Top Things to do in Wairarapa
Countries
The 10 Best Tours in Wairarapa, North Island
Lush Wairarapa, in the southeast of New Zealand's North Island, is about an hour from Wellington. Its a scenic train ride past Lake Wairarapa to Palliser Bay and the Aorangi Ranges. Explore the forests with birdsong and babbling creeks as a soundtrack. Bask on sandy shores with fur seals. Visit country fairs, pick cider apple and tour vineyards. Day spas, hot air balloon rides and quirky rural golf courses are other relaxing options. Quad biking and rafting offer more up-tempo diversions.
Restaurants in Wairarapa
1. Martinborough Guided Wine and Vine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
An insiders guide to the Martinborough wine scene, the best wine, the best food and the most fun. The Guided Wine and Vine has been a favorite for those who don't like being 'stuck in a bus'. Enjoy the wind in your hair!
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Use of bicycle, Use of helmet
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By pixie21
We were disappointed with the tour as it was shortened without our prior knowledge because another guest had to be picked up at Featherston Railway station so we spent quite a bit of time going there and back from Martinborough. We felt the trip was rushed and we didn't have the time to do the Putangirua Pinnacles walk (only a hurried walk to the closest pinnacles) and there was no stop off at a winery. Unfortunately, the trip we went on was not as promised and did not live up to the claims made on the website. The lack of communication regarding the change was frustrating and we feel charging us the full price for a shorter day was a bit much. No acknowledgement from the company regarding the email we sent with our concerns.
2. Martinborough Winery Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Enjoy a 5 hour guided tour over the Remutaka Ranges to Martinborough, one of New Zealand's premier wine regions. Visit three of the regions best wineries and enjoy their Cellar Door experiences as you sample the world class products available. Your driver guide will narrate your journey and provide local knowledge about this stunningly beautiful area.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Lunch (optional)
Reviewed By tyronrm
Me and my partner experienced our first wine tasting tour - we absolutely loved it. Phil makes for an entertaining tour guide. The scenery was perfect. We enjoyed many types of wine we didn't know we liked. It was also very educational. All in all, a great tour i recommend everyone does. It isn't too long or too short either.
3. Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Your expert local guide will narrate as you take a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, where you will enjoy wine tastings at a selection of Martinborough wineries, on this full day tour. Lunch will be served at a vineyard restaurant before the tour heads to the south Wairarapa coast. Visit the rugged coastal village of Ngawi and the North Island's largest permanent seal colony as well as a drive by of the famed “Paths of the Dead” from Lord of the Rings, the Putangirua Pinnacles. Finally climb the steps to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse for epic sweeping sea views before heading to the Lake Ferry Hotel on the edge of Lake Onoke for dinner. This 10 hour tour takes in a variety of stunning landscapes in the greater Wellington region.
Inclusions: Local accommodation (hotel) or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, Local driver guide, Live commentary on board, Lunch (main dish and one drink), Wine tasting fees, Dinner (main dish and one drink), Transport by air-conditioned private vehicle, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By tyronrm
Me and my partner experienced our first wine tasting tour - we absolutely loved it. Phil makes for an entertaining tour guide. The scenery was perfect. We enjoyed many types of wine we didn't know we liked. It was also very educational. All in all, a great tour i recommend everyone does. It isn't too long or too short either.
4. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This tour combines behind the scenes experiences at FIVE of the regions best artisan foodie producers. The tour covers a wide range of products and allows guests to get up close and personal with the owners and staff who pour their heart and soul into these fantastic foodie creations.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Tasting fees (cheese, wine, olive oil, craft beer), Lunch, Professional guide/driver, Live commentary on board, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private transportation for the duration of the tour (private vehicle), Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, olive oils and food to take away are available to purchase (optional) at own expense.
Reviewed By tyronrm
Me and my partner experienced our first wine tasting tour - we absolutely loved it. Phil makes for an entertaining tour guide. The scenery was perfect. We enjoyed many types of wine we didn't know we liked. It was also very educational. All in all, a great tour i recommend everyone does. It isn't too long or too short either.
5. Martinborough Wine Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Martinborough Wine Experience A fully escorted tour which takes in three award winning wineries in Martinborough,a craft beer brewery and a sensational shop bursting with speciality cheeses. Enjoy your wine tasting matched with a delightful gourmet lunch platter at a boutique winery that will leave your taste buds tingling. The option of replacing the craft beer brewery with a fourth winery is available on request. Features include: • Picturesque ride through the Hutt Valley, seeing some of the Lord of the Rings filming sites • 20 minute drive over the Remutaka Mountain Range then through tranquil rural town and countryside leading to Martinborough • Tasting at boutique wineries • Gourmet platter lunch • Tasting at local craft beer brewery • Tasting at C'est Cheese
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Tasting fees, Gourmet lunch platter, Tour escort/host, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Air-conditioned vehicle, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Nookiesmum49
The whole tour was informative, fun and totally enjoyable. Richard was an awesome tour guide. We had so many laughs. We saw so much of Wellington we would never have seen. The Weta shop was so awesome we are coming back to book with Richard to do the day tour of Weta. Totally topped off our trip to Wellington.
6. Remutaka Cycle Trail Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the highlights of The Remutaka Cycle Trail! Discover the Remutaka Incline's native bush and rail history, then explore the Wild Coast in all it's rugged beauty. 35km of moderate to challenging riding, across an all-inclusive 8-hour trip. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Reach Summit then embark on a fun descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, before being shuttled through some of NZ's most scenic farmland to the coast for your afternoon ride around the coast to Orongorongo. We've seen orca, dolphins and seals in this area, and the landscapes are rugged but stunning. You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from your accommodation, bikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!
Inclusions: All food and water provided - snacks, light lunch, water., All equipment - mountain bikes / eBikes, helmets and other safety gear, racks and a pannier bag., All transport - shuttles to and from your hotel / pickup point, and any other transports required throughout day., Knowledgeable and friendly host, who will provide information regarding the trail and what to expect throughout the day., All taxes/fees are included in the headline price - no hidden extras.
Exclusions: Excludes on-trail guide - you will be shuttled to/from each location and briefed on the trail.
Reviewed By CharlieOscarPapa
My husband and I recently did the trail starting in Cross Creek and ending at Brewtown - the opposite direction (called ‘reverse’) up the Fell Incline and adding on the Hutt River Trail. It was a very windy day (at one point, I was blown off my bike), but otherwise sunny. We went midweek, so the trails and Brewtown were quieter than we expect they are at weekends, but still friendly folks around. Pros: beautiful route with interesting information points, wonderful views and fun aspects - like the suspension bridge at the well named Siberia. Good bikes (we had ebikes) and quality lunch provided as part of the package. Pickup and return to our home in Wellington made accessing the trip very easy and convenient. Delays to pickup time alerted via text. Explanation etc of bike features at the start. Cons: somewhat lacklustre customer service. (We note others have commented on this). The confirmation email says the company would contact us the day before to confirm and discuss the trip. We heard nothing so texted them at 1830 including asking about the wind and received a short text in return. In the event, with the strength of the wind and gusts we would not have been able to complete the trip without our ebikes, and it would have been helpful to have been warned that we would be cycling into wind for most of the trip because of the direction we had chosen. Forewarned is forearmed. As this is a self guided tour, the information /route sheet could be improved. There are several junctions, where just adding the name of the road would be simple and very helpful. At one point, we called the company as the description and mud map were confusing. Similarly, just adding the name of the “blue dairy”(another junction) would give confidence to people from out of town. We were warned when dropped off to give the company 45-60 minutes advance warning by text of when we wanted our pickup to return home. Accordingly we texted the company as soon as we arrived at Brewtown just before 4pm asking for a pickup in 45 minutes. This was not acknowledged until half an hour later ( due to “being on a long phone call”) and we were then told the lift would be there in about 30 minutes. We waited outside the brewery until 5.45 - having been warned they do not pickup after 1800 - so were thinking we might have to call an Uber to get home. A few small changes would have meant we felt we had an excellent day.
7. Remutaka Rail Trail Reversi Cycle Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty, the meandering Hutt River trail, and the beautiful Eastern Bays. Taking in some of the best parts of the the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this is a challenging ride with a steep uphill climb to begin with. 65km of moderate riding.
Inclusions: Comfortable and capable mountain bike / eBike, Helmet and repair kit, Rear carrier rack and trunk bag for your personal effects, Packed lunch, water, and snacks, First Aid kit and GPS tracker in case of emergency, Ferry from Days Bay (5.30pm) back to Wellington's CBD, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Excludes on-trail guide - our friendly staff will brief you and answer any questions you may have, but the trail is really easy to follow and full of information stations, so a guide isn't really necessary.
