Top Things to do in Wairarapa
Countries
Things to do in Wairarapa, North Island: The Best Private Tours
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 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.
2. 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
3. Self Guided Martinborough Wineries Bike Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 13 reviews
The 'Picnic & Pedal' package self guided bike tour includes hire of top quality bikes and helmets, and a delicious picnic consisting of quality local produce for you to enjoy whilst cycling in and around the wine village. This is a freedom tour, if you wish to ride into the countryside rather than around the vine, talk to our friendly staff who will provide excellent route options.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Lunch, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Free wine collection
Exclusions: Wine tasting fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, 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.
4. Private Martinborough Wine Full Day Tour From Wellington
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 12 reviews
Sample the wines of New Zealand’s fertile North Island on this private full-day Martinborough wine tour from Wellington. Visit three Martinborough wineries with a private guide, and taste wines made with chardonnay, pinot gris, and sauvignon grapes. Learn of the winemaking traditions and techniques at play, and savor a delicious lunch at Poppies Winery. In the afternoon, enjoy further wine-tastings or choose to explore the shops of Greytown at your leisure. This 7-hour tour includes round-trip travel from your Wellington accommodation.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private guide, Transport, Wine-tastings, Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By lorrainedob
It was exactly what I wanted. Relaxed and informative. Kelvin let me choose the pace of the tour and it was perfect. I would happily recommend to friends and family.
5. "Pinot to Palliser tour" - Guided tour to Cape Palliser vith lunch + winetasting
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
Let us take you on an impressively scenic road out to the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island. We'll drive to the coast and then to Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island. We'll drive along the coast and have spectacular views of the open sea and maybe even the South Island. We'll see unusual land formations, drive through the unique fishing village of Ngawi, we'll stop to observe one of the seal colonies and then get to Cape Palliser where, if you are up for it, we'll climb the 250+ steps to the lighthouse. Then we double back to Lake Ferry for lunch at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel. To complete the day we return to Martinborough to taste pinot noir at a Martinborough winery.
Inclusions: Fully driven, Local guide, Tea or coffee, Wine tasting at rural vineyard, Pick up from Martinborough accommodation or Featherston Train Station, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Gratuities, Return transfer from/to Greytown, Featherston and from/to Featherston station from Wellington ($40)
Reviewed By Jacquif195
We did the Half Day tour. Was absolutely amazing; Matthew was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable. All the wineries were extremely hospitable. Was really one to remember, and do again.
6. Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour from Wellington
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, visit to an Artisan Chocolate factory, visits to Gladstone and Martinborough Wineries including a spectacular platter lunch at one of the wineries we visit and local cheese and craft beer tastings. We also visit the beautiful town of Martinborough well recognised for the 'Capital' of Pinot Noir of the North Island. If you have any particular winery you wish to visit this can be arranged in advance. Please note parts of this tour is only available for 18 years of age and older (wine and craft beer tastings).
Inclusions: New Zealand spring water., Includes 1 glass of wine, beer or other beverage., Tasting fees, Entry fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Hannahpallikaros
We recently had the privilege of experiencing a Kaewa Tour with the one and only, Tom. Tom was a fantastic host who made sure we got to Martinborough safely, learnt along the way and had fun. The well thought out day had plenty of time built in for each vineyard and even included a private vineyard tour and incredible lunch at Moy Hall. Tom is very knowledgeable, friendly and has great relationships with the Martinborough locals. We would highly recommend Kaewa tours and are looking forward to booking in another adventure with Tom.
7. Scenic South Wairarapa Full Day Tour from Wellington
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 11 hour private guided tour where we spend the day in the majestic South Wairarapa region covering Artisan Cheese and Chocolate tastings, visits to 2 wineries including tastings and lunch, a scenic drive out to Cape Palliser lighthouse (the southern most point of the North Island), visit the local Seal Colony, take in the sights of the quaint fishing village of Ngawi and dinner at the iconic Lake Ferry Hotel or a local Martinborough restaurant. Please note parts of this tour is not available for younger than 18 years (wine tastings).
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
Reviewed By Hannahpallikaros
We recently had the privilege of experiencing a Kaewa Tour with the one and only, Tom. Tom was a fantastic host who made sure we got to Martinborough safely, learnt along the way and had fun. The well thought out day had plenty of time built in for each vineyard and even included a private vineyard tour and incredible lunch at Moy Hall. Tom is very knowledgeable, friendly and has great relationships with the Martinborough locals. We would highly recommend Kaewa tours and are looking forward to booking in another adventure with Tom.
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