Martinborough is a town in the South Wairarapa District, in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Martinborough is a unique wine village with over 25 boutique vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the village square. Martinborough also has many tourist attractions, quaint accommodations like Bookabach holiday homes and travel activities with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline-pumping adventure to a relaxing day out, you will never run out of things to do in Martinborough, New Zealand.
1. Traverse the tracks of Rapaki Walk
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Rapaki Walk is a loop walk that offers striking views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards. Its trailhead is 1 km (0.6 mi) east of Dublin Street on Shooting Butts Road. Traversing this loop walk entails steep slope and stile encounters but walking through farmland to the hilltop with majestic views make one of the best outdoor activities. The epic vista looks out over Te Muna Valley on one side and Martinborough on the other. The estimated time to complete the loop is approximately 2 hours.
Fair warning, sturdy footwear is recommended for this activity, and dogs are prohibited since the loop crosses farmland with a herd of cattle. Also, the track is closed from mid-July until the end of August for lambing.
Rapaki Walk
Address: Shooting Butts Road, Martinborough 5784
Website: Rapaki Walk
2. Do infused olive oil tasting in Olivo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
At the Featherston Artisan Food Fair. Do come down and you can hear @thekitchenmaid talking about her new book Homecooked. Very excited to hear Lucy interview by @joelle.thomson
Posted by Olivo olive oil on Friday, November 19, 2021
Most people visit Martinborough for its vineyards but only the bold and adventurous would dare to do olive oil tasting. One of the pioneers of this industry in this town is Olivo, a food and beverage company that specializes in infused, innovative, and artisan olive oils. It is the first commercial olive grove in Martinborough, Wairarapa. Top-quality oils that complement excellent food and fine wines are what its hands-on owners continuously strive for.
The owners love to show their piece of paradise to the public through a tree-to-table tour, one of the highly unique Martinborough activities. Wander through the groves of old olive trees, learn about different varieties, and taste a wide range of olive oil. The tour also provides useful tips on how to use extra virgin olive oil and infused oils in creating delectable homestyle recipes.
Olivo
Address: 136 Hinekura Road, Martinborough
Website: Olivo
3. Martinborough Brewery
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Want a true taste of Martinborough culture? Take your taste buds for a tour at Martinborough Brewery and explore the rich history of centuries-old beer brewing in New Zealand. Martinborough Brewery produces premium hand-crafted beer made by two friends. Hayden Frew and Stephen Fox met at Otago University, but their taste in beer has moved a world away from pints at the pub. Today, their focus is quality and flavor. Production is a labour of love and hands on process, from the grinding of malts to the application of caps and labels.
Martinborough Brewery
Address: 10 Ohio Street, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand
Website: Martinborough Brewery
4. Poppies: amazing wine & awesome food!
Owned by husband and wife, Poppies is a beautiful Martinborough winery known for its intimate wine tastings with winemaker Poppy Hammond and seasonal tasting platters. Everything you eat and drink here is made by hand, with patience and love. Located about an hour from Wellington, Poppies Martinborough is a popular spot so it pays to book ahead for lunch. It’s easy to get to from the centre of town and forms a ‘must-do’ stop-off if you are choosing the cycle between Martinborough’s other vineyards. Poppies cellar door is open on Friday to Tuesday from 11.00am to 4.00pm and their wine can only be purchased at the winery.
Poppies Martinborough
Address: 91 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough, New Zealand
Website: Poppies Martinborough
5. Palliser Estate
When thinking about what to do in Martinborough, you wouldn’t want to miss out on top attractions like Palliser Estate! Situated in the boutique wine village of Martinborough, Palliser is one of New Zealand’s premier wine brands. The company’s first vineyards were planted in 1984 and the wines being produced now reflect the characters being developed from these older vines. With a focus on sustainability, Palliser aims to be industry leaders when it comes to the quality of their wines for the world to enjoy.
Palliser Estate is open seven days a week, 10:30am to 4:00pm, and is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.
