Cycling Martinborough

Cycling Martinborough: wineries, good food and authenticity

Nestled in the Wairarapa Valley, the village of Martinborough has an authentic kiwi back-country feel, rural and colonial at the same time with its historic buildings. Renowned for its boutique wine production, the region is the perfect destination for both epicureans and nature lovers.

A great activity to discover the hidden treasures of this area is cycling. The region is pretty flat and offers an ideal playground for a leisurely day-out on a bike. Our local partner owns about 200 bicycles, including electric bikes, and will be delighted to share their knowledge for you to make the best of the day.

Their most popular tour includes a 2-hour guided introduction to Martinborough and its surroundings, to show you the essential landmarks. You will then be free to pedal on your own through the village. This introduction includes a visit of two local producers: a winery and an olive grove.

With about 20 vineyards, several olive farms and many craft shops, the village offers a colourful mix of local gems, in a unique atmosphere.  We highly recommend a lunch at the Poppies Winery, where you will be served great food on top of their excellent house wines. The hospitality here is unique with the hosts putting on a show during the wine tasting! You will not forget their cheese and cured meats platters.

For some travellers, the 2-hour introduction is enough for a good feel of the area. In this case, don’t hesitate to hop in your car and venture a bit further. The road towards Cape Palisser, the southern-most point of the North Island, offers a journey away from it all in untouched territory. Near the Cape’s iconic lighthouse, you can go and watch a NZ fur-seal colony, and on the way don’t miss out on a stop at the Putangirua Pinacles, where several Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed.