The 5 Best Tours In Martinborough

Martinborough is a small town in New Zealand’s North Island that punches well above its weight when it comes to wine, food, and outdoor adventures. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring on your own or with a guided tour, and the region’s scenic vineyards, charming villages, and coastal sights offer something for every type of traveler. We especially love the self-guided bike tour for its flexibility and intimacy, and the guided coastal trip for those wanting a bit more adventure. Whether you prefer tasting top-tier wines, cycling through lush countryside, or taking in ocean views, Martinborough has a tour that fits.

For a balanced view, we’ve curated a list of the best tours in Martinborough, based on reviews, uniqueness, and value for money. From laid-back wine tastings to full-day coastal explorations, these options give you an authentic taste of what this region has to offer.

Quick Overview

Our list includes self-guided wine bike tours, food and wine day trips from Wellington, guided coastal excursions to Cape Palliser, private wine tours, and a wildlife center visit. Each offers a distinct way to experience Martinborough—whether you want to pedal through vineyards, learn about winemaking, or see rare wildlife. For more details, check out the individual links.

1. Self Guided Martinborough Wineries Bike Tour

This self-guided bike tour takes you along picturesque country roads to visit some of New Zealand’s top boutique wineries. For around $56, you get a flexible, independent experience that lasts from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how leisurely you want to go. The tour includes a pickup at a central location and the bikes come with baskets, making it easy to carry your wine tastings and picnic supplies.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized pace — you can stop as often as you like, learn about the region’s winemaking heritage, and sample some well-known wines. The stops include Te Kairanga Wines, where you can enjoy tastings in beautiful surroundings, and Olivo, a lovely olive grove with oils perfect for gifts. Plus, lunch is included, with vegetarian options available, making it ideal for a romantic outing or just a day of relaxed exploration.

Reviewers rave about the freedom to set your own pace and the convenience of included lunch and bikes. The only real drawback is that if you’re not used to cycling, a shorter ride may be best to avoid fatigue.

Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine wine tasting with some fresh air and flexibility.

2. Martinborough Wine and Food Tour with Lunch from Wellington

For a full-day experience, the Martinborough Wine and Food Tour from Wellington offers a taste of everything. Starting with a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, this tour includes five wine tastings at top Martinborough wineries, plus sampling local artisan products like cheese, chocolate, and olive oil. The highlight is enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the countryside, which makes the extensive tasting stops even more memorable.

This tour is great for those who want a guided experience, with the convenience of pickup from multiple Wellington hotels. The emphasis on local food and drink gives a well-rounded view of the region’s culinary scene. The drive itself takes about an hour, with plenty of stops along the way for sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Reviews highlight the scenic drive and the variety of tastings, noting that it’s a wonderful way to relax and learn about New Zealand wines and local produce. It’s a longer, more structured option, perfect for travelers who prefer to leave the planning to someone else.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for food and wine lovers who want a guided, all-in-one experience.

3. Pinot to Palliser Tour – Guided tour to Cape Palliser with lunch + wine tasting

At number 3, the Pinot to Palliser tour offers a full day of coastal exploration with a focus on natural beauty and local flavor. This 6-hour guided tour takes you along scenic roads to the southern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, passing through the fishing village of Ngawi and visiting seal colonies and unusual land formations.

The highlight is reaching Cape Palliser, where you climb 250-plus steps to the lighthouse with panoramic sea views. Afterward, the tour includes lunch at Lake Ferry Hotel, with fresh local ingredients, and a wine tasting at a Martinborough winery to round off the day. This trip is ideal for travelers wanting to experience both the rugged coast and the wine scene in one outing.

Reviews note the stunning sea views and the well-paced itinerary, perfect for families or anyone wanting a mix of nature and wine. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, making it informative and engaging.

Bottom Line: A compelling option for those eager to combine coastal scenery with wine and local cuisine.

4. Private Martinborough Wine Tour for Wine Enthusiasts

For those who want a bespoke, in-depth wine experience, the Private Martinborough Wine Tour is hard to beat. Led by a WSET3 qualified guide, this customized tour visits five of the region’s top wineries, with opportunities to explore winery facilities, barrel tastings, and learn about wine-making philosophies.

What sets this tour apart is the personalized approach—you can tailor the itinerary based on your preferences, whether that’s focusing on Pinot Noir or exploring the art of barrel tasting. The tour typically includes lunch at a vineyard or a local eatery, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the scenery.

Reviewers praise John, the guide, for his extensive knowledge and his passion for wine. The experience often feels more like a private tasting with a friend who knows their stuff. The price reflects the premium experience, but many find it worthwhile for the depth of insight.

Bottom Line: Best suited for serious wine lovers wanting a personalized, educational experience.

5. 1 Hour Guided Tour of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

If wildlife and nature interest you, the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre offers a 1-hour guided tour through the forest with passionate rangers. While it’s not a vineyard or coastal adventure, it’s a refreshing change of pace and a great way to learn about native birds and plants.

The tour includes a visit to the visitor center, where you can see conservation efforts in action. The forest walk itself is informative and accessible—a good choice for families or those seeking a break from wine-tasting.

Though the reviews are sparse, the focus on native flora and fauna makes it an interesting educational stop for nature lovers. It’s an affordable option at just over $37 per person, making it a budget-friendly addition to your trip.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in New Zealand’s unique wildlife and ecosystems, offering a peaceful, educational experience.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting a tour in Martinborough, consider your budget, interests, and time availability. If you’re keen on a flexible, active day, the self-guided bike tour provides excellent value and freedom. For a guided, all-in-one day, the wine and food tour from Wellington is perfect. Coastal explorers may prefer the Pinot to Palliser trip for its scenic and seafood highlights, while serious wine enthusiasts will love the private wine tour with a wine educator. Wildlife lovers should consider the Pūkaha forest experience for a peaceful nature break.

Book early, especially in peak seasons, and make sure to match the tour with your fitness level and interests for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Martinborough offers a diverse range of tours that cater to wine lovers, outdoor adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. For a relaxed, independent experience, the self-guided bike tour is hard to beat. Those seeking a comprehensive day trip should consider the food and wine tour from Wellington. Nature and coastal scenery fans will find the Pinot to Palliser trip rewarding, while wine aficionados will appreciate the private, in-depth wine tour.

Whichever tour you choose, booking in advance will help ensure you get exactly the experience you’re after. Martinborough’s small size means these tours tend to fill up, so plan ahead to enjoy a memorable day in this charming wine region.