winery tour wairarapa

Full Day Wairarapa Winery  Tour

Pinot Noir to Pinot Gris and everything in between!

Enjoy a guided full day winery tour to the Wairarapa region.

Explore the 3 distinct wine regions of the Wairarapa – Opaki (Masterton), Gladstone and Martinborough.

Tastings at Poppies with Winemaker/Owner Poppy Hammond

Tastings with Owner Elise Anderson, Tiwaiwaka Wines

Sample platter lunch

Tastings at Le Gra with Winemaker/Owner Nicky Geary

Tour includes:.

• Scenic drive from Wellington up through the Hutt Valley to the Remutaka Hill summit, 555 metres above sea level
• View the Remutaka Crossing monument commemorating 60,000 New Zealand troops who made the crossing from the Featherston Military Camp to the Port of Wellington in World War One
• Visit 4 boutique, family owned wineries where you will taste a wide range of wines from the regions famous Pinot Noir along with Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc
• Have an in-depth conversation with a Wine Maker/Vineyard Owner as you walk through the vineyard to understand what it takes to produce consistently great wine
• Enjoy a beautiful platter lunch at one of the wineries featuring local produce
• NZ spring water, entry/tasting fees and lunch with 1 beverage of your choice
• Itinerary subject to change

All entry and tasting fees are included.

About Your Guide

Hi I’m Tom your Guide for your private, dedicated winery tour to the Wairarapa region.

A self confessed foodie and lover of fine wine I’m well appointed to show off some of the great wineries across the Wairarapa region.

Come experience the stunning wines of the Wairarapa region with a guide who really knows his wine – book now!

• Duration: 7 hours (9:30am – 4:30pm)
• Pick Up & Drop Off: Flexible within Wellington
• $437 per adult (2-4)
• $377 per adult (5-11)
• Solo travellers/single booking $647
• Prices are in NZD and includes GST & booking fees
• Up to 11 people per group

Your tour is a strictly private tour. We do not perform mixed group tours therefore your tour is strictly your own tour. Enjoy a full day with your group & tour guide.

“We booked a wine tour with Tom, who picked us up from our hotel in central Wellington.

From booking the tour Tom was great at communicating.

Tom chose four amazing family run vineyards which offered an amazing selection of wines. We were able to meet the owners and wine makers at all of the vineyards which made for a much more personal tour.”

“Tom was a highly knowledgeable and all-round amazing guide. The level of guest services was exceptional, right from before the tour started, throughout and after the tour ended. Bringing us along family owned wineries, we had the privilege to converse with the owners and wine makers, making the experience extremely special. Must also express the appreciation for sustainability, providing us with water bottles made out of plant matter. The experiences shared throughout the day will definitely be a great memory and one I will be sharing with others. Highly recommend and will book again in a heartbeat. Thank you again to Tom for such an amazing experience, and also Jill for baking beautiful orange muffins to enjoy on the ride back!”

From wineries to Wellington treasures; From Maori culture to Manuka honeybee hives; From Hahei Hot Water Beach to Hobbiton and all points in between… We are sure we experienced  every inch of North Island, New Zealand with Tom’s and Jill’s Kaewa Tours. Cities, villages, farms, forests, islands, breweries, historic places, gardens, waterfalls, lakes, vistas, galleries and even a secret public restroom with the art of a famous Kiwi.  Tom’s sense of humor, his sense of history, his sense of timing and penchant for the perfect itinerary, made for days of fun and no glitches. Every day we ran into someone Tom knew. It was the trip of a lifetime with memories and photos to last a lifetime. Thank you, Kaewa Tours.

I had friends from Barcelona visit New Zealand and Tom very kindly made up a custom package to the Wairarapa. What a fantastic day it was. Tom is very knowledgeable with the area and has a wonderful sense of humour. We visited C’est Cheese in Featherston, lunch at Poppies winery which was certainly a highlight, two other wineries, finishing off with a delightful dinner at the Martinborough Hotel.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Tom’s Kaewa tours.  A first class tour.

If you really want a memorable, fun and informative guide to help you experience New Zealand – use Tom Collier! My wife and I have been on two trips with Tom, and thoroughly enjoyed his expertise, passion and…sense of humour! Tom loves New Zealand, his pride evident as he explains his country’s history, traditions and culture – as only a true Kiwi can! When these Canucks return to New Zealand (and we will) Tom will be the first Kiwi we call. The best.

