Explore Martinborough's vineyards by bike with Green Jersey
This Wairarapa wine village is a place best explored by pedal power - and Green Jersey’s got a bike, tandem or rickshaw with your name on it
It all started with 15 bicycles on a trailer parked outside Martinborough’s BP petrol station. Green Jersey is now a thriving local business with 500 seats on a range of different bikes, offering great fun in the valley of the Wairarapa.
Green Jersey Explorer Tours began with Stu Edwards after he moved to Carterton and was looking for a part time project to keep him occupied. A lover of cycling, and seeing the increasing interest in the activity, he started his small business focusing on the budding town of Martinborough.
The business grew to another level when Joe Howells came onboard. Joe added a workshop space and more bikes into the equation. Green Jersey quickly went from 40 to 150 bikes in 2-3 months, and today are at 500 seats with a diverse fleet of bikes, including rickshaw, tandem and multi-person options, e-bikes and more. The team continues to focus on Martinborough cycle hire, and has also extended their offerings to include guided tours of the Remutaka Cycle Trail and other areas throughout the country.
To hire a bike and cruise through Martinborough is arguably the best way to experience this both peaceful and bustling town. The Green Jersey shed is centrally located with affordable prices and friendly staff. Once you’re kitted out with your bike of choice, you can explore the village square and surrounding areas.
The town has changed a lot in recent years, and continues to grow. The one thing that doesn’t change is the atmosphere - it’s an idyllic, quaint village surrounded by some of the best vineyards in the country. With 20 cellar doors open to the public all within cycling distance, and numerous eateries in the village, there’s a lot to explore.
At the end of the highway, Martinborough has wide and quiet roads that are ideal for cycling, so you can take your time to soak up the scenery and go at your own pace. With Green Jersey’s custom map in hand, the only problem is choosing a vineyard from the plethora of options. If you want to buy wine to take home, no problem, the Green Jersey team will pick up the wine for you to collect when you’re done.
While Green Jersey Explorer Tours continues to grow alongside the town, what underpins the business is it’s philosophy. The team maintains a steadfast focus on offering a safe, fun and relaxed time; making sure sustainability is always front and centre; and welcoming everyone, regardless of age, interests or background, to get involved.
We had a wonderful afternoon with a great guide touring three vineyards and an olive oil producer in a rickshaw. We visited Schubert, Moy Hall and Cambridge Road wineries - all welcoming, with time to sit out, taste the wines and enjoy the vineyard views.
Tripadvisor review, May 2020
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