Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington

Discover the Best of Wellington’s Surroundings on the Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour

Imagine spending a full day in New Zealand’s renowned Wairarapa region, just a short drive from Wellington, where you’ll experience a blend of award-winning wines, stunning coastal scenery, and authentic local charm. For around $222 per person, this 10-hour small-group tour offers a well-paced adventure that’s perfect for those who love gourmet food, nature, and a touch of history. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit picturesque wineries, walk along rugged shorelines, and enjoy some of the best scenic views the North Island has to offer.

What we particularly love about this tour are the variety of stops—from the tranquility of Kaitoke Regional Park with its ancient trees, to the dramatic Putangirua Pinnacles, and the chance to see fur seals in their natural habitat. The curated nature of the itinerary ensures that you get a taste of many different facets of the region without feeling rushed. Plus, the included lunch and dinner elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing, offering genuine local flavors.

One potential consideration is the moderate walking involved on uneven surfaces, especially if you’re not used to a bit of outdoor activity. The tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level and an interest in exploring both scenic landscapes and local delicacies. It’s best suited for curious travelers who appreciate authentic experiences rather than just ticking off sights.

This tour appeals most to adventure lovers, wine enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone keen to see a good slice of New Zealand’s natural beauty and rural charm—all in one well-organized, fun-filled day.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery: From mountains and valleys to rugged coastlines, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
• Authentic local experiences: Wine tastings, cheese and chocolate samples, and a traditional Kiwi dinner.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable hosts who make the journey informative and lively.
• Active elements: Shore walks and optional stops, suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate activity.
• Value for money: All major costs, including lunch, dinner, and tastings, are included in the price.
• Small-group intimacy: An intimate experience with a maximum of 11 travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour

This full-day tour from Wellington offers a rich mix of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and delicious food—all wrapped into a manageable, well-paced itinerary. Starting at 10 a.m., your day begins with a pickup from central Wellington, making it easy to relax and not worry about transportation. Your guide, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, begins by taking you out of the city and into the countryside.

Kaitoke Regional Park: The Forest of Ancient Trees

Your first stop is Kaitoke Regional Park, just a short drive from Wellington. Here, you cross a swing bridge to access a loop track through ancient native forest. The highlight is walking among Kahikatea trees, some over 1,000 years old. The calm forest setting is perfect for stretching your legs after the city. Several reviews mention the virgin native forest and the optional visit to the Lord of the Rings film site, which adds a bit of pop culture to the natural beauty.

Expect about 30 minutes at this stop, giving enough time for photos and a quick nature walk. The free access makes this a fantastic, budget-friendly introduction to the region’s natural environment.

Remutaka Rail Trail and Scenic Views

Next, your guide takes you to the Remutaka Rail Trail for a brief stop at the summit of the Ranges. The views here are spectacular, revealing the rugged landscape and rolling hills typical of this part of New Zealand. While only about 10 minutes, the vista is worth every second, especially for photography lovers.

Gourmet Stops: Cheese, Chocolate, and Wine

Your taste buds are in for a treat with visits to C’est Cheese and Schoc Chocolates. At C’est Cheese, you can sample a selection of locally produced cheeses—subject to seasonal availability—and get a taste of New Zealand’s dairy delights. Many reviews highlight the delicious variety of cheeses and the friendly atmosphere.

Then, at Schoc Chocolate, housed in a charming colonial cottage, you’ll experience artisan chocolates crafted by a qualified chef. This stop is often described as cute and indulgent, with delicious chocolates that make for a sweet break.

The main wine tasting occurs at Poppies Martinborough, a boutique winery known for its aromatic wines and beautiful vineyard setting. You’ll taste multiple wines, with the opportunity to pair them with a vineyard platter lunch featuring local ingredients. Several reviewers rave about the lunch experience, calling it a highlight of the day and praising the gourmet quality of the food and wine.

Coastal Drive and Natural Wonders

Post-lunch, your journey continues along the coast, passing notable sights like the Putangirua Pinnacles, a dramatic rock formation within the Aorangi Forest Park. This drive offers breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline and rolling hills.

One of the most memorable moments is the short shoreline hike to Lake Onoke at the end of the day. Here, you can walk along the beach, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and relax before dinner.

Cape Palliser Lighthouse: A Climb with a View

A highlight for many is the visit to Cape Palliser Lighthouse, where you’ll climb 252 steps to reach the lighthouse at New Zealand’s southeastern tip of the North Island. The views over the Pacific Ocean and Cook Strait are astonishing, and many reviews mention how the sight of fur seals lounging nearby enhances the experience.

Relaxed Dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel

Your day concludes with a traditional Kiwi dinner at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel, located right on Lake Onoke. The menu offers fish and chips, a quintessential New Zealand dish, with many reviewers describing the delicious food and beautiful lakeside views. The hotel’s vintage charm and walls rich with history add a cozy, authentic touch to the evening.

The Practical Details

Throughout the day, transportation is by air-conditioned private vehicle, ensuring comfort during the long drives between stops. The small group size (up to 11 travelers) fosters a friendly atmosphere and allows for a more personalized experience. The tour includes all tastings, lunch, dinner, and some optional activities, making the value quite good for a full-day adventure.

Reviews Speak Volumes

Feedback from past travelers consistently praises the knowledgeable guides, with many mentioning guides like Phil and Michael by name. The spectacular scenery, delicious food, and wildlife sightings (notably seals) are common themes. Some reviewers remark that the tour exceeded expectations, thanks to the carefully curated stops and friendly atmosphere.

One reviewer noted, “The chocolate shop tasting was so fun and lunch at Poppies was incredible,” emphasizing the quality of food and wine. Others appreciated the balance of outdoor activity and relaxation, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, some mention the moderate walking involved, especially at Kaitoke and Cape Palliser. If you’re not comfortable on uneven terrain or have mobility issues, you might find parts of the day a bit challenging. Plus, the limited wine variety at certain stops—like the absence of Pinot Noir from Poppies—might disappoint dedicated wine connoisseurs, but the overall wine experience is still excellent.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers eager to taste New Zealand’s local specialties. It’s also great for nature enthusiasts wanting to see seals, coastal landscapes, and ancient forests. If you appreciate authentic, local experiences with a touch of adventure, this tour offers a wonderful way to explore beyond Wellington’s city limits while indulging in some of the region’s best offerings.

Travelers who enjoy small-group tours and prefer a mix of guided commentary and free time will find this particularly appealing. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, comfortable walking on uneven terrain.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all tastings (wine, cheese, chocolate), lunch, dinner, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup/drop-off from select Wellington locations.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 10 a.m. and returning to Wellington by evening.

Is there any walking involved?
Yes, there’s a moderate amount of walking on uneven surfaces, such as at Kaitoke Regional Park and Cape Palliser Lighthouse.

Can I do this tour if I’m not a wine drinker?
While wine tastings are a highlight, the tour also features local cheese, chocolate, scenic stops, and seafood dinners, making it enjoyable even if wine isn’t your main focus.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the minimum age for wine tasting is 18, and the tour is designed for adults who can handle some outdoor walking and longer travel times.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for all weather conditions, including comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot through Viator or directly with Zozo Travel, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington offers a well-balanced day of scenic exploration, culinary delights, and wildlife encounters. Its small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable experience that appeals to those who love authentic regional flavors and breathtaking landscapes. While it’s best suited for travelers with moderate fitness levels and a curiosity for local culture, the variety of stops and inclusions make it a fantastic value for a full-day adventure outside the city.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply eager to see a different side of New Zealand, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the best of Wairarapa’s scenery, food, and wildlife—all in one thoughtfully curated day.