If you want to cover off Martinborough for value and time look no further than booking a private tour with Tom from Kaewa Tours. He took us to the top wineries and we got to go to an olive tasting as well. He is professional, on time and knowledgeable about the area and happy to accommodate all of our requests. We will be joining him again for another tour, all and all a great day out!! Book him he is great!

Patricia and I have visited New Zealand for five weeks in February 2020 and we were lucky to be referred to Tom for a one day visit of the Martinborough vineyards and Cape Palliser. Our day trip was very well organized, included visits of four reputable vineyards, a drive down to Cape Palliser and excellent lunch and early dinner. We enjoyed very much Tom’s company, his comments about NZ, his safe driving and friendliness and we highly recommend using Tom’s services to visit New Zealand.

Want something more?

Short on time and can’t do a full day winery tour?

We also offer a half day Martinborough Winery Tour, which you can see the details of here.

SUSTAINABILITY

Exclusive & informative Martinborough wine tasting tours.

Matthew and Linden and our other Martinborough based tour guides Trinity, Karen and Lee invite you to have a wine tour experience that you'll find both fun and interesting. See the details of the various tours listed below. You can book and pay online for the Half Day and Full Day tours. And you can also purchase gift vouchers online for all our tours without having to choose a tour date.

Matthew and Linden and our other Martinborough based tour guides Trinity, Karen and Lee invite you to have a wine tour experience that you'll find both fun and interesting. See the details of the various tours listed below. You can book and pay online for the Half Day and Full Day tours. And you can also purchase gift vouchers online for all our tours without having to choose a tour date. ‍

Matthew and Linden and our other Martinborough based tour guides Trinity, Karen and Lee invite you to have a wine tour experience that you'll find both fun and interesting. See the details of the various tours listed below. You can easily book and pay online for the Half Day and Full Day tours. And you can also purchase gift vouchers online for all our tours without having to choose a tour date. ‍

Getting to Martinborough from Wellington by train

The midweek trains leave Wellington at 8.21 am and arrive in Featherston at 9.21. The return train leaves Featherston at 4.18 pm and arrives in Wellington at 5.18pm. If you book a midweek wine tour with a Featherston Station pickup we will be there to meet you at 9.21 and take you into Martinborough so you can eat and/or shop before your tour starts later. We will have you back to catch the return train at 4.18 pm. If you book a weekend wine tour the trains leave Wellington at 9.55 am and arrive in Featherston at 10.55 am. If you are on a full day tour we take you straight to your first vineyard from the train. We have you back to Featherston to catch the return train at 5.25 pm.

Harvest is virtually finished and now the grapes are fermenting.

Choose from, half day and full day wine tasting tours.

For groups of people or just the two of you, our half day wine tour is a fantastic way to sample four Martinborough vineyards and their line-ups of award winning wines.

We also have a full day wine tasting tour which takes you to at least 5 vineyards and includes a vineyard platter for lunch.

Pinot to Palliser Tour

Be driven through picturesque countryside to the south east coast of the North Island.

We drive through the unique fishing village of Ngawi, past seal colonies, to the iconic Palliser Bay Lighthouse. We have lunch at the Lake Ferry Hotel and once back in Martinborough we visit an award winning vineyard for an end of day wine tasting.

Martinborough in a Day Tour

Enjoy an interesting and and diverse full day tour of Martinborough - meeting local identities and experiencing the culture of the region with vineyard and winery tours, informative wine tastings, delicious cuisine, and maybe a visit to a local olive oil producer.

Ultimate Wine and Food Tour

A private tour with an emphasis on  food as well as Martinborough's world famous wines. This tour includes a two course lunch with wine and is customised to include other options of your choice such as local olive oil, gin, cheese and craft beer.

Martinborough Wine Tours

Couldn't recommend this company more highly. Our office held its Christmas party in Martinborough, and Matthew took all of the stress out of planning. He arranged our bus, our vineyards and a delicious lunch. We had many requests such as games and biking between vineyards and he made it all happen.

Kim, Wellington

To read more reviews please view our google business profile ..

We have done tours around the world so have experience of both good and bad. Matthew gave us a fantastic day. Great wines and food accompanied by some charming narrative - what is it not to like? Many thanks for a memorable day out.

