Looking for a weekend escape to get you through the winter months? North Canterbury is the place to be! Spend a Saturday with a welcome soak at the highly acclaimed Hanmer Hot Springs then head back to the Waipara region for an evening or two to rest, relax and recuperate in nature, while you zone out and gear up for a cellar door lunch or wine tasting the following day. With an array of breath-taking accommodation options to choose from – in this charming pocket of North Canterbury, you might struggle to leave!

Greystone PurePod

If sleeping directly under the stars, protected against nature’s bewildering elements sounds like a dream, then the Greystone PurePod is the accommodation for you. A luxurious glass eco-cabin situated on the picturesque vineyard, with the Teviotdale Hill behind, it looks out to the Waipara Valley and across to the Southern Alps. This is a completely private oasis, accessible by foot through a small regenerating native bush. Watch the winery working, soak up the sunset or storm clouds and take in every inch of scenery. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Greystone wine to enjoy and book in for a wine tasting and the ever changing lunch menu at the Greystone Cellar Door.

George’s Road Wine Pod

Do you sometimes wish you could stay a while longer to truly enjoy the full wine tasting from the vineyard’s selection? The Wine Pod at Georges Road Wines is the answer to many a wine-tasting woe. Nestled amongst the vines of this Waipara vineyard you’ll discover a private and beautifully designed Tiny House complete with wood-fired hot tub, luxury bedding and a complimentary breakfast. Arrange to take a tour of the vineyard (by foot, or complimentary bike) and head back to relax in the quaint pod while soaking up panoramic views with a pre-ordered dinner parcel, or cook what you like on the BBQ and delight in this special getaway space. 

Black Estate B&B

Come for lunch, stay through the evening and wake up at the outrageously beautiful and award-winning North Canterbury organic winery. The Black Estate B&B is located on the ground floor of the distinctly stylish and architecturally designed building that houses the cellar door tasting room and lunch time restaurant. This private and spacious room comes complete with expansive vineyard views, premium linens, a Bluetooth speaker, mini bar and some kitchen facilities include a BBQ grill, kettle and small oven, with a light breakfast provided – you can order a takeaway meal for when you arrive. During the day you’ll be joined by vineyard workers and restaurant guests but in the evening you’ll have the place and sunset to yourself. Rest and relax or take advantage of the complimentary B&B bikes and take a cycle through the regional vineyard bike trail.

Kumiko’s Guest House

As you wind your way up the Black Estate driveway, on your left you’ll spot the beautifully tranquil Kumiko’s Guest House. This place is a special kind of stay, one that caters comfortably to families, small groups, weddings, special occasions and even, pets! With access to the entire house and gardens, you’ll get to enjoy a fully kitted out chefs kitchen, where you can whip up your own culinary magic with their locally stocked larder and make yourself right at home in their Japanese style sunken dining room. There are generous bedrooms, a Billiard games room, a three hole golf course(!!), a fleet of electric bikes and even a cedar hot tub! Don’t miss booking in a lunch next door at Black Estate and relish in a truly luxurious weekend getaway – perfect in summer, the cold winter and everywhere in between.