Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour

The Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour offers an enticing blend of captivating scenery, premium wine tasting, and culinary delights. Guests embark on a scenic drive through the region, stopping at picturesque locations like Kaitoke Regional Park and the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse. With a focus on artisanal craftsmanship and locally-sourced ingredients, the tour promises an immersive experience that showcases the best of South Wairarapa’s natural beauty and gastronomic offerings. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes and indulge in the region’s finest products.

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour explores the South Wairarapa region, offering a combination of wine tasting at Poppies Winery and coastal exploration of the wild Cape Palliser.
• The tour includes complimentary hotel and cruise ship pickups in Wellington, a scenic drive through the Remutaka Ranges, and a 1.5-hour wine tasting and tapas experience.
• Participants can visit the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, spot sea lions on the rocky shores, and explore the scenic Lake Onoke during the coastal exploration segment.
• The tour concludes with a hearty dinner featuring local cuisine at the Lake Ferry Hotel, providing an immersive experience in the region’s culinary offerings.
• Optional activities such as exploring the Putangirua Pinnacles, craft beer tasting, and visiting a renowned chocolatier in Greytown are available to further personalize the tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour takes visitors on a comprehensive 10-hour journey through the region, offering a blend of scenic drives, wine tastings, and coastal exploration.

Priced at $221.31 per person, the tour is limited to 11 participants and provides complimentary hotel and cruise ship pickups in Wellington.

Highlights include stops at Kaitoke Regional Park, the Remutaka Railtrail Summit, and the charming town of Featherston on the way to Martinborough.

The tour also features a wine tasting and tapas lunch at Poppies Martinborough, as well as visits to the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, a sea lions viewpoint, and Lake Ōnoke.

Dinner at the Lake Ferry Hotel caps off the day’s activities.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the day, the tour takes visitors over the picturesque Remutaka Ranges, offering several stops along the way to soak in the scenic vistas. These include a 30-minute visit to Kaitoke Regional Park, a 15-minute stop at the Remutaka Railtrail Summit, and a 15-minute exploration of the charming town of Featherston.

Next, the tour delves into the heart of Martinborough’s wine country, with a 1.5-hour visit to Poppies Martinborough for wine tasting and a tapas lunch.

The afternoon is spent exploring the wild and rugged South Wairarapa coast, including the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, a sea lions viewpoint, and the serene Lake Ōnoke, before concluding with a delightful dinner at the Lake Ferry Hotel.

Scenic Drive Stops

As the tour departs Wellington, it winds its way through the picturesque Remutaka Ranges, offering participants several opportunities to admire the scenic vistas along the way.

First, the group stops for 30 minutes at the Kaitoke Regional Park, renowned for its lush, native landscapes.

Continuing the drive, the tour then pauses at the Remutaka Railtrail Summit for 15 minutes, allowing visitors to take in the panoramic views from the top.

Wine Tasting and Tapas

After exploring the scenic countryside, the tour heads to Martinborough, where participants enjoy a wine tasting and tapas lunch at Poppies Winery.

Spending 1.5 hours at the winery, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of the region’s acclaimed vintages while indulging in a selection of locally-sourced small plates.

The wine tasting allows visitors to discover the unique flavors and characteristics of the Martinborough terroir, while the tapas menu offers a delightful pairing of gourmet bites.

This immersive experience provides a well-rounded introduction to the winemaking and culinary delights of the Wairarapa region, leaving participants with a greater appreciation for the local produce and artisanal craftsmanship.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Coastal Exploration Sites

The tour also explores several captivating coastal sites along the South Wairarapa’s rugged shoreline. Participants first visit the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, where they can marvel at the dramatic vistas and learn about the structure’s rich maritime history.

Next, they head to a viewpoint where they may spot playful sea lions lounging on the rocks. The final coastal stop is Lake Ōnoke, a unique brackish water lagoon that offers scenic photo opportunities.

Throughout this coastal exploration, the group is treated to the region’s stunning natural beauty, from towering cliffs to sandy beaches. The diverse array of landscapes provides a memorable counterpoint to the wine tasting experience earlier in the day.

Dining at Lake Ferry Hotel

The tour concludes with a hearty dinner at the charming Lake Ferry Hotel, where participants savor local cuisine and soak in the tranquil lakeside ambiance.

Diners are treated to a main course, along with a complimentary beverage, as they gaze out at the serene Lake Onoke.

The menu features a selection of regional specialties, showcasing the best of the South Wairarapa’s culinary offerings.

The relaxed atmosphere and scenic vistas provide the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and indulgence.

This dining experience allows guests to fully enjoy the local culture and scenic beauty that defines this remarkable region.

Optional Activities

Along With the core itinerary, the tour also offers several optional activities that allow participants to further enjoy the region’s diverse offerings.

Visitors can explore the Putangirua Pinnacles, a striking geological formation featured in the Lord of the Rings films.

For those interested in local flavors, the tour includes opportunities for craft beer tasting and olive oil sampling.

Chocolate lovers will delight in a visit to a renowned Greytown chocolatier.

These optional experiences provide a well-rounded exploration of the South Wairarapa region, catering to a variety of interests and preferences.

Participants can customize their tour to create a truly personalized and enriching experience.

Recommendations and Feedback

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour organizers provide helpful recommendations for participants. Visitors are advised to bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain, and pack a jacket to stay warm in the often windy coastal conditions.

Adhering to these suggestions helps travelers fully enjoy the tour’s diverse activities and scenery.

Feedback from previous participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with the tour earning a 4.5/5 rating based on 15 reviews.

Highlights include:

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides

• Stunning scenic views and ample photo opportunities

• Exceptional dining experiences at the Poppies Winery and Lake Ferry Hotel

Recap

The Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour offers an exceptional blend of wine tasting, regional cuisine, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Guests can enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty while savoring the artisanal craftsmanship of Poppies Winery.

With opportunities for scenic drives, lighthouse visits, and optional activities, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of South Wairarapa’s diverse attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here: