Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour from Wellington

If you’re craving a taste of New Zealand’s renowned Wairarapa food scene, this Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour offers a delightful escape. For around $110 per person, you’ll get roughly five hours of visiting local artisans—cheese makers, chocolatiers, and wineries—just a scenic drive from Wellington. Led by knowledgeable guides (with reviews praising their friendliness and insight), this tour promises a mix of tastings, beautiful landscapes, and small-town charm.

What we love about this experience: First, the careful curation of stops, including cheese, chocolate, and wine, means you’re tasting some of the best regional produce without having to plan a thing. Second, the small group size (limited to 11 guests) keeps the atmosphere intimate and friendly—great for asking questions or just enjoying the scenery.

A possible consideration: this is a half-day tour, so if you’re a dedicated foodie or want more extensive winery visits, you might find the time a touch brief. Also, lunch isn’t included, so be prepared to dine at your own expense if you’re hungry after the tastings.

This tour suits travelers who love good food and drink, enjoy scenic drives, and prefer a more relaxed, small-group experience. It’s especially ideal for those short on time but eager to sample Martinborough’s best, with reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and beautiful vistas.

Key Points

• Concise and scenic: A 5-hour trip from Wellington with picturesque views of the Remutaka Ranges.
• Tasty highlights: Cheese, chocolates, and wine tastings at renowned local producers.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 11 travelers for a friendly, engaging experience.
• Flexible options: Pickup from hotels or a designated meeting point; meals at your own expense.
• Authentic regional flavor: Focus on local artisans, offering real insight into Martinborough’s culinary scene.
• Ideal for: Food lovers, short-stay visitors, those seeking a relaxing, scenic excursion.

The Journey Begins: Departing Wellington

Starting from the Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, the tour kicks off with a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges. This stretch alone offers some of the best views outside the city, with most travelers commenting on how the scenery elevates the experience. The drive sets a relaxed tone, giving you time to settle in and get to know your fellow foodies.

Most guides, like Phil and Simon, are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They seem genuinely interested in sharing their love of the region, which makes the journey feel less like a bus ride and more like a trip with friends. Group sizes are kept small—no more than 11—which enhances the personal touch and allows easy conversation.

Stop 1: C’est Cheese — Fresh, Local, and Irresistible

The first stop is C’est Cheese, home to Paul Broughton’s artisan cheeses. Here, you’ll taste a shared cheese platter featuring a selection of freshly made local cheeses. Reviewers rave about the outrageously good cheese and the chance to sample on-site cheeses that are often hard to find elsewhere.

The fact that the admission fee includes the tasting makes this a good value. You’ll learn about cheese-making and get a real feel for the region’s dairy heritage. One guest noted, “Poppies cheese platter was outrageously good,” highlighting how memorable the flavors can be.

Note: Toilets are no longer available at C’est Cheese, so plan accordingly, but nearby public facilities are accessible.

Stop 2: Schoc Chocolates — Sweet, Playful, and Unique Flavors

Next, the tour takes you to Schoc Chocolates, where Murray Langham’s creative confections await. The tasting includes a blind guessing game with 12 different chocolate bars, each with bold, surprising flavors like sea salt, lime chili, and curry. Guests consistently describe this as a highlight, appreciating the fun, interactive nature of the tasting and the chance to try white, milk, and dark chocolates.

The admission is free, making this stop a sweet bargain. Many reviews mention how delicious and inventive the chocolates are—some say it’s hard to pick a favorite. The playful tasting adds a layer of entertainment that appeals to all ages.

Stop 3: Moy Hall Vineyard — Premium Pinot Noir and Scenic Vistas

The final tasting is at Moy Hall Vineyard, one of Martinborough’s standout wineries. With 45 minutes allocated, you’ll sample a flight of premier Pinot Noir—a variety that the region is famous for. Guests often comment on the spectacular views from the vineyard and the knowledgeable hosts who share wine-making insights.

Most reviews praise the quality of the wines, describing them as world-class. The tasting fee is included, and many guests find this part of the tour to be a culinary highlight. Afterward, free time in Martinborough allows you to explore the charming village and sample more if you wish.

The End of the Day: Return and Relaxation

The tour wraps up at the original meeting point. Since the transportation is comfortable and well-paced, you’ll leave feeling relaxed rather than rushed. The small group size and informative guides ensure a personal experience that many guests say exceeds expectations.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback from travelers is quite positive overall. Many emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Phil and Tracey, with comments such as “Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.” The quality of tastings at cheese, chocolates, and the winery get frequent praise, often described as “fantastic” or “delicious”.

Some reviews highlight the spectacular scenery and the value. For example, one guest noted that it was a “great way to see the countryside and enjoy wine, cheese, and chocolates without planning”.

On the flip side, a few reviews mention disappointments—such as lack of commentary from less experienced guides or misunderstandings about food options. One reviewer pointed out that they had to pay for lunch elsewhere, and another expressed dissatisfaction with the wine quality at the winery.

These critiques are balanced by the majority’s enthusiasm, especially about small-group intimacy and authentic regional tastings.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour features pickup from hotels or a designated meeting point, with comfortable transport. The small group size (up to 11 guests) creates an intimate setting that’s ideal for those who prefer conversation and personalized attention. The drive itself offers stunning views, making the journey part of the pleasure.

Price and Value

At $109.77 per person, this tour offers great value. Tastings at each location are included, which means no hidden costs. Compared to the cost of individual tastings, meals, and transport, the package is quite reasonable for a professionally guided experience. Guests frequently comment on the quality of the tastings and the knowledgeable guides making the cost worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This half-day experience is perfect for food lovers who want a taste of Martinborough’s best without dedicating an entire day. It’s suited for those who appreciate small groups, scenic drives, and local artisanship. If you prefer interactive tastings and enjoy learning about regional specialties, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s particularly good for travelers who want to sample multiple food and drink types with minimal fuss, as well as those who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

This Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, authentic tastings, and friendly guides. The inclusion of cheese, chocolates, and wine at respected local producers makes it an excellent introduction to the region’s culinary gems. While it’s a shorter experience, it’s packed with quality moments that leave you with a true taste of Martinborough.

If you’re looking for a manageable, engaging way to explore New Zealand’s famed food scene—especially if time is tight—this tour hits the right notes. The small-group setting and diverse tastings make it a memorable outing, perfect for foodies and curious travelers alike.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from hotels or a designated meeting point is provided, and the transport is comfortable for the duration of the tour.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around five hours, making it a perfect half-day outing.

Are tastings included in the price?
Absolutely. The tour fee covers all food and wine tastings at C’est Cheese, Schoc Chocolates, and Moy Hall Vineyard.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so you’ll need to purchase it independently if you’re hungry after the tastings.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 11 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially since chocolate and cheese tastings appeal to all ages, but it’s best for those who enjoy tasting experiences and scenic drives.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply want a charming taste of Martinborough’s local treasures, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience New Zealand’s culinary pride in a relaxed atmosphere.