Waitaki Valley

With vines first planted in 2001, Waitaki Valley a relatively new wine region, with a vineyard area of about 50 hectares, producing less than 1% of the country’s grape production. The valley essentially forms a geographical link between Central Otago and the South Island’s eastern coast, the legacy of a long river system leading down from the Southern Alps to the sea.

The area has a distinctly cool climate, its relatively warm summers and long, dry autumns help extend the region’s growing season. Frost is an ever-present risk at either end of the growing season.

Soils are complex, and feature alluvial gravels. But limestone is also a key element in the mix, the product of the ancient sea bed being raised up over millions of years.
Aromatic whites are produced here, but the predominant variety is Pinot Noir, a wine style which is distinct from other New Zealand regions, being more restrained and delicate than that from Central Otago.

Local Maori call the river “Te Waitaki o Aoraki “ - the tears of their ancestor Aoraki.

Waitaki Valley Sub-regions

The Waitaki Valley, is a narrow and rugged wine growing region, stretching between Kurow, Duntroon, and Omarama. Though small, the region is home to distinct micro-terroirs, where variations in soil composition, elevation, and climate create wines of differing character.

Kurow is the heart of Waitaki wine. Nestled along the Waitaki River, it benefits from alluvial and limestone-based soils, producing elegant, mineral-driven wines with bright acidity. Pinot Noir from Kurow is typically silky and perfumed, while Chardonnay showcases flinty, citrus-driven elegance.

Duntroon sits at a slightly higher elevation, with some of the region’s purest limestone soils. The wines from this area, especially Pinot Gris and Riesling, exhibit vibrant aromatics, high acidity, and a distinct mineral edge, reminiscent of fine European cool-climate wines.

Located further inland, Omarama is at high altitude, and has an extreme climate, with warm days and very cold nights. This enhances flavour concentration and acidity, producing crisp, structured whites and refined Pinot Noir.

Each sub-region within the Waitaki Valley contributes to the area’s growing reputation for unique, cool-climate wines that stand apart from other New Zealand wine regions.

Pinot Noir
This is the most planted variety, producing aromatic, yet full bodied wines, with flavours of red-cherry, strawberry, wind herbs and spice. More restrained than the typical Central Otago style.

Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris thrives in Waitaki’s limestone soils, producing wines with ripe pear, white peach, and floral notes. The wines are often textural and slightly oily, with a vibrant acidity that keeps them fresh and balanced.

Riesling
Waitaki Riesling is crisp, bright, and mineral-driven, showcasing lime, green apple, and honeysuckle. With its natural acidity and concentrated flavours, the wines can age beautifully, developing honeyed and toasty notes over time.

Chardonnay
These wines are refined and structured, with citrus, white peach, and flinty minerality. Often compared to Burgundy’s cooler styles, they balance fresh acidity with creamy texture.

(Infographic by New Zealand Winegrowers)