Cross the Remutaka Ranges into Wairarapa for an eight‑hour loop of cheese, wine, beer, olive oil and chocolate tastings. Meet makers, tour a vineyard, and sit down to a tapas‑style cellar door lunch.
Cross the Remutaka Ranges into Wairarapa for an eight‑hour loop of cheese, wine, beer, olive oil and chocolate tastings. Meet makers, tour a vineyard, and sit down to a tapas‑style cellar door lunch.
A low, wind-swept road climbs over the Remutaka Ranges, and the bus windows frame a slow change from Wellington’s urban edge to broad pastoral valleys. By the time the vehicle eases into Wairarapa, vines line low stone walls and a different pace takes hold: the day becomes a sequence of tastes and local stories.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Zozo Travel - Tours of Wellington. Scenic, Winery, Brewery and Foodie Tours · Martinborough, Wellington Region
A low, wind-swept road climbs over the Remutaka Ranges, and the bus windows frame a slow change from Wellington’s urban edge to broad pastoral valleys. By the time the vehicle eases into Wairarapa, vines line low stone walls and a different pace takes hold: the day becomes a sequence of tastes and local stories.
The itinerary threads through Featherston and Martinborough, towns shaped by 19th-century settlement and a farming economy that shifted to boutique production over recent decades. The region’s geology—gravelly alluvial soils deposited by ancient rivers—helps explain why pinot noirs and chardonnays thrive here; olive trees and market gardens also find a foothold on the free‑draining terraces.
Guests move between five artisan producers: a specialty cheese shop for plated tastings, a winemaker‑led vineyard tour and tapas lunch at a cellar door, a craft brewery paddle, an olive grove with oil‑tasting techniques, and a chocolate maker for a dessert tasting. Owners and staff typically lead small groups, showing hands-on processes from milking and curd to crush and press.
Practicalities: the full day runs about eight hours with hotel pickup in Wellington or central Martinborough; private vehicle and tasting fees are included. Wear comfortable shoes for short gravel or vineyard walks, bring a reusable water bottle, and pace alcohol sampling—designate a driver if needed. Note the minimum drinking age in New Zealand is 18 and advise dietary restrictions at booking. Expect casual dress, close access to producers, and a steady tempo of tasting, tasting notes, and conversation that makes the region’s craft scene easy to understand and enjoy.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to stand and walk short distances on uneven surfaces throughout the day
The tour runs about eight hours and typically includes hotel pickup and drop‑off in Wellington or central Martinborough—confirm pickup details at booking.
Yes; tasting fees across producers and a tapas‑style cellar door lunch are included in the tour pricing.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers; minors may attend but should be supervised and will not be served alcohol—check operator policy before booking.
Yes—advise any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking so hosts can provide suitable options.
Martinborough was established in the late 19th century and later reinvented itself as a boutique wine and food region; the grid layout of the town reflects its planned settlement origins.
Many vineyards and olive growers here practice low‑intervention farming and water‑sensitive land use; visitors should stick to paths and avoid disturbing vines and trees.
Zozo Travel - Tours of Wellington. Scenic, Winery, Brewery and Foodie Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A low, wind-swept road climbs over the Remutaka Ranges, and the bus windows frame a slow change from Wellington’s urban edge to broad pastoral valleys. By the time the vehicle eases into Wairarapa, vines line low stone walls and a different pace takes hold: the day becomes a sequence of tastes and local stories.
A low, wind-swept road climbs over the Remutaka Ranges, and the bus windows frame a slow change from Wellington’s urban edge to broad pastoral valleys. By the time the vehicle eases into Wairarapa, vines line low stone walls and a different pace takes hold: the day becomes a sequence of tastes and local stories.
The itinerary threads through Featherston and Martinborough, towns shaped by 19th-century settlement and a farming economy that shifted to boutique production over recent decades. The region’s geology—gravelly alluvial soils deposited by ancient rivers—helps explain why pinot noirs and chardonnays thrive here; olive trees and market gardens also find a foothold on the free‑draining terraces.
Guests move between five artisan producers: a specialty cheese shop for plated tastings, a winemaker‑led vineyard tour and tapas lunch at a cellar door, a craft brewery paddle, an olive grove with oil‑tasting techniques, and a chocolate maker for a dessert tasting. Owners and staff typically lead small groups, showing hands-on processes from milking and curd to crush and press.
Practicalities: the full day runs about eight hours with hotel pickup in Wellington or central Martinborough; private vehicle and tasting fees are included. Wear comfortable shoes for short gravel or vineyard walks, bring a reusable water bottle, and pace alcohol sampling—designate a driver if needed. Note the minimum drinking age in New Zealand is 18 and advise dietary restrictions at booking. Expect casual dress, close access to producers, and a steady tempo of tasting, tasting notes, and conversation that makes the region’s craft scene easy to understand and enjoy.