Just over an hour from Wellington, Wairarapa is a compact wine region known for pinot noir, boutique vineyards and welcoming cellar doors. Martinborough is its best-known wine village, while wineries also extend through Gladstone and the Masterton area.
Wairarapa’s dry climate, warm summers and cool nights help produce distinctive pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and other aromatic wines. Its vineyards are concentrated around three main areas: Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton.
Martinborough
Martinborough is the centre of Wairarapa wine tourism, with many cellar doors within walking or cycling distance of the village. It is particularly known for pinot noir. Popular wineries include Palliser Estate(opens in new window) and Nga Waka Winery(opens in new window).
Gladstone
North of Martinborough, Gladstone is a rural wine area beside the Ruamāhanga River. Its wineries are more widely spread and are best explored by car or guided wine tour.
Masterton
Further north, vineyards around Masterton produce pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and other varieties. Cellar doors are more dispersed, so plan your route and check opening hours before visiting.
Martinborough’s compact layout makes cycling an easy way to explore its cellar doors. Hire a bike and follow your own route, or join a self-guided or guided cycling experience with Green Jersey Explorer Tours, which offers bike hire and winery-focused rides around Martinborough.
For a longer cycling journey, the Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington and Wairarapa over a two- to three-day ride.
Wairarapa hosts wine, food and music events throughout the year, including Toast Martinborough(opens in new window) and seasonal harvest celebrations.
Toast Martinborough brings together wine, food and live music in the heart of Martinborough wine country. Visitors can taste wines from a range of producers in one place, alongside local food, gin, beer and live entertainment, making it an easy way to experience more of the region in a single day.
Dates, venues and event formats can change. Check the events calendar(opens in new window) and book tickets and accommodation early if travelling for a major event.
Martinborough is just over an hour’s drive from Wellington via the Remutaka Range. Many cellar doors near the village can be explored on foot or by bike, while wineries in Gladstone and Masterton are easier to reach by car or guided tour.
Train services connect Wellington with Featherston, Carterton and Masterton. Martinborough is not directly served by train, so you will need onward transport from Featherston.
Opening hours vary and some wineries require bookings. Check ahead and arrange a designated driver or organised transport if you plan to taste wine.
