Day trip over the Rimutaka: Martinborough’s vineyards in a single, savory sweep

LOWER HUTT SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Day trip over the Rimutaka: Martinborough’s vineyards in a single, savory sweep

A 7-hour guided outing from Wellington to Martinborough’s acclaimed Pinot Noir country — vineyards, a lunch stop and local insight from a knowledgeable host.

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Day trip over the Rimutaka: Martinborough’s vineyards in a single, savory sweep.

Duration
7 hours
Location
Lower Hutt
Operator
Ka Rawe Tours
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Wellington you cross the Rimutaka Hill into the broad, sunlit bowls of the Wairarapa to spend a day among Martinborough’s celebrated vineyards — tasting Pinot Noir, sharing a long lunch and moving at the easy rhythm of a hosted wine circuit.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Rimutaka Hill and the Wairarapa bowl

The route climbs over the Rimutaka Hill to a summit stop, then opens out into the distinctive microclimate and vineyard-studded plains of Martinborough.

THE WINE

A focus on world-class Pinot Noir

Martinborough’s vineyards are renowned for Pinot Noir; the day visits several of the region’s producers so you can sample the local standard-bearers.

THE TABLE

Local cuisine paired with vineyard hospitality

The itinerary includes a lunch stop at one of the vineyard venues and opportunities to taste local food alongside the wines you sample.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This is a relaxed, hosted day trip: you’re picked up in Wellington, driven over the Rimutaka Hill to a summit viewpoint, then led between three vineyard stops — with lunch at the second venue — before a return to Wellington in the evening.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this day trip — and who might look elsewhere.

1
Wine loversIdeal for people keen to sample Martinborough’s Pinot Noir across multiple small producers and to learn from a local host.
2
Food-focused travelersA strong match if you want a curated lunch paired with regional wines as part of the vineyard visits.
3
Day-trippers from WellingtonDesigned as a day outing from Wellington — pickup and drop-off are arranged from CBD hotels, cruise terminals or the Wellington iSite.
4
Families with young childrenMay be less suitable for very young children due to the full-day schedule and multiple vineyard stops focused on wine tasting.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The outing runs for approximately 7 hours, departing Wellington and returning the same day.

Meeting & Pickup

Pickup is arranged from a CBD hotel, a cruise ship or the Wellington iSite; exact hotel meeting point to be confirmed (Hotel TBC).

Included

The itinerary includes visits to three vineyards with a lunch stop at the second vineyard and hosted wine tastings.

Operator

This experience is operated by Ka Rawe Tours and features a knowledgeable local host who drives participants to and from Martinborough.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup and drop-off are arranged from a Wellington CBD hotel, cruise ship port or the Wellington iSite; the exact hotel pickup is confirmed as 'Hotel TBC'.

What will we visit in Martinborough?

The day includes stops at three vineyards in Martinborough, with a summit stop at the Rimutaka Hill on the drive out and lunch at the second vineyard venue.

Is food included?

Yes — the itinerary specifies a lunch stop at Vineyard no 2, and the tour highlights mention sampling local cuisine during the day.

Who operates the tour?

The tour is operated by Ka Rawe Tours and is hosted by a knowledgeable local guide who drives participants to and from the region.