wine tours wellington new zealand

SUSTAINABILITY

Exclusive & informative Martinborough wine tasting tours.

Matthew and Linden and our other Martinborough based tour guides Trinity, Karen and Lee invite you to have a wine tour experience that you'll find both fun and interesting. See the details of the various tours listed below.

You can book and pay online for the Half Day and Full Day tours. And you can also purchase gift vouchers online for all our tours without having to choose a tour date.

Getting to Martinborough from Wellington by train

PLEASE NOTE that all Wairarapa trains will be replaced by buses between 26 December and Sunday 9 February 2025. Until then:

The midweek trains leave Wellington at 8.21 am and arrive in Featherston at 9.21. The return train leaves Featherston at 4.18 pm and arrives in Wellington at 5.18pm.

If you book a midweek wine tour with a Featherston Station pickup we will be there to meet you at 9.21 and take you into Martinborough so you can eat and/or shop before your tour starts later. We will have you back to catch the return train at 4.18 pm.

If you book a weekend wine tour the trains leave Wellington at 9.55 am and arrive in Featherston at 10.55 am. If you are on a full day tour we take you straight to your first vineyard from the train. We have you back to Featherston to catch the return train at 5.25 pm.

It's winter and pruning is nearly finished. We've had some frosts.

Choose from, half day and full day wine tasting tours.

For groups of people or just the two of you, our half day wine tour is a fantastic way to sample four Martinborough vineyards and their line-ups of award winning wines.

We also have a full day wine tasting tour which takes you to at least 5 vineyards and includes a vineyard platter for lunch.

Pinot to Palliser Tour

Be driven through picturesque countryside to the south east coast of the North Island.

We drive through the unique fishing village of Ngawi, past seal colonies, to the iconic Palliser Bay Lighthouse. We have lunch at the Lake Ferry Hotel and once back in Martinborough we visit an award winning vineyard for an end of day wine tasting.

Martinborough in a Day Tour

Enjoy an interesting and and diverse full day tour of Martinborough - meeting local identities and experiencing the culture of the region with vineyard and winery tours, informative wine tastings, delicious cuisine, and maybe a visit to a local olive oil producer.

Ultimate Wine and Food Tour

A private tour with an emphasis on  food as well as Martinborough's world famous wines. This tour includes a two course lunch with wine and is customised to include other options of your choice such as local olive oil, gin, cheese and craft beer.

Martinborough Wine Tours

Couldn't recommend this company more highly. Our office held its Christmas party in Martinborough, and Matthew took all of the stress out of planning. He arranged our bus, our vineyards and a delicious lunch. We had many requests such as games and biking between vineyards and he made it all happen.

Kim, Wellington

To read more reviews please view our google business profile ..

We have done tours around the world so have experience of both good and bad. Matthew gave us a fantastic day. Great wines and food accompanied by some charming narrative - what is it not to like? Many thanks for a memorable day out.

Peter, UK, January 2020

We went to 4 wineries, though all of the region, the selections were very different. I think we got a good overview of the different varietals. Our guide, Trinity, was very informative about the region and its history, even brought several varieties of wine grapes for us to taste.

Carmen, USA, March 2020

We had a wonderful day. Our host was Karen and she certainly knew her stuff. We learned lots about Martinborough and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Karen, June 2023

It was very enjoyable from start to finish and our lovely tour guide Lee was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to have with us. Would recommend this tour to anyone who visits Martinborough!!

Stephen, May 2023

Is your group looking for the best things to do in Wellington?  On one of our private tours you can see them all.  Contact us on [email protected] today!

Martinborough gourmet wine tour, sightsee wellington, palliser bay - seals & coastal fun, group bookings.

Is your group looking for the best things to do in Wellington? 

On a Hammonds Wellington private tour you can see them all. 

We'll take you to Wellington’s top spots; you can drink some of Martinborough’s finest wine and view Palliser Bay’s cutest seals. 

Love Nature? We partner with Zealandia. Film buff? Check out Weta Workshop with us.  Enjoy history? Discover our national Museum, Te Papa. All while having fun with your local kiwi guide.

Proudly part of The Tranzit Group

Explore Wellington in your native language.

"Great tour if you are new to Wellington - gives you a broad picture of where you might like to focus during your stay. Our tour guide was excellent - highly recommended. " - Tripadvisor Member

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Top 10 summer activities in the North Island

Looking for summer fun in the North Island? From sunny beaches to thrilling outdoor adventures, here are ten top activities to make the most of your summer getaway.

1. Relax in natural hot pools

Hot Water Beach Coromandel , Rotorua

By Matt Crawford

Dig your own hot spring pool at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula.

During low tide, using a spade you can create a warm, natural spa right on the sand. 

Or head further north to Ngawha Springs , in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland. Māori have used these springs for hundreds of years.

The iwi (tribe) Ngapuhi believe the waters have an ancient energy that will revitalise your senses, while the minerals relax your body.

