The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail.
The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail is currently 7km long starting at the Glenmark Domain, near Waipara township, winding through vineyards, under SH1 and up over the north facing vineyards to Black Estate.
The trail allows access to private vineyards and farms offering a beautiful experience of North Canterbury’s wine and food, including four cellar doors and two restaurants.
Most of the trail is Grade 2, and two short sections are Grade 3 at Greystone and between Mountford and Black Estate.
We are fundraising to finish the trail by building the Omihi Creek Bridge and creating one loop, as shown on the map in red. PLEASE donate to the trail, any amount you can, or if you wish to be a partner or sponsor please read about our tiered sponsorship opportunities on the right.
See more information on the right about the bridge build and DONATE HERE.
Glenmark Domain to Greystone. - 2.7 km
The trail starts under the majestic oak trees at the Glenmark Domain where you will find toilets, free camping sites and a map board to start.
Head out of the domain for a stop into Torlesse Winery and then down Church Road passing the local cemetery before turning onto the off-road trail just past Sherwood Estate.
The trail heads past the historic Glenmark Church and before heading under State Highway 1 there is a turnoff to Waipara Springs Winery (200m detour) . Once under the highway, you will pop out at the cellar door and excellent restaurant at Greystone
Greystone to Mountford - 2.69 km.
Follow the vineyard track up the hill through the stock grate to Muddy Water, Mountford, and Black Estate.
Stop for a picnic at Greystone’s pond and then wind up through the vines into and above Mountford Estate.
Mountford to Black Estate - 1.43 km.
Out of Mountford, the trail is out on the slopes of Stackhouse Farm.
You will be sharing the trail with inquisitive sheep so please shut all gates! The last stock grate enters Black Estate vineyard with restaurant and cellar door on site (check their website for opening hours and please make sure you book).
Help finish the loop! Black Estate to Glenmark Domain
At Black Estate we recommended returning the way you have just traveled. If you wish to travel down Blacks Ave to Omihi Creek bridge, you are crossing the SH1 bridge at your own risk. We are building a bridge adjacent to the SH1 bridge to make this a safe crossing. Please helpus do this as soon as we can and donate here.
See more information below our Omihi Creek Bridge Fundraiser!
THE WAIPARA VALLEY VINEYARD TRAIL
PLEASE DONATE AND HELP US BUILD OMIHI CREEK BRIDGE - finishing the loop of the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail.
The bridge over Omihi Creek is the final stage as shown in red on the map.
We have raised $55, 000 already and now need to raise a further $155,000 by November and are asking the community to support us to finish this safe, fun and exciting trail. Be a partner or sponsor of the bridge and contact us here to inquire about the following opportunities.
Ways to Support:
Your family, farm or business can donate to the bridge in the following amounts:
$1,500 Bronze Bridge supporter (75 available)
$,1165.50 with charitable tax credit back.
Personalised plaque on the bridge railing.
Sponsorship recognition on our website.
A bottle of North Canterbury wine to be picked up at the opening party.
$3,000 – Silver Bridge Supporter (Only 20 available)
$2331 with charitable tax credit back.
Name on the Bridge Welcome Board plus a six pack of North Canterbury Wine to be picked up at the opening party.
$10, 000 – Gold Bridge Supporter (Only 2 available)
$7,770 with tax credit back.
End-of-bridge sponsor plaque.
Sponsor recognition on our website plus one four course lunch with wines for four people at Black Estate or Greystone restaurant.
All donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt to claim a 33.3% tax rebate.
Charity Name: Hurunui Trails Trust Board. CC Registration: CC39054.
Two landowners have generously agreed to grant an easement over their land in favor of the Walking Access Commission, meaning this bridge and trails on and off it will be permanently accessible by the public.
A resource consent has been obtained for the bridge design and early survey and geotech work has been completed. Now it is time to raise funds to finish this bridge this summer! (2025).
This vital bridge will finish the Waipara Valley Trail and allow a safe link for cyclists and walkers to cross Omihi Creek and State highway 1.
Now we are ready to complete the loop and need your help!
