The Martinborough region produces some of the world's finest wines and most of the 30-plus vineyards can be easily visited while based in Martinborough. The Martinborough Wine Centre in the centre of town is a great place to start as all the labels are represented here and you can plan your route to visit the wineries or even better, let someone else take the wheel and prebook a guided experience. In 2023, Martinborough joined its South Island counterpart as a registered Dark Sky Reserve, adding a celestial touch to this wine area. Elevate the senses in this enchanting blend of exquisite wines and cosmic wonders.
Visit wonderful vineyards such as Te Kairangi Wines, Tirohana Estate, Cabbage Tree Vineyard and Martinborough Vineyard on this half day tour of the premium wine region of Martinborough. Taste the wines, learn about the development of the region, its people and characters from knowledgeable guides.
This tour combines the picturesque countryside of the southeastern coastline of the North Island with Martinborough village and wine tasting.
After a drive through the village, drive through the country-side to the rugged and spectacular Palliser Bay coastline. The bay is one of New Zealand’s most important early Maori settled areas. Driving along the dynamic coast you will pass beach terraces raised by past earthquakes, see the old abandoned homes falling into the sea due to wave action, and view the precariously placed rock formation known as Kupe’s Sail.
Then go on to Cape Palliser lighthouse where you can climb up to the lighthouse and enjoy spectacular views of Palliser Bay. Before and after the lighthouse stop, visit the seal colonies and enjoy the antics of the young seal pups.
Spend an afternoon pedalling at your leisure between award winning vineyards, meandering along country roads and exploring the quaint wine village of Martinborough. Sample boutique wines and linger somewhere special with the delicious picnic of local deli fare which is included in your self-guided tour. March Hare Cycling provide an easy to follow map and there are a wide variety of lovely vineyards nearby to choose from. With flat, easy roads you can cycle as much, or as little, as you like. Although the experience could be completed in as little as 2 hours, most visitors prefer to stretch it over about 4 to 6 hours.
Visit a selection of the best family-run wineries through to large-scale cellar doors on and around Martinborough's 'golden mile'. In this full-day wine tour, you will have tastings at 5 vineyards, a lunch platter and an informative tour through the Martinborough wine region. Taste the wines, and learn about the development of the region, its people and characters from knowledgeable guides.