Discover hot pools

2. Hike the Waitākere Ranges

Walking in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland

By Tourism New Zealand

Explore the captivating  Waitākere Ranges , a stunning natural sanctuary located just west of Auckland.

This expansive regional park boasts lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas over the Tasman Sea. With an extensive network of walking and hiking trails, the Waitākere Ranges offer something for everyone, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks.

Discover the diverse native flora and fauna, including iconic kauri trees and native birds. 

Discover lush rainforests

3. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Blue Lakes, Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu

By Destination Lake Taupo

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , one of New Zealand’s most iconic hikes and a true adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

This challenging trek spans 19.4 kilometers across a dramatic volcanic landscape, showcasing some of the country’s most awe-inspiring scenery.

As you ascend through rugged terrain, you'll encounter striking features such as the vibrant Red Crater, the emerald-colored Emerald Lakes, and the desolate, otherworldly moonscapes of the alpine desert.

The crossing gives an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty of New Zealand's volcanic heartland.

Discover Tongariro

4. Canoe Whanganui awa (river)

Canoeing safari, Whanganui

By Ian Trafford

Canoeing down the Whanganui River with Owhango Adventures is a journey like no other, providing an authentic connection to one of New Zealand's most scenic and historically significant waterways.

Guided by local Māori, you'll paddle through landscapes rich with cultural significance, surrounded by lush native bush, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

The river, steeped in Māori history and legend, invites you to explore its peaceful currents and hidden stories.

After a day on the water, you can enhance your experience by staying at a Marae, where you'll be welcomed into a traditional setting that deepens your understanding of this sacred land. 

Discover Whanganui Journey

5. Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa in Rotorua , Bay of Plenty

By Graeme Murray

Discover the geothermal marvels of Rotorua , a city where the earth's raw power is on full display.

Wander through landscapes filled with bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers, and vibrant hot springs that showcase the unique geothermal activity, otherworldly beauty and the rich history that surrounds these natural wonders.

After a day of adventure, indulge in a relaxing soak at the renowned Wai Ariki , where the healing waters will rejuvenate your body and spirit.

For a deeper connection to the area's heritage, visit Te Puia , where you can witness traditional Māori cultural performances, learn about ancient customs, and marvel at the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Discover Rotorua

6. Be captivated by the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo glowworm Caves, Waikato

By Corin Walker Bain

Explore the Waitomo Caves , where thousands of glowworms light up the underground passages with a soft, natural glow.

On a guided boat tour,  you'll drift through these dark, quiet caverns, witnessing a unique sight that can only be found in New Zealand.

The calm waters and gently glowing lights are an memorable experience, especially during the hot summer months when the caves give a refreshing escape. 

Discover Waitomo glow worm caves

7. Spot endangered species

Family at Zealandia, Wellington

By Camilla Rutherford

Explore Zealandia , New Zealand’s groundbreaking conservation project located in the heart of Wellington.

This expansive wildlife sanctuary offers a unique chance to witness a diverse array of native flora and fauna in a stunning, natural setting. Wander through lush, native forests and spot rare and endangered species such as the kiwi, tuatara, and saddleback.

Marvel at the impressive efforts to restore New Zealand’s ecosystems, including the reintroduction of species like the North Island kākā and the pōpokotea (whitehead). Zealandia provides an immersive experience making it a must-do experience visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Discover Zealandia

8. Visit the Hobbiton™ set

Hobbiton, Waikato

By Miles Holden

Step into the enchanting world of Middle‑earth™ with a visit to Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours , located just outside Matamata.

This immersive tour offers you the chance to wander through the stunning film set that brought J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved tales to life in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies.

As you stroll through the idyllic village, you'll find yourself surrounded by the charming Hobbit holes, lush gardens, and quaint buildings that make up this iconic location.

The guided tour provides fascinating insights into the making of the films and the intricate details that went into creating this magical world - and now you can even tour inside two hobbit holes making for great pictures.

Discover Hobbiton™

9. Take a trip around Lake Taupō

Kayaking on Lake Taupō , Taupō

Experience the thrill of kayaking on Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, where adventure and tranquility meet.

Taupō Kayak Adventures have kayak tours from 2 hours to a full day where you glide across the pristine waters while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Or explore the impressive Māori rock carvings with  Chris Jolly Outdoors , who can add depth with cultural significance to your journey.

Discover kayaking

10. Take a wine tour in Hawke’s Bay

Craggy Range Winery, Havelock North, Hawke's Bay

Delight in the flavors of New Zealand with a wine tour in Hawke’s Bay , a region renowned for its exceptional vineyards.

Explore celebrated wineries Te Mata Estate , known for its award-winning reds, and Craggy Range , which offers stunning views and top-tier wines.

As you travel across the lush landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a selection of local wines, each offering a unique glimpse into the area’s rich viticultural heritage paired with gourmet cuisine.

Discover wineries in Hawke's Bay

Find summer activities in the North Island

Next on your journey.

Top 10 summer activities in the South Island long-arrow-right

Seasons in New Zealand long-arrow-right

Plan your trip long-arrow-right

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email