Martinborough is a picturesque town filled with tree-lined streets and historic buildings and surrounded by lush vineyards in one of the North Island's top winemaking regions. Spend your time strolling around the characterful town centre, enjoying farm-to-table cuisine and sipping your way through local wineries.

Things to do

Tour local Martinborough vineyards like Haythornthwaite Wines, an eco-friendly estate known for its fruity Pinot Noir. On sunny days, tastings are served at picnic tables in the manicured garden. Palliser Wines is one of Martinborough's top-tier producers, with a stylish cellar door and beautifully landscaped courtyard restaurant.

Kids and adults alike will love visiting Martinborough Manor, a working 2.4-hectare farm where you can wander around orchards, hand feed barnyard animals, milk cows and sample homemade jams and preserves. Nearby, Ranui Essentials is an award-winning lavender farm crafting divine bath, body and beauty products.

Discover the Marty Mural Trail, a series of colourful wall paintings in the Martinborough town centre. You can stretch your legs on Rapaki Walk, a gentle loop trail through rolling farmland with sweeping views of the Wairarapa Valley and surrounding Martinborough vineyards.

After a day of wine tasting, sit down for a hearty meal at the Martinborough Hotel, a beautiful building that's been welcoming diners since 1882. The outdoor terrace is a fantastic place to enjoy a sundowner.

Getting around

The Martinborough town centre is easy to get around on foot, while bicycles are a popular way to tour the surrounding wineries. A rental car is best for exploring the Wellington Region at your own pace. Wellington is a one-hour drive away or 1.5 hours using bus and train connections.