offers a bookable guided vineyard tour at its Waikari winery, along with a guided tasting of all five wines in the Botanicals Collection. This bookable combination is a standalone activity alongside the railway and trails; check current booking availability for your planned visit.

Consider whether the railway, the wine experience or the cultural heritage outing should be the focus of your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Rakaia, West Melton, Swannanoa, Springfield, Staveley, Waiau, Peel Forest, Lake Pearson

For the main travel overview: Canterbury.