Palliser Estate
Address: 96 Kichener Street, 5711 Martinborough, New Zealand
Website: Palliser Estate
6. Circus Cinema, restaurant & bar
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Circus Cinema offers a wide range of art house and contemporary films in a relaxed and intimate environment. Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine in the comfort of luxurious cinema seating. Circus Cinema is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) with the restaurant serving meals from 4.00 pm. During the school holidays it will be open seven days a week.
Circus Cinema
Address: 34 Jellicoe St, Martinborough, 5711 Masterton, New Zealand
Website: Circus Cinema
7. Ata Rangi Martinborough
Not to miss is one of Martinborough’s most esteemed wineries Ata Rangi. Ata Rangi is amongst the top ranks of New Zealand red wine producers. The name translates as “dawning sky” or “new beginning”. Located at the southern end of the North Island, Ata Rangi vineyards were planted in 1980 by Clive Paton, his wife, Phyl, and sister Alison. Ata Rangi is acknowledged internationally as a producer of outstanding wines so be sure to taste any of the fruit-driven yet finely structured and balanced Pinot Noirs they’ve got open.
Ata Rangi Martinborough
Address: 14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough, 5711 Masterton, New Zealand
Website: Ata Rangi Martinborough
8. Wairarapa Quad Adventures
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
If you’re looking for some good old kiwi outdoor fun and adventure then Wairarapa Quad Adventures is the place to go. Quad bike rides are great fun for all ages (you must be 16 and over) and require no prior experience. You’ll have awesome fun riding up and down hills and enjoy the magnificent scenery around Martinborough with qualified guides, traversing local farms, forests, rivers and caves.
Wairarapa Quad Adventures
Address: 7 Cherry Lane, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand
Website: Wairarapa Quad Adventures
9. Patuna Farm
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Patuna Farm Adventures is located a short drive from Martinborough, surrounded by tall green hills, rivers, woods, and a whole lot of cows, sheep and horses. Patuna Farm offers Horse Trekking, a Challenge Course, Clay Bird Shooting and the Chasm Walkway. See the beauty of this native bush and limestone gorge. Experience the fossils, ferns, stalactites, waterfall, eels, wildlife and native birds.
If you are a nature lover, this Martinborough attraction has some fantastic views that can be a treat to your eyes.
Patuna Farm
Address: 236 Haurangi Rd, Martinborough 5781, New Zealand
Website: Patuna Farm
10. Bike tour (from USD 59.0)
With so many vineyards and wineries and beautiful Martinborough weather to match, outdoor activities are a must. One great way to enjoy both your favorite things - sunshine and wine - is to go on one of the Martinborough wineries’ bike tours. Pedal at your own pace around the pretty town of Martinborough. Stop off along the way to visit boutique wineries and learn of the region’s rich winemaking heritage. With picturesque and stunning scenery, a vineyard bike tour is the perfect way to taste your favorites and enjoy a delicious picnic of delicious local produce.
Green Jersey Cycle Tours
Address: 16 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand
Website: Green Jersey Cycle Tours
Self Guided Martinborough Wineries Bike Tour
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Fun for families
With a wide range of fun family activities, Martinborough is the perfect holiday destination for the entire family and it’s impossible to get bored! We hope that this list has helped you discover some hidden gems that perhaps you hadn’t thought of visiting yet.
Frequently asked questions the best things to do in Martinborough, New Zealand
1. What are the best attractions to visit in Martinborough?
There will never be dull moments in your visit to Martinborough if you include these attractions in your itinerary: i) Patuna Farm, ii) Martinborough Brewery, iii) Palliser Estate, and iv) Rapaki Walk.
2. What are the best activities in Martinborough?
This distinct town in South Wairarapa District might just give you a one-for-the-books experience. The Martinborough activities that you must try are: i) infused olive oil tasting at Olivo, ii) dining at Poppies for amazing wine and food, and iii) bike riding at Wairarapa Quad Adventures.
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