Martinborough
Welcome to one of New Zealand's most loved wine villages.
Whether you're here for a romantic weekend, a girls' getaway, a cycling adventure or simply to slow down, Martinborough has a way of making you want to stay just a little longer.
We created this guide to help you experience the region like a local. Inside you'll find our favourite places to eat, sip, shop and explore, along with a few hidden gems that many visitors drive straight past.
We hope you love Martinborough as much as we do.
Emily & Kate
Why Everyone Falls in Love with Martinborough
There are some places you visit once, and there are places that quietly find their way into your heart. Martinborough is one of those places.
Just over an hour's drive from Wellington, this charming wine village feels like a world away from the rush of everyday life. As you arrive, the pace naturally slows. Tree-lined streets, beautifully preserved heritage buildings and the iconic village square invite you to wander rather than hurry. It doesn't matter whether you're here for a weekend or a week—Martinborough has a way of encouraging you to relax from the moment you arrive.
At the heart of the town is the famous Martinborough Square, a leafy gathering place where locals catch up over coffee, visitors stroll between boutique shops, and friends meet before heading off to explore the vineyards. It's the kind of place where you can spend an hour browsing independent stores, discover local art and homewares, or simply find a sunny bench and watch the world go by.
Of course, Martinborough is best known for its world-class wine. Home to more than 20 boutique wineries, the village has earned an international reputation for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, alongside elegant Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Syrah. One of the best things about Martinborough is that many of the wineries are just a short walk or bike ride from the town centre, making it easy to spend a leisurely day tasting award-winning wines, sharing platters and soaking up the vineyard views.
But Martinborough is about much more than great wine. It's the feeling of settling in for a long lunch with friends, discovering a cosy café tucked down a quiet street, browsing boutique shops, or ending the day with a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the vines. It's a place where conversations linger, weekends seem to last a little longer, and there's never any pressure to rush to the next thing.
Perhaps that's why so many people return year after year. Some come for the wineries, others for the food, the cycling, the beautiful countryside or the welcoming community. Before long, favourite cafés become familiar, favourite cellar doors feel like old friends, and what began as a weekend escape becomes a tradition.
Whether this is your first visit or one of many, we hope you'll take the time to explore beyond the obvious, discover a few hidden gems, and create your own Martinborough story. We think you'll soon understand why so many visitors arrive planning a short stay... and leave wondering when they can come back.
Spend a Day Like a Local
8:00am
Coffee and breakfast
Kitcheners if you fancy a bacon buttie or mince on toast.
In the Neighbourhood if you love a cheese scone.
Medici for Smashed Avo on toast with halloumi in their courtyard
Or perhaps Nara for their yummy poached eggs on toast!
10:00am
Hire bikes from Green Jersey - they have different bikes for all occasions from single bikes to croc bikes that seat 6!
11:00am
Moy Hall -
1:00pm
Lunch at Colombo if you love pizza - lounge outside on the beanbags in the Wairarapa sun or cosy up by the fire in the middle of winter. Pizza’s are epic!
OR
Lunch at Moy Hall if you fancy a relaxed, social experience, with dishes designed for sharing and a menu that evolves with the seasons - if we had to sum it up in one word .. Quality 👌
3:00pm
Explore the gorgeous boutique shops in the village.
5:00pm
An award-winning beer at Martinborough Brewery or Gin tasting at Tohi Gin Room
7:00pm
Dinner - Fancy something a little bit fancy? Karahui sits in the old BNZ Bank built in 1909 - the atmosphere is relaxed and the food/wine is delicious.
Discover Wairarapa Favourites ❤️
Best Coffee
If we're grabbing coffee before work, this is where we're heading...Kitcheners if we feel like socialising and bumping into our neighbours or next door to our office on The Square at In the Neighbourhood
Best Long Lunch
If you've only got time for one winery lunch...Palliser Estate - the gardens, the food, service and Griffin bubbles are the best
If you have time for two winery lunches.... Moy Hall
Best Date Night
A dinner in front of the fire followed by a movie with an ice cream at Circus Cinema
Best Place for Sunset
One of our favourite spots to finish the day - Fish and Chips at Lake Ferry
Sip Your Way Around Martinborough
Martinborough Through the Seasons
No matter what time of year you visit, Martinborough has something special to offer. Each season brings its own unique charm, making every stay a little different.
