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Only an hour by car or train from Wellington is the wine region of Wairarapa. One of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations, the region is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Sample premium wines from the regions’ vineyards, and try everything from country cooking to haute cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants. With over 36 wineries nestled around the square in the central boutique town of Martinborough, it’s the place for those with a palate for fine wine, food, exploring and relaxing! A day visit or an overnight stay is the perfect complement to your visit to Wellington.

Top ten

1. Discover boutique family owned vineyards on foot or by bike around the charming wine village of Martinborough.
2. Visit Richmond Garden, a formal Italianate garden and only one of four in New Zealand to have international status.
3. Enjoy a glass of Wairarapa pinot noir over lunch at a vineyard café or with dinner at an award-winning restaurant.
4. Indulge in Greytown, a Victorian country village with gourmet chocolate, a French pastry, superb coffee and stylish shopping.
5. Say hi to a kiwi and other rare New Zealand birds such as the takahe and kokako at Pukaha Mt Bruce. Their daily kea feeding is great too.
6. Check out some of New Zealand’s best wines from the family-owned vineyards around Martinborough. Follow the wine trail and do a wine-tasting tour, but don’t forget the olive groves!
7. Head to Palliser Bay, and see the spooky Putangirua Pinnacles, get a pic with the photogenic fur seals and the Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
8. Spend an afternoon in Masterton. Don’t miss the art and culture at Aratoi, tranquility at Queen Elizabeth Park and displays on sheep farming at the New Zealand Shear Discovery Centre. There’s also a fantastic Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning.
9. Get active on the coast - Riversdale and Castlepoint have the best swimming, surfing and fishing beaches on the coast.
10. Off SH2, there are rolling hills, lush valleys and vineyards. Drive out to Gladstone and stop for a bite at the Gladstone Inn or the café at Gladstone Vineyard. 

Check out the fantastic offerings right on Wellington’s doorstep. Learn all about Hutt Valley, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.