Find hotels in Waipara

Waipara is near the junctions of SH1 and SH7 and on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. When looking for a hotel in Waipara, you can consider whether trains, wine or scenery should be the focus of your trip.

Getting your bearings and the Weka Pass Railway

The Weka Pass Railway’s Glenmark station is at 113 Glenmark Drive in Waipara. It is about 45 minutes north of Christchurch; this is an approximate travel time and may vary depending on conditions.

On selected Sundays and public holidays, volunteers with the Weka Pass Railway operate trains for visitors in Waipara. The trips are designed for entertainment and education. Check the timetable if a train is important to your plans.

The Weka Pass Railway’s other station is in the village of Waikari on State Highway 7, outside Waipara. The two stations are 13 km apart; between them, the railway runs through limestone and vineyard scenery. The first 3 km follow a gently sloping alluvial fan at the bottom of the Waipara Valley.

Wine tastings and trails between vineyards

Waipara has a cycle trail between the wineries. Nearby, the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail starts at Glenmark Domain, close to Waipara. It is currently 7 km long and passes through vineyards, under SH1 and across north-facing vineyards to Black Estate. As the route may change, check the current route before setting out.

Greystone Cellar Door & Restaurant offers tastings of selected wines from its collection; the selection changes regularly. The Greystone Vineyard Lunch is a four-course menu featuring ingredients from regional Canterbury suppliers. It can be paired with selected wines.

Scenery 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. Check with the operator beforehand for the current track status.

Also nearby, the Mount Cass summit walk offers views across the whole valley and out to the ocean beyond Waipara. These provide different perspectives on the landscape: the Tiromoana Bush Walkway passes through several habitats, while Mount Cass offers views across the valley and out to the ocean.

Historic architecture in Glenmark

St Paul's Church (Anglican) in Glenmark, Waipara, was built in 1906–07 in the Early English Gothic Revival style. The church is not open to the public.

Discover more destinations: Swannanoa, Oxford, Waimate District, Kaiapoi, Mount Peel, Loburn, Maungati and Little River.

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.