Map The Wine

Map / New Zealand

Waitaki Valley

A cool South Island valley in North Otago, known for Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Auckland IslandsCampbell IslandsAntipodes IslandsThe SnaresSouthlandMarlborough DistrictNelson CityTasman DistrictWest CoastOtagoCanterburyAucklandWaikatoThree Kings IslandsWellingtonManawatu-WanganuiTaranakiNorthlandBay of PlentyGisborne DistrictHawke's BayAucklandCentral OtagoGisborneHawke's BayMarlboroughNelsonNorth CanterburyNorthlandWairarapaWaitaki ValleyOamaru
The shaded area contains the region, and the rounded shape shows its rough extent; the gold dot marks its centre. Drag to pan, or use the buttons or Ctrl and scroll to zoom. Other regions of New Zealand are linked on the map.

Where it is

The Waitaki Valley runs inland from the Pacific, near Oamaru, in North Otago and South Canterbury. It is a young region, and plantings began in the 1990s.

Land and climate

Cool, with limestone soils. The Waitaki River valley is dry and sunny.

Grapes and wines

Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. The region is small but has attracted interest for its elegant wines.