Food Lovers

Make a start on your foodie adventure by leaving Christchurch behind and heading for Melton Estate. Take in a winery tour, and a tasting of Melton Estate’s wine varietals, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc. The Summer Love Sparkling is a Canterbury favourite.

On a fine afternoon, you can enjoy lunch on the expansive deck overlooking the vineyards. All of their produce is sourced from local suppliers, so whether you choose the Canterbury Lamb Rump, Crispy Skinned Akaroa Salmon or Venison Duo, you’ll taste some of the best Selwyn has to offer. Relax after lunch with some outdoor games on the Melton Estate lawn. Be sure to grab a few bottles from their cellar door for the rest of your journey.

Tonight’s accommodation is self-catered, so you’ll need to pick up supplies on your way out of town. If you feel like taking it easy, let The Fat Beagle Café take care of dinner. Their range of takeaway platter options will give you a delicious selection of mouthwatering options.

If you’re travelling through Darfield on a Saturday morning, the Darfield Market is an ideal stop for tasty dinner inspiration. Darfield is a charming historic town, with cherry trees that transform the main street in spring. A short, relaxing walk will help you work up an appetite.

Make your way to Windwhistle, and the rustic Black Billy Hut at Washpen Falls. There’s no better place to unpack your platter, pour a glass of wine, and unwind above the lush native forest and Canterbury High Country. Take a soak in the deluxe bathroom, before falling asleep in bed, gazing at the stars through the ceiling’s skylight.

No trip to Washpen Falls would be complete without taking in the beautiful waterfalls that give the area its name. The Washpen Falls track winds its way through native bush, a canyon formed by an ancient volcano, and panoramic views overlooking the Canterbury Plains. The return journey will take you between two to three hours, by which time you will be more than ready for lunch.

The Clubhouse at Fable Terrace Downs Resort is your reward for walking the Washpen Falls Track. Sit on the deck or beside the fire, taking in views over the golf course towards Mt Hutt as you enjoy quintessential flavours and ingredients from Selwyn and South Canterbury.

Your next adventure isn’t too far away. Discovery Jet at Rakaia Gorge is waiting to thrill you with the wind on your face as you race over the river. Incredible scenery blurs with water spray as you spin 360 degrees and expertly navigate the towering limestone cliffs. If jet boating isn’t your speed, you can book a fly fishing or salmon fishing tour instead. Either way, you’ll spend an incredible afternoon on the Rakaia River.

You’re in for a treat for dinner tonight. Quickenberry Lodge feels like a Swiss Chalet, tucked into the Canterbury foothills. Dinner is a four course meal prepared with local ingredients, including walnuts, elderberry, plums or quinces foraged from Quickenberry’s own garden. The menu changes depending on the seasons and availability of produce, so return visitors will always be in for a delicious surprise.

Breakfast is included in your stay at Quickenberry Lodge, so you probably won’t feel like leaving in a hurry. It’s a good thing then, that your morning’s activity is only a stone’s-throw away.

At NewZengland, you can try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, air rifle target shooting, archery, or knife throwing. You may learn a new skill under the guidance of your licensed trainers, plus there’s no harm in introducing some healthy competition to make the morning fun.

For a late lunch on your way back into Christchurch, there’s no better refueling stop than Union Fare in the heart of Prebbleton. Lunch this good should never be rushed, but even if you have to grab a muffin from the cabinet on your way to the car, you won’t be disappointed. Still, if you can take the time to savor their house smoked salmon and potato rosti, or their famed Prebbleton cheesesteak, your taste buds will thank you!