Reviewed By CharlieOscarPapa
My husband and I recently did the trail starting in Cross Creek and ending at Brewtown - the opposite direction (called ‘reverse’) up the Fell Incline and adding on the Hutt River Trail. It was a very windy day (at one point, I was blown off my bike), but otherwise sunny. We went midweek, so the trails and Brewtown were quieter than we expect they are at weekends, but still friendly folks around. Pros: beautiful route with interesting information points, wonderful views and fun aspects - like the suspension bridge at the well named Siberia. Good bikes (we had ebikes) and quality lunch provided as part of the package. Pickup and return to our home in Wellington made accessing the trip very easy and convenient. Delays to pickup time alerted via text. Explanation etc of bike features at the start. Cons: somewhat lacklustre customer service. (We note others have commented on this). The confirmation email says the company would contact us the day before to confirm and discuss the trip. We heard nothing so texted them at 1830 including asking about the wind and received a short text in return. In the event, with the strength of the wind and gusts we would not have been able to complete the trip without our ebikes, and it would have been helpful to have been warned that we would be cycling into wind for most of the trip because of the direction we had chosen. Forewarned is forearmed. As this is a self guided tour, the information /route sheet could be improved. There are several junctions, where just adding the name of the road would be simple and very helpful. At one point, we called the company as the description and mud map were confusing. Similarly, just adding the name of the “blue dairy”(another junction) would give confidence to people from out of town. We were warned when dropped off to give the company 45-60 minutes advance warning by text of when we wanted our pickup to return home. Accordingly we texted the company as soon as we arrived at Brewtown just before 4pm asking for a pickup in 45 minutes. This was not acknowledged until half an hour later ( due to “being on a long phone call”) and we were then told the lift would be there in about 30 minutes. We waited outside the brewery until 5.45 - having been warned they do not pickup after 1800 - so were thinking we might have to call an Uber to get home. A few small changes would have meant we felt we had an excellent day.
8. Private Martinborough Wine Delights Tour from Wellington
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Your tour is your tour only! No mixed groups! You get to have your own dedicated Driver/Guide and 'Memory Creator' for your entire tour. Enjoy a 7 hour private tour from Wellington to the South Wairarapa covering majestic scenery, visits to Gladstone and Martinborough Wineries including a spectacular platter lunch at one of the wineries we visit. We also visit the beautiful town of Martinborough well recognised for the 'Capital' of Pinot Noir of the North Island. We visit 4 wineries including lunch at a winery. Your tour also includes a private tour at one of the wineries visited covering the winery, vineyard and tastings. If you have any particular winery you wish to visit this can be arranged in advance. Please note this tour is only available for 18 years of age and older.
Inclusions: Bottled New Zealand spring water., Includes 1 glass of wine, beer or other beverage., Tasting fees, Entry fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
9. Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy a 5 hour return guided tour over the spectacular Remutaka Ranges to the Wairarapa region, home of world class culinary producers. Enjoy a stop at C'est Cheese factory and cafe where the tour will include a tasting platter of locally made cheeses. Continue up State Highway 2 to Greytown for a tasting of some of chocolatier Murray Langham's amazing chocolate range at Schoc Chocolates. Our third stop is in the world class wine region of Martinborough famous for it's pinot noir. Enjoy a tasting flight at one of the finest local wineries. The final stop is at the Martinborough Memorial Square in the centre of town and allows for guests to tailor the tour for their own tastes. Guests may choose one final tasting stop from Olivo extra virgin and infused olive oils, Martinborough craft brewery paddles, a local vineyard or cafe lunch, The Martinborough Sweet Shop or the Wine Bank. This final stop is seasonal, subject to availability and at the guests expense.
Inclusions: Tasting fees are included at C'est Cheese (cheese) and Schoc Chocolates (chocolate)., Tasting fees are included at the winery in Martinborough (wine).
Exclusions: Guests maye have lunch at their own expense at a local cafe or vineyard restaurant.
Reviewed By tyronrm
Me and my partner experienced our first wine tasting tour - we absolutely loved it. Phil makes for an entertaining tour guide. The scenery was perfect. We enjoyed many types of wine we didn't know we liked. It was also very educational. All in all, a great tour i recommend everyone does. It isn't too long or too short either.
10. Remutaka Rail Trail Cycle Tour from Wellington
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Discover the Remutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from your accommodation, bikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!
Inclusions: All food and water provided - snacks, light lunch, tea and coffee, water., All equipment - mountain bikes / eBikes, helmets and other safety gear, racks and a pannier bag for your personal effects., All transport - shuttles to and from your hotel / pickup point, and any other transports required throughout day., Knowledgeable and friendly host, who will provide information regarding the trail and what to expect throughout the day., All taxes/fees are included in the headline price - no hidden extras.
Exclusions: Ecludes on-trail guide - our friendly staff will brief you and answer any questions you may have, but the trail is really easy to follow and full of information stations, so a guide isn't really necessary.
Reviewed By Annabel L
3 fantastic days cycling - all extremely different. Loved every minute, even when I was battling a head wind around Pencarrow Point or bouncing my way down a narrow path in the Rimutakas. This is a must do cycle trail in New Zealand and I highly recommend it. Not too difficult and there is always an e-bike option for those that don't want the hills. I finished by continuing into Featherston and enjoyed the Wairarapa countryside.
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