A weekend of wine, food, cycling and much more in South Wairarapa. There is plenty to do in the town of Martinborough. Just over an hour’s drive from Wellington, Martinborough is a great weekend getaway destination that is already much loved and frequented by ‘locals’. Though many more people are discovering this spectacular destination and planning a trip to the vines. In one small town you’ll find world-class wineries, must-visit restaurants and cafes, memorable places to stay and note-worthy events to attend. When travelling in the North Island, be sure to allow at least a few days to explore Martinborough!
1. But first, coffee
Start each day right with coffee and breaky at one of the many local cafes. The food scene in Martinborough is bustling. And what better way to explore a place than visiting the people who make the coffee. Head to the charming Martinborough Village and check out The Neighbourhood Coffee House. It’s the home of micro coffee roasters ‘In the Neighbourhood’ so the coffee is on point. Other great spots for breakfast in Martinborough are The Village Cafe & Bar and Cafe Medici. For breakfast outside of the village and in the vines, try The Vineyard Cafe at Margrain Vineyard.
2. Find some bikes
Getting your hands on some bikes and cycling around the Martinborough wineries is an absolute must. Having so many wineries within close proximity means you don’t have to opt for a car or bus option. With sunscreen and a decent-sized hat at the ready, cycle from cellar door to cellar door and taste some of the best Wairarapa wines. Grab a map and draw out a route, making sure to include a lunch stop. If you don’t have your own wheels, bike hire is easy here. Go funky with Indi Bikes and cruise around in a four or six-seater trike with a sunshade! Green Jersey will hook you up with a classic two-wheeler for the day.
3. Stay somewhere beautiful
Martinborough accommodation can be as big of a highlight as the wining-and-dining. Staying somewhere memorable for the weekend is a must. Boutique accommodation in the heart of the village is best at The Martinborough Hotel. Nestling in on the outskirts of town at the lovely 5mile Cottage is fantastic. Managed by Wairarapa Escapes, this cottage is so well-appointed that it’s hard to leave the cosy outdoor deck. The outlook of farmland and happy grazing alpacas is perfect for a getaway in the hills. Grab a bottle of delicious local wine from Martinborough Wine Merchants and settle in at your slice of Wairarapa paradise.
4. Discover the wineries
Enjoy cellar doors and tasting rooms at Martinboroughs best wineries. This north island wine region is crawling with vines and passionate wine makers. Stop in at Poppies and taste some of their favourite varieties. Tastings at Luna Estate, Moy Hall and Ata Rangi are all essential on a day of winery visits. Nara food truck at Palliser Estate Wines is an incredible spot for lunch in Martinborough. Other gems include Tiwaiwaka and Cony Wines. Don’t forget to take a break from the pinots and try some beautiful olive oil at Olivo. Plus, the gin coming out of this place is spectacular.
5. Feast in Martinborough Village
You know what goes really well with all that wine. Some delicious food for dinner. Try Mesita Wine Bar for some share plates and a glass of wine. Cool Change Bar & Eatery and Union Square at The Martinborough Hotel are never-fail classics. It would be a crime to not check out Cafe Medici in case they have a dinner experience planned while you’re in town. This is also a great chance to mix it up and check out the local brewery.
6. Stay for the events in Martinborough
Martinborough is a hub for some great events. It’s worth diving into dates for special events like Toast and timing your trip accordingly. Events in Martinborough are all about tasting the best wines in the best weather, surrounded by vines and good company. Some of the local bars and restaurants hold small scale events that change between weeks or seasons too.
