The charming wine village of Martinborough delivers exceptional guided experiences, with local wine tours emerging as the clear standout. Small-group winery visits include behind-the-scenes access to family-owned vineyards, focusing on the region’s stellar pinot noir. The most satisfying tours combine wine tastings with olive grove visits and intimate lunches at vineyard restaurants. For nature enthusiasts, coastal tours to the North Island’s southernmost tip offer a refreshing alternative, featuring rugged shores, seal watching, and a landmark lighthouse. These well-orchestrated excursions consistently earn perfect ratings from fellow travelers.
I especially favor tours that pair expert wine knowledge with relaxed, unhurried tastings – the hallmark of Martinborough’s best operators.
Let’s explore the finest guided tours available in Martinborough.
Key Points
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Martinborough offers full-day guided tours with comprehensive wine tasting and culinary experiences, featuring boutique wineries and renowned pinot noir.
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The Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour provides behind-the-scenes winery tours, olive grove visits, and a two-course lunch at a local winery restaurant.
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The Pinot to Palliser Tour offers a guided journey to the southernmost point of the North Island, including scenic drives, seal colony visits, and wine tasting.
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Pickup is available from several locations, and the tours start at 9:30 AM, making them convenient for travelers; however, wheelchair accessibility is not noted.
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Visitor reviews indicate high satisfaction with the quality of wine, food, and local expertise of the guides, as well as the overall immersive experience.
Martinborough in a Day – Guided Wine Tasting Tour With Lunch
Martinborough, a picturesque town in New Zealand, is renowned for its boutique wineries and celebrated pinot noir wines.
Visitors can enjoy a full-day guided wine tasting tour with lunch, which includes a behind-the-scenes winery tour, an olive grove visit, and a two-course lunch at a local winery restaurant.
The tour features 98 reviews with a 100% traveler recommendation, and the local guide provides tips on the best wineries and wines.
The tour includes wine tastings, a vineyard tour, a two-course lunch with a glass of wine, an olive grove tour and tasting, and hotel/train pickup and drop-off, with gratuities included.
Read our full review: Martinborough in a Day – Guided Wine Tasting Tour With Lunch Review
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Pinot to Palliser Tour – Guided Tour to Cape Palliser Vith Lunch + Winetasting
Departing from the heart of Martinborough, the Pinot to Palliser Tour takes visitors on a guided journey to the southernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island.
The scenic drive includes stops at the Ngawi fishing village and seal colonies. Guests can climb over 250 steps to the Cape Palliser lighthouse for picturesque views.
The tour also includes lunch at the Lake Ferry Hotel and a wine tasting at a rural vineyard.
Pickup is available from Martinborough, Greytown, Featherston, and the Featherston train station, with a start time of 9:30 AM.
With a minimum of 2 people per booking and no wheelchair accessibility, this tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s natural beauty and local flavors.
Read our full review: Pinot to Palliser Tour – Guided Tour to Cape Palliser Vith Lunch + Winetasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Martinborough offers various guided tours that showcase the region’s renowned wineries and scenic attractions. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to sample the area’s finest wines, explore its natural wonders, and enjoy a delightful lunch. Whether you opt for the Martinborough in a Day or the Pinot to Palliser Tour, you’re sure to have a memorable experience discovering the best that this charming town has to offer.