Martinborough - North Island, New Zealand

Martinborough, 18 kms southeast of Featherston, has over the past 20 years been transformed from a rural farming town to the heart of the wine region associated with some of New Zealand's finest wines.

The weekends see a huge influx of citysiders from nearby Wellington who come to visit the nearly 2 dozen vineyards in and around Greytown and the popular cafes and restaurants that have sprung up to cater to these visitors.

The town was laid out in 1870s by John Martin who arranged the town streets in the form of the Union Jack. The town shot to prominence when the first four wineries, Ata Rangi, Dry River, Chifney and Martinborough, set up shop here, catapulting Martinborough to the elevated status of best grape growing region in the North Island.

Martinborough Activities

Martinborough is popular not just for its viticulture (the cultivation of grapes) but also for its wide array of festivals. The first summer festival is the Toast Martinborough specifically for wine lovers, with all vineyards open and free bus tours.

The best restaurants in Martinborough and Wellington have their culinary treats on display. It is an exclusive event and tickets are hard to get. This is held in November every year.

More country style festivals are the two Martinborough fairs held in February and March every year. The entire town comes alive and every street is lined with stalls selling arts and craft items.

The visitor centre on Kitchener St is where the buses from Wellington drop off visitors. Tranz Metro commuter trains from Wellington also drop off passengers close by. Bike rentals are available. There is a library on Jellicoe St.

Martinborough Accommodation

There is decent accommodation more slanted towards the middle and upper priced bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and homestays set in rural surroundings. There are also a variety of self-contained cottages available for hire starting mid-week or on weekends.

There are lots of eating options with about a dozen good restaurants in Martinborough.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Martinborough accommodation and Martinborough activities bookings and allow you and your family to savour the best the Martinborough region has on offer.