🌸 Spring
As the vineyards burst into life and gardens begin to bloom, Martinborough is fresh, colourful and full of energy. It's the perfect time to enjoy bike rides between wineries, long lunches in the sunshine and quiet walks through the village before the busy summer season begins.
☀️ Summer
Long, warm days make summer ideal for exploring cellar doors, relaxing in vineyard gardens and enjoying alfresco dining. The village comes alive with visitors, outdoor events and the unmistakable holiday atmosphere that Martinborough is known for.
🍂 Autumn
Many locals will tell you this is Martinborough's most beautiful season. The vineyards transform into shades of gold, orange and crimson as harvest gets underway. It's a wonderful time for wine lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys crisp mornings followed by sunny afternoons.
❄️ Winter
Winter is cosy, peaceful and full of charm. Settle in beside a roaring fire, enjoy a leisurely wine tasting, indulge in long lunches and experience Martinborough at a slower pace. Fewer crowds make it the perfect season for a relaxing escape.
Our Local Tip ❤️
There's never a bad time to visit Martinborough. Every season has its own magic, so whether you're chasing sunshine, autumn colours or a cosy winter retreat, you'll always find a reason to come back.
Local Events Worth Planning Around
There's always something happening in Martinborough, no matter the season. If you can, plan your visit around one of these popular events and experience the village at its very best.
One of New Zealand's most iconic wine festivals, Toast Martinborough is a must for wine lovers. Spend the day wandering between participating wineries, enjoying live music, delicious food and some of the country's best wines. Tickets sell out quickly, so it's worth planning ahead.
Held twice a year on the first Saturdays in February and March, the Martinborough Fair transforms the village into a bustling marketplace. Browse hundreds of stalls featuring local art, fashion, food, homewares and handmade crafts, all while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
🍇 Harvest Season
From late February through April, the vineyards come alive as grape harvest begins. It's one of the most exciting times to visit, with busy wineries, beautiful autumn colours and the chance to witness the winemaking process in full swing.
🥂 Pour & Explore – August
If you're visiting in August, don't miss Pour & Explore. This month-long celebration showcases Martinborough's incredible wineries, local food and hospitality, with special tasting experiences, events and offers throughout the village. It's the perfect excuse for a winter getaway and a wonderful way to discover everything Martinborough has to offer.
Rain? We've Got You Covered!
A little rain doesn't have to spoil your plans. In fact, some of our favourite Martinborough experiences are even better when the weather turns!
Our top rainy day picks:
🍷 Settle in for a relaxed wine tasting at one of Martinborough's boutique cellar doors.
☕ Find a cosy café, order great coffee and something delicious, and watch the world go by.
🎬 Catch a movie at the unique Circus Cinema—don't miss the delivery service while watching the movie!
🛍️ Browse the village's boutique shops and homeware stores.
🍽️ Enjoy a long lunch with local wine at one of Martinborough's award-winning restaurants.
🧀 Pick up local cheese, gourmet treats from The Grocer and a bottle of wine from the Wine Merchants, then settle in for a cosy afternoon back at your accommodation.
Our Local Tip ❤️
Many of Martinborough's cellar doors are just as enjoyable on a rainy day. Without the crowds, you'll often have more time to chat with the staff, learn about the wines and enjoy a more personal tasting experience.
Travelling with Kids
Martinborough isn't just for wine lovers—it's a fantastic destination for families too. With plenty of open spaces, easy adventures and relaxed activities, there's something to keep everyone entertained.
Family favourites include:
🛝 Let the kids burn off some energy at the Martinborough Town Square Playground.
🚲 Hire bikes or e-bikes and explore the village together.
🍦 Grab an ice cream and wander around the boutique shops.
🎬 Catch a movie at the charming Circus Cinema, complete with comfy couches and homemade cookies.
🦭 Take a day trip to Cape Palliser to see the resident fur seals and climb the lighthouse.
🏖️ Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Ferry or the wild coastline at Tora.
🧺 Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the many parks or vineyard gardens.
Our Local Tip ❤️
Don't try to squeeze too much into one day. Martinborough is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for snacks, playgrounds and spontaneous adventures along the way. The best family memories are often the unplanned ones!