The picturesque town of Martinborough is the winery hub of the Wairarapa region. With inviting cellar doors and annual food and wine events you won't want to leave.

Take the scenic drive over Remutaka Hill from Wellington to Martinborough. It's well worth spending a long weekend or a short getaway in the Wairarapa region. 

Wairarapa
palliser-conference-room.jpg, Wairarapa

Wine types in the Wairarapa region

With a climate similar to Burgundy, the vineyards surrounding Martinborough produce warm pinot noir, elegant syrah and herbaceous sauvignon blanc. 

Hot summers and the long growing season makes for refreshing pinot gris, aromatic riesling and smooth gewürztraminer. 

Wairarapa wine festivals and events

Taking place on the third Sunday of every November, the ever popular Toast Martinborough showcases local wineries, cellar doors and food. Join in on the fun and jump onboard the shuttle bus that transfers festival-goers between wineries throughout the day. Tickets and accommodation are limited, book in advance!  

Held in Masterton every February, the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival (better known as 'Harvest') takes place on the banks of the Ruamahunga River. Spend the day listening to local musicians and sampling local wines paired with great food.

Wine and cycle trails

Wairarapa is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail that spans across four wine regions. 

Strap on a helmet and cycle the vines of Martinborough(opens in new window), bring your own bike or hire one locally. Cellar doors in Martinborough are just a short bike ride apart. Plan your trail with this map of the area(opens in new window).  

Take on the challenge of cycling from Wellington to Wairarapa over 2-3 days on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Other wine areas in the Wairarapa region 

Big skies, characterful towns and a vibrant wine-focused community define a Wairarapa wine experience.

Wineries are located in close proximity in three main sub-regions – Martinborough, Gladstone(opens in new window) and Masterton(opens in new window).

Martinborough is the most prominent of the three Wairarapa sub-regions. Small in size, but big in character, it is home to around 30 wineries that are mostly family owned. The wineries are within walking distance from Martinborough’s picturesque colonial town centre. 

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