WELLINGTON BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A day among pinot vines and country lanes: Martinborough by private chef
A private, chef‑led wine tour from Wellington that visits three Martinborough wineries, includes lunch at Poppies Winery, and offers the option to explore nearby Greytown.
A day among pinot vines and country lanes: Martinborough by private chef.
Slip out of Wellington for a full‑day, private drive into the pastoral heart of the Wairarapa, where a French‑trained chef guides tastings at three of Martinborough’s celebrated wineries, serves a leisurely lunch at Poppies, and leaves time to browse the boutiques of Greytown along scenic country roads.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A French‑trained guide at your table
The tour is led by a French‑trained chef who pairs local fare with Martinborough wines and shapes the day around tasting and food‑focused discovery.
Three renowned Martinborough producers
Across the 7‑hour route you visit three of the region’s renowned wineries for guided tastings, sampling the chardonnay, pinot gris, sauvignon and pinot noir that define the area.
Poppies lunch and village wandering
A relaxed lunch platter at Poppies Martinborough includes a complimentary glass of wine, after which you can either continue tastings around Martinborough or head to Greytown to explore cafés and antiques.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
After pickup in Wellington you settle into a private vehicle and cross the Hutt Valley and Rimutaka Ranges, following rolling pasture into the wine villages of the Wairarapa. The day is paced around three guided tastings, a chef‑led lunch at Poppies, and a choice to continue tasting or to stroll the streets of Greytown before returning to Wellington late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this private wine day trip — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a full‑day private tour spanning approximately seven hours from pickup to return.
Infant seats are available, service animals are allowed, and the tour is pushchair accessible; however, it is not wheelchair accessible.
The experience requires good weather; if cancelled for poor weather or for not meeting the minimum number of travellers, you will be offered an alternative date/experience or a full refund.
This private tour will have a maximum of 11 travellers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for approximately seven hours.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is offered from multiple locations; the typical start is a hotel pickup in Wellington at about 9:30am.
Who leads the tastings?
A French‑trained chef guides the tour, shaping tastings and the lunch experience.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No — the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though it is pushchair accessible and service animals are allowed.
What happens if the tour is cancelled?
If cancelled due to poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
How many wineries will we visit?
You will visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries for guided tastings.