Peter, UK, January 2020

We went to 4 wineries, though all of the region, the selections were very different. I think we got a good overview of the different varietals. Our guide, Trinity, was very informative about the region and its history, even brought several varieties of wine grapes for us to taste.

Carmen, USA, March 2020

We had a wonderful day. Our host was Karen and she certainly knew her stuff. We learned lots about Martinborough and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Karen, June 2023

It was very enjoyable from start to finish and our lovely tour guide Lee was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to have with us. Would recommend this tour to anyone who visits Martinborough!!

Stephen, May 2023

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Wairarapa is famous for its wine and rightly so. Our vineyards are at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and produce some of the world’s best pinot noir. 

Check out our  Cellar Door opening hours  then download a  Wairarapa Visitor Guide and Wine Map  and plan your tasting route. See Getting Here to learn the ways you can come. 

There are vineyards scattered right around the region:

• Martinborough vineyards  - more than 20 within biking distance of the village square. Cycling the vines is a fun way to sample the region's best drops.
• Greytown's Alexia Urban Winery is a cellar door right in town 
• Gladstone vineyards  - dotted around northern Wairarapa on quiet country roads.
• Masterton vineyards  - just five minutes north of Wairarapa's biggest town.

Take a vineyard tour with a friendly guide. Choose from a one-hour stroll to a day-trip with transport and gourmet food included. Indulge a little!

• Green Jersey Cycle Tours
• Martinborough Wine Tours
• Martinborough Wine Walks
• Muirlea Rise Vineyard Tour 
• Wairarapa Vintage Tours

Or pick up a special bottle to take home from The Martinborough Wine Merchants , Aperitif Wine Bar & Shop  in Greytown, or Greytown Wine Merchants . 

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Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance.

Full Day Wairarapa Winery Tour

Pinot Noir to Pinot Gris and everything in between! Enjoy a guided full day winery tour to the Wairarapa region. Explore the 3 distinct wine regions of the Wairarapa – Opaki (Masterton), Gladstone and Martinborough.

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Scenic drive from Wellington up through the Hutt Valley to the Remutaka Hill summit, 555 metres above sea level.

View the Remutaka Crossing monument commemorating 60,000 New Zealand troops who made the crossing from the Featherston Military Camp to the Port of Wellington in World War One.

Visit 4 boutique, family owned wineries where you will taste a wide range of wines from the regions famous Pinot Noir along with Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc.

Have an in-depth conversation with a Wine Maker/Vineyard Owner as you walk through the vineyard to understand what it takes to produce consistently great wine.

Enjoy a beautiful platter lunch at one of the wineries featuring local produce.

Itinerary subject to change.

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Tasting/Entry fees

Lunch & 1 beverage

NZ Spring Water

Return transport

Meeting Point

Pick up at all Wellington Hotels, Wellington Railway Station (Bunny Street) and Wellington i-SITE (111 Wakefield Street).

Additional Information

Cancellation policy.

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

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• Wine /Food/ Beer
• Lord of the Rings
• Sustainability

From a boutique winery to a working lighthouse, Wairarapa is full of treasures

Martinborough, greytown and coast tour.

• After picking you up from your location of choice at 9.30am, we travel leisurely through the Hutt Valley and on to the Rimutaka Ranges.
• We stop at the summit to admire the view then drive down to the sleepy town of Featherston, before heading inland to the classically restored township of Greytown.
• Then we drive onto Martinborough through typical rural New Zealand countryside featuring sheep, cattle and deer.
• Upon arriving at Martinborough we tour the town and have the option of visiting a local winery to sample a selection of the regions finest wine's including the celebrated Pinot Noir variety. '
• We then continue south to the historic Lake Ferry pub for traditional Kiwi-style fish'n'chips.
• After lunch we follow the coastline to the picturesque fishing village of Ngawi and an encounter with the seal colony, featuring grey fur seals and their pups.
• We continue following the rugged Southern coast around to the light house at Cape Palliser and work off lunch as we climb the 254 steps to the top.
• We return to Wellington with a stop for afternoon tea on the trip home. We get you back to your home base at 4.30pm.

Martinborough winery tour

• After picking you up from your location of choice at 9.30am, we travel across the Rimutaka Ranges and on to Martinborough. With a wide choice of wineries, you will experience informative insights from some of the region's wine experts.
• We take in a wine tasting before lunching at Poppies Winery and then continue the tasting tour or alternatively a coffee stop and some shopping can be arranged in nearby Greytown.  We return you to Wellington at 4.30pm relaxed and better off for your winery experience.

Dark Sky Star Safari Tour

Wairarapa tours reveal the secrets hidden behind the central hills of wellington, martinborough, greytown and southern coast tour.

• After picking you up from your location of choice at 9.30am, we leisurely travel through the Hutt Valley and on to the Rimutaka Ranges.
• Upon arriving at Martinborough we tour the town and have the option of visiting a local winery to sample a selection of the regions finest wine's including the celebrated Pinot Noir variety.
• After lunch we follow the coastline to the picturesque fishing village of Ngawi.
• We continue following the rugged southern coast driving past a seal colony, featuring grey fur seals and their pups.
• We arrive at the lighthouse at Cape Palliser and work off lunch as we climb the 254 steps to the top.

Dark Sky Star Safari Tours

• After picking you up from your Wellington location of choice at 3pm, we travel through to Martinborough.
• At 4.30pm we will drop you at the Martinborough Hotel to Check in.
• 6pm is an early 2 course set menu dinner and Breakfast at Union Square Restaurant in the Martinborough Hotel.
• 7.30pm Guests will be collected for the Star Safari Dark Sky Tour.
• 8pm The tour begins.
• 10pm - Guests are brought back to the Martinborough Hotel.
• 8am the following morning, will be breakfast for guests in the Union Square Restaurant.
• 10am, Guests collected from the Hotel.
• 10.30am - Cheese tasting at C'est Cheese in Featherston.
• 12pm Guests returned to Wellington location of choice.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY ABOUT OUR TOURS

THE 10 BEST Wine Tours & Tastings in Wairarapa, New Zealand

Wine tours & tastings in wairarapa.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Photography Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington

2. Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington

3. Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour

4. Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour

5. 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch

6. 5 hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine shared tour with lunch

7. Private Martinborough Wine Full Day Tour From Wellington

8. Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour

9. Scenic South Wairarapa Full Day Tour from Wellington

10. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour

11. Self Guided Martinborough Wineries Bike Tour

12. Martinborough Winery Private Tour

13. Private Martinborough Wine Tour in an Electric Vehicle - Tesla Model Y

14. Martinborough High Tea and Wine Tour in Tesla SUVs

15. Private Wairarapa Wine Delights Tour from Wellington

16. Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour from Wellington

17. Martinborough in a Day - Guided wine tasting tour with lunch

18. 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch

19. Ladies Wellington to Greytown Gin Shopping & Lunch Expedition

20. Private Tandem Tesla Tour to Martinborough Vineyards

21. Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch

What travellers are saying.

• Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington
• Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington
• Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour
• 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch
• Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour
• Green Jersey Cycle Tours
• Martinborough Wine Tours
• The Lolly Jar
• Martinborough Wine Walks

Top Food, Wine & Brewery Tours in Wairarapa, New Zealand

Food & wine tours in wairarapa.

• Wineries & Vineyards
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Poppies Martinborough
• C'est Cheese
• Schoc Chocolates
• Rimutaka Rd Summit Track And Pylon Track
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington

2. Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington

3. Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour

4. Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour

5. 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch

6. 5 hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine shared tour with lunch

7. Private Martinborough Wine Full Day Tour From Wellington

8. Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour

9. Scenic South Wairarapa Full Day Tour from Wellington

10. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour

11. Self Guided Martinborough Wineries Bike Tour

12. Martinborough Winery Private Tour

13. Private Martinborough Wine Tour in an Electric Vehicle - Tesla Model Y

14. Martinborough High Tea and Wine Tour in Tesla SUVs

15. Private Wairarapa Wine Delights Tour from Wellington

16. Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour from Wellington

17. Martinborough in a Day - Guided wine tasting tour with lunch

18. 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch

19. Small-Group Beekeeping Experience in Tauherenikau

20. Ladies Wellington to Greytown Gin Shopping & Lunch Expedition

21. Private Tandem Tesla Tour to Martinborough Vineyards

22. Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch

What travellers are saying.

• Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington
• Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington
• Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour
• 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch
• Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour
• Palliser Estate
• Colombo Martinborough
• Gladstone Vineyard
• Ata Rangi Martinborough
• Green Jersey Cycle Tours
• Martinborough Wine Tours
• Martinborough Brewery

Wineries in Wairarapa & Martinborough

Vineyard in Martinborough, Wellington

By Jeff McEwan

Escarpment Cellar Door at Peppers Parehua, Wairarapa

By Escarpment Vineyard

Dining in Martinborough , Wellington

By Chris Sisarich

Martinborough Village, Wairarapa

By Destination Wairarapa

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. 

Toast Martinborough, Wairarapa

By Toast Martinborough

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 g ewürztraminer. 

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 . 

By Mike Heydon - Jet Photography

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. 

Find wineries

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Still thirsty? Find more wine

Wineries in Marlborough long-arrow-right

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Wairarapa wine region

Explore the best wineries in wairarapa.

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Displaying 1-3 of 6 wineries

Matahiwi Estate

Matahiwi Estate, award-winning family-owned winery in New Zealand

Schubert Wines

Schubert Wines Crafts Top-Tier Pinot Noir in the Soils of New Zealand

The Elder Pinot

The Elder Pinot, where the wine is of Uncompromised Quality

Wairarapa wine region is located in the southeast of the North Island of New Zealand . The Wairarapa wine region was named after Lake Wairarapa which takes its name from the Maori word for glistening waters. Wairarapa wine region can be described as a compact and diverse wine region. It is home to many boutique wineries, producing wine of the highest and most exceptional quality. Only 1% of New Zealand’s wines are produced in Wairarapa wine region, meaning that the focus of the region is on quality instead of quantity. So, if you are looking for exclusive wines from New Zealand, Wairarapa wine region is definitely a place to visit.

Find out about Wine Tasting and Tours in Wairarapa wine region to enjoy your visit to the region.

We prepared the travel guide to the Wairarapa wine region to help you in planning your wine trip to the region.

Follow the guide to discover more about:

New Zealand's fastest growing wine region

Wineries to visit in the Wairarapa wine region

Places to visit in Wairarapa wine region including natural spots

Artisan gastronomy of Wairarapa wine region

New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Wine Region  

Wairarapa wine region has the perfect location for winemaking thanks to the shelter provided by the surrounding mountains. Wairarapa wine region is known for excellent wines produced in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful corners.

Wine-Producing Areas of Wairarapa

Wairarapa wine region is a boutique wine region, with only 3% of its land under wine. The history of wine-making in the Wairarapa wine region is relatively modern and dates back to the 1970s. Today, the Wairarapa wine region is divided into the three sub-regions of Martinborough , Gladstone and Masterton . Across these regions, some of New Zealand’s most premium Pinot Noir , Syrah , Chardonnay and dessert wines are produced.

The proximity of the Wairarapa wine region to New Zealand’s capital Wellington makes it a popular weekend wine tourism destination. The small size of the wine-making area means that it is easy for visitors to casually stroll between the various cellar doors for a long and leisurely afternoon of wine tasting and food and wine pairings. The climate – which is similar to that of Burgundy – is also ideal for wine tourism. There are currently around 30 wineries in the Wairarapa wine region that offer not only high-quality wines but also excellent accommodation and dining experiences.

Grape Varieties

Red Varieties: Syrah, Pinot Noir

White Varieties: Pinot Gris , Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc , Riesling

When visiting the Wairarapa wine region, make sure to attend the annual Toast Martinborough music and food festival, highlighting the best of the local Wairarapa wine culture. This event attracts wine lovers from across the world and allows guests to experience the best of the Wairarapa wine region in one location for a celebration of food and wine.

Wines of Wairarapa Wine Region

Unlike other regions, Wairarapa wine region does not have any wine appellations. Instead, the wines express characteristics based on the sub-regions they are produced in.

Masterton is the largest sub-region of the Wairarapa wine region. This is where the first grapes of the Wairarapa wine region were planted during the 1970s. The vines of Masterton are perfectly protected by the Tararua Mountain Range but are still exposed to early morning frost and long, hot summer days. Masterton vines produce grapes that are used to make complex wines that are packed with flavour. The most popular wines produced in Masterton are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

In Gladstone, the cooler climate and high level of sunshine are perfect for the production of Pinot Noir and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc.

