THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the rich flavors and historic landscapes of New Zealand’s Wairarapa region on a full-day guided winery tour. Taste signature Pinot Noir and more while exploring three distinct wine districts.
Discover the rich flavors and historic landscapes of New Zealand’s Wairarapa region on a full-day guided winery tour. Taste signature Pinot Noir and more while exploring three distinct wine districts.
Book with Kaewa Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kaewa Tours · Waikanae, Wellington Region
Just a short drive northeast of Wellington, the Wairarapa region beckons with rolling vineyards, rich soils, and a deep history rooted in New Zealand’s most celebrated wines. The Full Day Wairarapa Winery Tour offers an immersive look into this vibrant wine country, covering three renowned districts – Opaki near Masterton, Gladstone, and the iconic Martinborough. Over the course of seven hours, adventure seekers and wine lovers alike experience scenic landscapes, engaging stories, and of course, tasting sessions that showcase the signature varietals that define this region.
The tour starts with a picturesque drive from Wellington, ascending the Remutaka Hill summit at 555 meters above sea level. Here, travelers pause to reflect at the Remutaka Crossing monument, a tribute to the 60,000 New Zealand soldiers who journeyed from Featherston Military Camp to Wellington’s port during World War I. This historical moment provides a meaningful break before entering the heart of Wairarapa’s vineyard country.
Opaki’s boutique vineyards reveal early glimpses of the region’s winemaking expertise, featuring family-owned estates dedicated to quality and tradition. Gladstone’s emerging wineries impress with varieties such as Syrah and Gewürztraminer, often overshadowed but demonstrating unique terroirs. Finally, Martinborough, often described as New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir hotspot, offers a sophisticated tasting lineup including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each stop includes an intimate walk through the vines with the winemakers themselves, providing rare insight into vineyard management, grape selection, and production techniques.
One of the highlights is a thoughtfully prepared platter lunch served at one of the wineries, shining a light on local produce that perfectly complements the wine flights. Throughout the day, your guide ensures the itinerary flows comfortably, including all tasting and entry fees along with spring water, so you can focus fully on savoring the experience.
This tour stands out as a premier way to engage with Wairarapa’s wine culture because of its combination of expert-led tastings, historical context, and scenic beauty. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, it brings New Zealand’s viniculture to life against a backdrop of lush countryside.
Nearby travelers typically base themselves in Wellington, making a day trip both feasible and highly rewarding. Offering a unique blend of cultural history, outdoor exploration, and epicurean discovery, the Full Day Wairarapa Winery Tour is a must for those wanting to access one of New Zealand’s most dynamic wine regions beyond the usual cellar door visits.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels as the walking is gentle and well paced.
The tour includes transport, tasting fees, lunch with a beverage, and bottled water.
Yes, please inform the operator ahead of time to arrange suitable lunch options.
No, participants must be 18 years or older to join this tour.
Walking is moderate and mostly on flat or gently sloped vineyard paths.
Yes, you can buy wines directly from the wineries visited during the tour.
Yes, pickup is flexible within Wellington for convenience.
The Remutaka Crossing monument honors soldiers’ WWI march from Featherston Military Camp to Wellington port.
Wairarapa wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable vineyard practices to protect soil and water health.
Kaewa Tours is a Waikanae-based tour operator offering private and small-group guided experiences across Wellington, the Kāpiti Coast and the South Wairarapa. Operating from the Wellington Region, Kaewa Tours specializes in curated itineraries that include city highlights, coastal scenery, vineyard visits and themed trails such as Lord of the Rings film locations. Tours range from short scenic drives and half-day city explorations to full-day winery trips and multi-day packages that include a unique home stay option on the Kāpiti Coast. Local guides Tom and Jill lead many of the trips, bringing regional knowledge, personal recommendations and hands-on hospitality to each itinerary. Several tours explicitly reference immersive experiences — such as a 3-day or 2-day regional tour, 6-hour Martinborough winery visits, and private foodie routes through Wellington and Kāpiti Coast artisan producers. Kaewa Tours focuses on delivering personalized service, flexible itineraries and direct access to small producers and scenic highlights. The business emphasizes local knowledge and tailored experiences for visitors seeking relaxed, in-depth exploration of the Wellington Region. All information presented here reflects the tours and experiences offered from Kaewa Tours’ base in Waikanae, Wellington Region.
Book with Kaewa Tours