Post by sky on Sept 16, 2012 8:42:24 GMT 12
The picturesque alpine spa town of Hanmer Springs, an easy 90 minute drive north-west of Christchurch, passes through some of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine and coastal landscapes. This trip is about luxury and indulgence, with many places to stop and enjoy fine food and wine and of course, soak in the famous thermal hot springs.
From Christchurch head up the coast on the Alpine Pacific Highway (Highway 1) towards Kaiapoi. Although extensively damaged in the 2010 earthquake, this charming riverside town just north of the Waimakariri River is a nice spot to stretch the legs and explore some of its early pioneering history. Make sure to stop for coffee at the Kiwi-style Fat Cat Cafe in Rangiora or the famous Rangiora Bakery which has recently opened the Artisan Cafe - a great place to take a break on their comfy red lounges. If you’re stopping for lunch, the nearby historic Plough Hotel serves traditional pub fare amidst old world charm.
Amberley is just down the road from Kaiapoi and is the gateway to the acclaimed Waipara Valley; one of New Zealand’s latest emerging wine regions. With around 80 vineyards, riesling and pinot noir are specialties here, but anything from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris to gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon are also produced. A number of the wineries offer cellar door tastings if booked in advance and a few are open to the public every day.
Make sure to treat yourself to Waipara’s gourmet experience – local olive groves, honey, nut farms and produce fresh from paddock to plate make it a true food lovers’ destination. The North Canterbury Wine and Food Trail is the ideal way to explore the numerous options the wider district has to offer. Try the award-winning wines and creative cuisine of the Mud House Winery and Café; or the tempting dishes of the Waipara Springs Winery and Café which sources the freshest local ingredients possible not to mention fabulous homemade bread. Pegasus Bay Winery and Restaurant is run by the Donaldson family, one of the pioneers of local grape growing and wine making in the region
The Waipara region also has some deliciously indulgent unique boutique vineyard accommodation. Annie's Loft and Studio at Waipara River Estate; Dry Paddocks; Dunnolly Cottage, and the Old Glenmark Vicarage are just some that will immerse you totally in this wine country.
A seasonal weekly farmers' market and annual events such as the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival and Summer of Riesling are just a few more good reasons to linger longer.
From Waipara you could continue to follow Highway 1 and complete the Alpine Pacific Touring Route triangle to Kaikoura; or follow travel inland on Highway 7 through the Weka Pass to Hurunui, a region jam-packed with irresistible charming towns and villages, and more superb wine and food. See the memorabilia inside the historic Hurunui, said by locals to be haunted, so it may be best to continue on to one of the five-star apartments, boutique hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts in the Hanmer Springs Village. The Heritage Hanmer Springs, an up-market resort hotel and a local landmark, which was built in 1932 and has since been lovingly restored
After a day of driving, there is only one thing that can top it all off – a luxurious soak in your own private pool at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. For the ultimate indulgence, iron out those body aches with a massage at The Spa or a round at the Hanmer Springs Golf Club. A romantic dinner at the high-altitude Marble Point Winery will complete the perfect high to your road trip experience
Continue your journey with these other nearby roadtrips:
Click here to hit the road to Hanmer Springs
Click here to discover Canterbury's best kept secret
Click here to discover Canterbury's French Connection
Click here to see a gallery of the stunning sights in Akaroa
Click here to experience Kaikoura, a true marine mecca
Click here to take a coastal Kaikoura roadtrip
nz.totaltravel.yahoo.com/destinations/mercedes-benz-roadtrip/journeys/a/-/13698792/indulge-yourself-in-north-canterbury-christchurch-hanmer/
From Christchurch head up the coast on the Alpine Pacific Highway (Highway 1) towards Kaiapoi. Although extensively damaged in the 2010 earthquake, this charming riverside town just north of the Waimakariri River is a nice spot to stretch the legs and explore some of its early pioneering history. Make sure to stop for coffee at the Kiwi-style Fat Cat Cafe in Rangiora or the famous Rangiora Bakery which has recently opened the Artisan Cafe - a great place to take a break on their comfy red lounges. If you’re stopping for lunch, the nearby historic Plough Hotel serves traditional pub fare amidst old world charm.
Amberley is just down the road from Kaiapoi and is the gateway to the acclaimed Waipara Valley; one of New Zealand’s latest emerging wine regions. With around 80 vineyards, riesling and pinot noir are specialties here, but anything from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris to gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon are also produced. A number of the wineries offer cellar door tastings if booked in advance and a few are open to the public every day.
Make sure to treat yourself to Waipara’s gourmet experience – local olive groves, honey, nut farms and produce fresh from paddock to plate make it a true food lovers’ destination. The North Canterbury Wine and Food Trail is the ideal way to explore the numerous options the wider district has to offer. Try the award-winning wines and creative cuisine of the Mud House Winery and Café; or the tempting dishes of the Waipara Springs Winery and Café which sources the freshest local ingredients possible not to mention fabulous homemade bread. Pegasus Bay Winery and Restaurant is run by the Donaldson family, one of the pioneers of local grape growing and wine making in the region
The Waipara region also has some deliciously indulgent unique boutique vineyard accommodation. Annie's Loft and Studio at Waipara River Estate; Dry Paddocks; Dunnolly Cottage, and the Old Glenmark Vicarage are just some that will immerse you totally in this wine country.
A seasonal weekly farmers' market and annual events such as the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival and Summer of Riesling are just a few more good reasons to linger longer.
From Waipara you could continue to follow Highway 1 and complete the Alpine Pacific Touring Route triangle to Kaikoura; or follow travel inland on Highway 7 through the Weka Pass to Hurunui, a region jam-packed with irresistible charming towns and villages, and more superb wine and food. See the memorabilia inside the historic Hurunui, said by locals to be haunted, so it may be best to continue on to one of the five-star apartments, boutique hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts in the Hanmer Springs Village. The Heritage Hanmer Springs, an up-market resort hotel and a local landmark, which was built in 1932 and has since been lovingly restored
After a day of driving, there is only one thing that can top it all off – a luxurious soak in your own private pool at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. For the ultimate indulgence, iron out those body aches with a massage at The Spa or a round at the Hanmer Springs Golf Club. A romantic dinner at the high-altitude Marble Point Winery will complete the perfect high to your road trip experience
Continue your journey with these other nearby roadtrips:
Click here to hit the road to Hanmer Springs
Click here to discover Canterbury's best kept secret
Click here to discover Canterbury's French Connection
Click here to see a gallery of the stunning sights in Akaroa
Click here to experience Kaikoura, a true marine mecca
Click here to take a coastal Kaikoura roadtrip
nz.totaltravel.yahoo.com/destinations/mercedes-benz-roadtrip/journeys/a/-/13698792/indulge-yourself-in-north-canterbury-christchurch-hanmer/