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.
Day trip over the Rimutaka: Martinborough’s vineyards in a single, savory sweep.
Adventure brief
Day trip over the Rimutaka: Martinborough’s vineyards in a single, savory sweep
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.
Just northeast of Wellington, the Wairarapa region unfolds with rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and a microclimate renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir. This full-day excursion from Wellington to Martinborough offers a seamless blend of stunning landscapes, exceptional wine tasting, and local gastronomy, all guided by a knowledgeable host who brings insider insight to this iconic wine-producing area.
The journey begins with a comfortable ride out of Wellington’s CBD, tracing a path over the Rimutaka Hill. The summit itself is an ideal first stop, where visitors can stretch their legs and take in panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and coastal plains. This vantage point perfectly sets the tone, connecting the city’s urban energy with the tranquil rural character of Wairarapa.
Martinborough’s reputation stems largely from its world-class vineyards, benefiting from a temperate climate shaped by the proximity to Cook Strait and sheltering hills. The day’s tour includes visits to three of the region’s premier vineyards, known not just for premium Pinot Noir but also for personalized hospitality and breathtaking cellar door experiences. At each winery, guests sample carefully curated wine flights, offering two tasting paddles and a glass of wine with lunch at the second vineyard.
Beyond the wine itself, the day focuses on the atmosphere: crisp vineyard air, sculpted rows of vines, and rustic tasting rooms that tell the story of Wairarapa’s viticulture history. The hosts skillfully blend education and enjoyment, spotlighting varietal details, wine-making techniques, and the area's unique terroir.
Lunch is an integral part of the experience, served at the second vineyard, featuring local produce expertly paired with their wines. This sit-down meal provides an opportunity to savor the region’s food culture amidst vineyard views, further deepening the immersive journey.
After the tastings and lunch, the return trip to Wellington offers time to reflect on the day's highlights before being dropped back at your hotel, cruise ship, or the Wellington iSite. The intimate group size ensures personalized attention, making it an ideal day trip for wine lovers, foodies, and travelers seeking a curated taste of New Zealand’s countryside.
This tour stands out for its combination of safe, comfortable transport, expert local hosting, and the ability to access exclusive vineyard experiences in a remarkable natural setting. For visitors wanting to explore beyond Wellington’s city limits and discover the flavors and landscapes of Wairarapa, this Martinborough day trip is a refreshing and enriching option.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — stop by stop
A straightforward loop: depart Wellington, cross the Rimutaka, visit three vineyards (with lunch at the second), and return to the city.
Depart Wellington
Pickup from a CBD hotel, cruise ship or the Wellington iSite to begin the 7-hour outing.
Rimutaka Hill summit
A brief stop at the Rimutaka Hill summit to take in the views on the drive out of the Wellington region.
Vineyard no 1
First vineyard visit to taste local wines and meet hosts.
Vineyard no 2 (lunch)
Lunch is served at the second vineyard venue, paired with regional wines.
Vineyard no 3
A final tasting at a third vineyard before the drive back to Wellington.
Return to Wellington
Drive back over the Rimutaka and drop-off at the CBD hotel, cruise-ship port or Wellington iSite.
This is a full-day (7-hour) hosted sightseeing and tasting tour; participants should expect a day of travel between Wellington and Martinborough and multiple vineyard visits, all conducted by a knowledgeable local host.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs for approximately 7 hours, departing Wellington and returning the same day.
Pickup is arranged from a CBD hotel, a cruise ship or the Wellington iSite; exact hotel meeting point to be confirmed (Hotel TBC).
The itinerary includes visits to three vineyards with a lunch stop at the second vineyard and hosted wine tastings.
This experience is operated by Ka Rawe Tours and features a knowledgeable local host who drives participants to and from Martinborough.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:24.922Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.