The final subregion of Martinborough produces internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir, vivid Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic Syrah.

Wairarapa Wine Region Map

The Urlar Winery

The Urlar Winery is a BioGro Certified Organic Premium Winery located in the Gladstone subregion of the Wairarapa wine region. The winemakers at the Urlar Winery are dedicated to honouring the land and the vines which grow on them. Their winemaking practices result in the production of wine that is unique and of the highest quality. The signature wine of the Urlar Winery is the Sauvignon Blanc which is full of expression with a balanced weight and texture.

Matahiwi Estate, a family-owned winery in the Wairarapa wine region, produces exceptional wines by following sustainable practices with great care of the land.

Grapes of Matahiwi Estate are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa wine region with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay . The prime categories of wine produced in the winery include red, white, rose, and sparkling wines.

Palliser Estate

Palliser Estate is one of the premier wine brands of New Zealand located an hour’s drive north of Wellington . The estate strives to push its boundaries to produce great unique wines that have enabled them to be enjoyed and known globally.

The team at Palliser winery is small but every individual in the team is highly dedicated and gives undivided attention to every visitor of the estate.

Discover more Wineries in the Wairarapa wine region to visit.

Places to Visit in the Wairarapa wine region

Cape palliser - the edge of the wairarapa coast    .

Perhaps the best part of visiting Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa wine region is the scenic road that leads to this destination. Cape Palliser is located on the edge of Palliser Bay which has a rich Maori history and plenty of interesting heritage sites. The main attraction at Cape Palliser is the red and white lighthouse which was erected in 1897. Climbing the lighthouse is a strenuous journey up 250 steep steps. Once at the top there are the most spectacular views over the bay and the rugged coast. At Cape Palliser, one can also visit North Island’s largest colony of fur seals.

Masterton - The Main Center of the Wairarapa Wine Region

Masterton is the largest town in the Wairarapa wine region and is considered the urban centre of the region. The centre of Masterton is home to the incredible Queen Elizabeth Park which is the location of one of the best children’s playgrounds in New Zealand. Along with the playground the park is filled with activities including paddle boats, bike hire, a miniature train route, a skate park, a swing bridge and a mini golf course. Across the road from Queen Elizabeth Park, is the Wairarapa Museum of Art and History which is the perfect place to learn about local culture and history.

What to do in Masterton:

• Another attraction in the town of Masterton is the Wool Shed which takes visitors through New Zealand’s history of sheep farming. It is also here that in March every year the world’s premier wool handling and sheep shearing championship is held.
• For those interested in aviation and history, Masterton is home to the world’s largest collection of original WW1 aircraft at the Hood Aerodrome.
• Masterton is the perfect location to explore the natural and physical attractions of the Wairarapa wine region and is the perfect base for all of the best that the region has to offer

Greytown - Wairarapa’s Victorian Country Village

Greytown is considered by locals of New Zealand to be one of the North Island’s prettiest towns. This town is home to beautiful Victorian buildings, rural landscapes and tree-lined streets and avenues. The natural landscape is characterized by rolling olive groves and sprawling farmlands. Despite its historical feel, Greytown is the modern shopping and food capital of Wairarapa and is filled with designer boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Many of these are housed in restored, colonial historical buildings. The perfect blend of old and new make Greytown a unique and special place to visit. Some of the most popular activities in Greytown include cycling along the many cycle routes, chocolate tasting at Schoc Chocolate Studio, tree exploring, olive tasting and picnicking along the riverside.

Hidden Gem - The Beautiful Tararua Forest Park  

The Tararua Forest Park is situated within the Tararua Mountain Range which provides the perfect location for a range of exciting activities in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. This Forest Park covers an area of 116 535 hectares and the main entrance can be found at Mount Holdsworth near Masterton. The Tararua Forest Park has various walking and hiking routes including the Gentle Annie Loop Track which is a popular and easy day route; the Totara Flats which has excellent swimming spots; Mount Holdsworth which traverses through the beech forests; and the Mire Flats which provide easy routes for families with children. For the more adventurous visitors, overnight stays are available in mountain huts across the mountain range.

Rugged Beauty and Wide-Open Spaces

Discover Natural Places of the Wairarapa wine region

The Wairarapa wine region is well known for its incredible natural beauty and expanses of open spaces. The natural landscape of Wairarapa provides the location for a range of outdoor activities for visitors and locals. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Wairarapa and experience the best of what mother nature has to offer.

