12 Best Sights in Martinborough, Wellington and the Wairarapa

Patuna Chasm Walk

Fodor's choice

Explore true backcountry New Zealand on a half-day trek. This four-hour hike starts with a typical Kiwi trail through native forest, before descending to the river floor. Here you'll discover the chasm's cathedral-like limestone halls and waterfalls. Be advised that most of the walk is in a river and can be steep or slippery. Pack a change of clothes and shoes for after the walk. Bookings are essential.

Poppies Martinborough

Fodor's choice

Wine-lovers flock to Poppies for the stunning wines, picturesque views, and relaxed ambience. Their wines, crafted by old-world techniques, celebrate the beauty of simplicity and tradition. Visiting the tasting room, you can expect to sip on delectable wines paired with excellent platters, all while admiring the vineyard vista. Bookings are essential.

The Wine Bank

Fodor's choice

For an all-weather, all-season exploration of Martinborough's vineyards, look no further than The Wine Bank. The Bank has an ATM-style automatic wine dispensary, a small kitchen, and a classy and comfortable lounge. The set-up makes for a relaxed experience, where you can select from over 60 local wines and try the ones you want, at your own pace.

1 Memorial Sq., Martinborough, Wellington, New Zealand
06-216–8276
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Free (you pay only for the wine you drink), Closed Tues. and Wed.

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Ata Rangi Vineyard

This family-owned and -managed winery makes exceptional chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and Célèbre. For her hard work on the vines, Helen Masters won the 2019 title of New Zealand Winemaker of the Year. Tastings at their cellar door must be booked in advance through their website.

14 Puruatanga Rd., Martinborough, Wellington, 5741, New Zealand
06-306–9570
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings free (with advance reservation)

Cambridge Road

With its eco-ethical philosophy, this winery produces high-quality wines using organic and biodynamic techniques. Try these natural and delicious wines for yourself on their sun-soaked porch alongside their well-paired platters. Tastings can be booked for any day of the week, or you can just walk in on the weekends.

32 Cambridge Rd., Martinborough, Wellington, New Zealand
06-306–8959
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$10

Coney Wines

Have lunch here for a view over vines that produce a terrific Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris plus a rosé you can get only on-site.

107 Dry River Rd., Martinborough, Wellington, 5954, New Zealand
06-306–8345
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$5 (refundable with purchase), Tastings Dec.–Mar., Fri., Sat., and Sun. 11--4; Apr.–Nov., weekends 11--4, Closed Mon.–Thurs., Aug., and Sept.

Martinborough Fair

The town's signature event, held in the Square on the first Saturday of February and March, draws thousands of people and packs the place with crafts stalls.

Martinborough Vineyard

With their first Pinot Noir grapes planted in 1980, this fine regional winery was the first to convince the world of the Wairarapa's wine potential. Their Chardonnay is also exceptional.

57 Princess St., Martinborough, Wellington, 5711, New Zealand
06-306–9955
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$5, Tastings daily 11–4

Martinborough Wine Merchants

For an overview of area wines, take an oenophile's shortcut and hit Martinborough Wine Merchants. The shop stocks a thorough selection of local vintages and wine accessories. Arrangements can be made to have your purchases shipped home.

Olivo

For a taste-bud-tickling exercise that doesn't involve grapes, head to Helen and John Meehan's olive grove, 3 km (2 miles) north of Martinborough. You can visit the grove and its 5 acres of gardens to learn how oils are produced. Tastings (and sales) of their extra-virgin and infused olive oils are encouraged.

136 Hinakura Rd., Martinborough, Wellington, 5784, New Zealand
06-306–9074
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tours NZ$20, Closed weekdays Feb.–Dec.

Palliser Estate

Don't miss the white wines here—they're some of the best around. Of particular note is the sauvignon blanc, which is renowned for its intense ripe flavors, and the chardonnay, which is organically made in an elegant classic style.

76 Kitchener St., Martinborough, Wellington, 5711, New Zealand
06-306–9019
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$5

Reid and Reid Craft Gin Distillery

The Reid brothers curate craft gins and vermouth from the unique flavors of New Zealand botanicals. Taste their range at their G&T garden bar, or contact them by email to take a tour through the distillery, which must be pre-booked through the company's web site.