What to do in Marty.
Guests often ask us for recommendations on things to see, do and experience in Martinborough, so we've brought together some of our favourites in one place.
Our restaurants: Karahui and Tōhi.
Our accommodation: The Chambers (The Verdict and The Advocate), Lismore House and Lismore Barn.
Beyond our own businesses, these are places and experiences we genuinely recommend. No paid placements, just local favourites we think are worth knowing about. Choose as many or as few as you'd like, and the site will put together a personalised summary to help you make the most of your time in Martinborough.
Trip builder
What's the occasion?
Optional, but it shapes the planStay with us
A list of our accommodationEat and drink with us
Our restaurantsThings to do
What we recommend to our guests. Pick as many as you likePlaces to eat and drink
Karahui and Tōhi are ours. Pick favourites, or we'll suggest someYour trip
Your summary
Everything you've picked, with rough distances and driving times from Martinborough, and how to get in touch. Times are approximate.
Getting here
- Drive
About an hour and a bit from Wellington over the Remutaka Hill. Check road conditions before you set off.
- Train
The Wairarapa Line runs from Wellington to Featherston, about an hour. From Featherston it's a 20-minute shuttle or taxi to Martinborough, so nobody has to drive after the wine. Metlink train timetable →
- Fly
Fly into Wellington, then drive, take the train or book a transfer over the hill.
- Shuttle transfersWai ShuttlesWellington Airport transfers from Martinborough and Featherstonwaishuttles.co.nzGreen Jersey and Remutaka ShuttlesClaremont CabsLocal rides and vineyard runs around towntheclaremont.co.nz
- Helicopter
For something special, Wellington Helicopters does charters and transfers from Wellington city or the airport. Ask them about landing in Martinborough. Wellington Helicopters →
Useful links
- Martinborough weatherMetService forecast
- Remutaka Hill road conditionsNZTA traffic and travel
- Destination Wairarapa: MartinboroughThe regional tourism office's listings, for anything we haven't covered
- Eat, drink, stay packagesDinner at Karahui, a night at The Chambers, in one booking
Local shops and services
A few locals we send our guests to.
- Taxi
Claremont Cabs. Local rides around town and out to the vineyards.
- Breakfast
Neighbourhood Coffee House. Breakfast, good coffee and cabinet food on the square. For an early start, Kitchener's: early breakfasts and all things local. Where the locals go.
- Yoga
Love & Core. Yoga, Pilates and massage in a converted shed among the vines.
- Massage
Pure Massage, 60 Jellicoe Street. Thai, deep tissue, hot stone and couples massage.
- Hair
Coop Salon, 4 Kitchener Street. Book online. Or Le Coiffeur Hair Boutique in the village for French and New Zealand hairdressing and beauty, Monday to Saturday with late nights.
- Māori healing
Two Hands Traditional Māori Healing & Bodywork, Featherston. Mirimiri and romiromi.
- Bakery
The Martinborough Bakery. The best French baguette or dark sourdough in town.
- Cinema
Circus Cinema. Boutique cinema with a restaurant and bar, on Jellicoe Street, a short walk from the square.
Plan around an event
Dates are set by the organisers each year. Book stays early; town fills up.
- January
Cruise Martinborough. Hot rods, classic and muscle cars take over town for four days, Wednesday to Saturday. Next: 27 to 30 January 2027.
- Feb & Mar
Martinborough Fair. The Rotary craft fair, with 500+ stallholders from around New Zealand around the square, rain or shine. First Saturday of February and March. Next: 6 February and 6 March 2027.
- August
Pour & Explore Martinborough. A month-long winter celebration: candle-lit tastings, art installations and food trails. 2027 dates to be announced.
- September
Jazz in Martinborough. Swingtime in Springtime: a weekend of jazz at the Town Hall and around town, usually the first weekend of September. 2027 dates to be announced.
- September
Martinborough Music Festival. Chamber music over a weekend at the Town Hall. Save the date: 19 to 21 September 2027; programme out around May.
- November
Toast Martinborough. The big one: wine, food and music across the vineyards, on the third Sunday of November. Next: Sunday 15 November 2026. Tickets go on sale mid-year and sell out, so book your stay the day you get them.