Lake Ferry - The Glistening Waters of Lake Ferry

Lake Ferry is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Wairarapa wine region. This lake is located between Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay and is one of the earliest settlement sites in Maori history. Lake Ferry is easily accessible and is only a half an hour’s drive from Martinborough. The lake hosts a number of activities including fishing, hiking through the Putangirua Pinnacles rock formations and surfing. For those looking for accommodation at the lake, there is the Lake Ferry Holiday Park and the Lake Ferry hotel. Swimming in Lake Ferry is not recommended but there are many wonderful swimming spots in the surrounding areas.

The Putangirua Pinnacles  

The Breathtaking Filming Location of the Lord of the Rings

The Putangirua Pinnacles are some of the most incredible rock formations that can be found in the world. A trip to these pinnacles is the perfect day trip for those that enjoy walking, hiking and exploring new places. This incredible attraction is located only an hour south of Martinborough. When arriving at the Pinnacles, there is a short walk from the car park to a viewing platform. The path then meanders down into the valley and then up the riverbed where the best views of the rock formations can be seen. The total walk through the Pinnacles takes approximately 2 hours and it is recommended that visitors take food and water along with them.

The Putangirua Pinnacles are commonly recognized as they are part of the location for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre   

The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is a wildlife sanctuary that is unfenced to house the native wildlife of the Wairarapa wine region. The sanctuary covers an area of 942 hectares and is home to the very rare wild kokako and kaka species. Inside the sanctuary’s aviaries is a range of birds set for release across New Zealand. At the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre visitors are invited to learn about the conservation work being done at the sanctuary. After learning about the conservation efforts, be sure to enjoy a meal at the Kaka Café overlooking Mount Bruce. The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is open 364 days a year. All proceeds made at the gate are given back to the conservation projects of the centre.

The Home of New Zealand Artisan Cuisine

What to Eat in Wairarapa Wine Region

The Wairarapa wine region is best known for its small number of award-winning food producers who welcome visitors to sample their delights. The Wairarapa wine region is the perfect location to enjoy the best of New Zealand cuisine in one of the country’s most beautiful locations.

Wairarapa Olive Oil

Award-winning and internationally acclaimed olive oil.

The best olive oil in New Zealand and abroad is said to come from the Wairarapa wine region. The natural landscape and setting of the Wairarapa wine region make it perfect for the growth of olives. Those visiting the region are often mesmerized by the rolling olive groves across the region. The olive oils from the Wairarapa wine region are consistently commended for their excellent flavour and quality. They are made using predominately Barnea, Leccino, Frantoio and South Australian Verdale olives which when combined, produce the perfect blend. Wairarapa oil is also used in most local dishes for adding extra flavour.

Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese - Ewe’s Milk Cheese of Wairarapa wine region

Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese was established by Miles and Janet King in 1998 out of their love for high-quality artisan cheese. Kingsmeade Artisan Cheeses are made with ewe’s milk from only East Friesian sheep. These sheep are fed only on Lucerne, Plantain, Chicory and Clover which makes their milk rich and flavourful. Today, Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese produces a range of 14 different ewes milk kinds of cheese that are all unique and handcrafted. These cheeses range from hard-aged varieties to cheeses that are deliciously soft.

Schoc Chocolates - Handmade Gourmet Chocolate from Wairarapa wine region

Schoc Chocolates are gourmet handmade chocolates that were first made in the Wairarapa wine region in 2002. These chocolates were discovered in a small Victorian cottage in Greytown and are today the most popular treat in the Wairarapa wine region. The makers of the chocolate believe that their wonderful flavour is a result of a blend of joy, understanding and quality. The chocolate beans used to make Schoc Chocolates are sustainably sourced from various locations including Tanzania, Cuba, Ecuador, Ghana and Madagascar. The flavouring of the chocolate is all organic and flavours are sourced using only local ingredients. Visitors to Greytown should not miss the chance to pop into the Schoc Chocolates store and explore their range of chocolate delights.

Does Wairarapa have good wine?

What are the main grape varieties in wairarapa wine region, what is the best time to visit wairarapa, map of wineries in wairarapa.

Discover the locations of wineries in Wairarapa

Subregions in Wairarapa

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