Discover Waipara: Rail, Wine and Scenery

In Waipara and its immediate surrounds, rail, wine and trails through vineyards, forest and wetlands offer a variety of travel experiences. The Glenmark railway station of the Weka Pass Railway is located at 113 Glenmark Drive in Waipara. The town is near the intersections of SH1 and SH7, as well as the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. Waipara is about 45 minutes north of Christchurch; travel time may vary depending on conditions.

Rail journeys and scenery

On selected Sundays and public holidays, the many volunteers of the Weka Pass Railway operate trains in Waipara for visitors’ enjoyment and education. Running days and services may change, so check the running calendar before planning a trip around them.

The other Weka Pass Railway station is in the village of Waikari on State Highway 7. The two stations are 13 km apart; the route between them passes through limestone and vineyard scenery. Further along the line, the first three kilometres of railway run across a gently sloping alluvial fan at the bottom of the Waipara Valley. The railway therefore offers not only a connection to Waipara but also views of the wider valley landscape.

Wine tastings and vineyard trails

At Greystone Cellar Door & Restaurant, you can sample selected wines from the collection; the selection changes regularly. The Greystone Vineyard Lunch is a four-course meal featuring ingredients from regional suppliers in Canterbury. Selected wines can be paired with it. The wine tasting focuses on changing wine selections, while lunch centres on the menu, with an optional wine pairing.

Waipara also has a cycling trail between the wineries. Currently 7 km long, the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail starts at Glenmark Domain near Waipara and runs through vineyards, under SH1 and over north-facing vineyards to Black Estate. The route may change, so check the operator’s latest information before setting out.

Forest and views nearby

East of Waipara lies Tiromoana Bush, a 407-hectare regenerating forest with 177 native plant species and 22 native bird species. The 10.4 km Tiromoana Bush Walkway passes through grassland, forest and wetlands. If you plan to walk the trail, check its current status with the operator beforehand.

The nearby Mount Cass summit walk offers a different perspective, with views stretching across the entire valley to the ocean beyond Waipara. The forest trail and summit walk offer distinct landscape experiences.

Culture in the wider Hurunui District

In the wider destination of Hurunui District, Weka Pass Historic Reserve was officially established in 1969. A 40-minute trail leads to a large limestone overhang with examples of early Māori rock art. Access to the rock art starts at Waikari Village Walkway; trailheads are at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or in Waikari. The walkway is seasonally closed from 1 August to 1 October during lambing season.

Choosing Waipara as a place to stay

This can help you decide whether rail and wine or additional nature destinations should be the focus of your trip. If you plan to take a train ride, plan around the selected operating days.

Discover more destinations: Maungati, West Eyreton, Little River, Southburn, Springfield, Mount Peel, Culverden, Tai Tapu

View the wider travel overview: Canterbury.