Visitor-friendly and pocket-friendly, Amberley offers a wide range of things to do. The RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre delivers a thrill with an F-111, Boston bomber and Vietnam-era Canberra bomber on display.
Wander through the quaint village streets with their flint walls and thatched cottages. The flint walled church, duck pond and the old school collective, where boutique retail and lifestyle businesses share space in renovated classrooms are also highlights.
Terrace Edge Winery
One of the best things to do in Amberley is to visit a winery and taste the delicious wines. This unique activity is not only a great way to experience the culture of the city, but also is an opportunity to indulge in some of the best wines in the country. Whether you are looking for a light drink or something stronger, there is sure to be a wine that meets your tastes.
The winery itself is a beautiful structure that features an elegant tasting room, as well as outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards. The tasting menu consists of several different wines, including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the winery’s offerings, and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
This family-owned and operated winery has been around since 1999, and is located on the south bank of Waipara River. Bruce and Jill Chapman developed the property from its original sheep farm, establishing the vineyard and olive grove with the help of their children. The youngest son, Pete, is the viticulturist and currently oversees operations at Terrace Edge.
The vineyard is known for its wines, which are made using environmentally-friendly practices, including sustainable harvesting and processing methods. It is also a member of the BioGrowth sustainability program, which uses wood chips and mulch in its vineyards as well as implements a rain garden to reduce stormwater runoff.
Brew Moon Brewing Company
A cosy pub with an inviting interior, Brew Moon Brewing Company offers beer lovers the chance to try a wide variety of beers on tap. The bar also serves wood-fired pizzas and delicious burgers. The menu has something for everyone and it’s a great option for families with children.
The brewpub is owned and operated by locals Kieran McCauley and Belinda Gould. They are passionate about creating hand-crafted beer with quality ingredients. They are proud to be a part of the community, providing a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.
In addition to the brewery, the establishment has a bar and cafe, as well as a retail section selling branded merchandise and products. The bar is open year-round and is a favourite spot for locals to enjoy their beers with friends. The brewery has won many awards and accolades for their craft beers, including the Golden Ale Award.
The brewery is located in a historic building that was once a school. The restaurant’s old-school logo and retro decor make it a charming and unique place to spend your time. The brewery is also a popular venue for events and weddings. The onsite event spaces can hold up to 350 people, which makes it a good choice for large groups. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has ample parking.
Little Vintage Espresso
The North Canterbury town of Amberley has country hospitality and plenty to do, with vintage train trips, great cafes, a winery and brewery all part of the package. Add in stunning mountain views and windswept beach walks, a renowned golf course, farm tours and heritage gardens and you have a unique destination that’s well worth a visit.
While the town may not be as popular as some other destinations in United Kingdom, it’s a hidden gem with many things to offer. Its small size makes it an ideal place to stay and explore, with a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you’re a solo traveler, family with kids or a group of friends, there’s something for everyone here.
Little Vintage Espresso is a cafe that offers a range of food and drinks for guests to enjoy. Their menu includes a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches and breakfast dishes. They also serve excellent coffee, sourced from Christchurch roasters Switch. Many guests say that the service at this establishment is spectacular.
The Old School Collective is a collection of retail and lifestyle businesses housed in the restored rooms of an old school. They feature a retro logo of a soaring dove over a rising sun and provide a quaint experience for visitors to the region. There are nine individual boutique and cafe businesses, each operating out of their own renovated classrooms.
Crown & Pantry
At this one-stop-shop, you’ll find a huge range of uber-local wines. Every single vineyard of the Waipara wine region is represented here, and you can sample them all in a friendly environment with a bit of history thrown in as well. They also offer a platter and wine service that you can have ready for your arrival or you can pick a picnic basket to take away with you – they’ll even throw in a blanket.
The RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre is located inside hangars at the RAAF base and offers the opportunity to walk amongst a number of aircraft, including an F-111 Ajax, a WWII Boston Bomber, Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou airlifter and Sioux and Iroquois helicopters. The museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in military or aviation history.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Amberley is an upcoming destination that’s guaranteed to ‘wow’ you. The village offers a plethora of activities and experiences that make for a memorable holiday, with something to suit all tastes. You’ll also be able to enjoy a pocket-friendly stay, with most restaurants and attractions accepting cashless payments.
