Martinborough & Wild Coast: Wine, Seals & Lighthouse Day Trip

Summary

Wine country flavors meet wild coastlines from wellington to cape palliser

You’ll cross misty ranges from Wellington into Martinborough for wine tasting and lunch at a vineyard before heading out along wild coastal roads to see seals near Ngawi and climb Cape Palliser Lighthouse. With local stories along the way and dinner by Lake Onoke included, this day trip mixes flavors with big landscapes—leaving you with salty hair and full heart.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Remutaka Ranges to smell so green — like wet moss and cold air, even through the car window. Our guide, Steve (born and raised in Wellington, quick with stories), slowed down at the summit so we could take it in. It was windy enough to steal your hat. He pointed out the way the clouds moved over the hills — “That’s classic Wairarapa weather for you,” he said, grinning. I just nodded, still trying to pronounce “Remutaka” right.

We stopped in Greytown first — Schoc Chocolate sits in this tiny cottage that looks like it should be in a storybook. Murray, who runs it, let us taste chocolate I’d never think to put together (lime and chilli? Sea salt?). I picked up a bar for later. The cheese shop was next — honestly, I don’t remember which cheese I liked best because I was distracted by the smell of fresh bread somewhere nearby. Then Martinborough: vineyards that go on forever, sun on my face, glasses clinking. Lunch came with a sauvignon blanc that tasted like summer grass. Steve told us how this area used to be all sheep farms before wine took over.

The drive out toward Ngawi felt endless but in a good way — empty roads, sheep everywhere (seriously everywhere), and then suddenly there’s ocean and wind that feels like it could knock you sideways. We saw seals lounging around like they owned the place; one barked when we got too close but mostly they just ignored us. Steve pointed out the Putangirua Pinnacles from the van — apparently some Lord of the Rings scene was filmed there but honestly I was more interested in how weirdly quiet it felt outside except for gulls.

The steps up to Cape Palliser Lighthouse looked worse than they are — 252 is what they say but it goes fast if you stop halfway and pretend you’re admiring the view (which is true). At the top: sea everywhere, wind roaring in your ears, nothing else around except red-and-white stripes and that feeling you get when you’ve really gone as far as you can go. Dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel after all that salt air tasted better than usual — fish and chips with a cold beer while everyone compared photos on their phones. Still thinking about that view from up top though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Martinborough wine and coastal tour

• Drive over Remutaka Ranges
• Enjoy views from Remutaka summit
• Visit C'est Cheese for tasting
• Sample chocolates at Schoc Chocolate
• Wine tasting and lunch at Martinborough winery
• Drive by Putangirua Pinnacles
• Climb Cape Palliser Lighthouse steps
• Dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel

Top questions

How long is the Martinborough Wine & Wild Coast tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included on this day trip?

Yes, hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off are included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Lunch at a vineyard restaurant and dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel are both included.

Do we visit any wineries in Martinborough?

Yes, wine tastings at boutique Martinborough wineries are part of the itinerary.

Is there much walking involved?

A moderate amount of walking is involved, including uneven surfaces and steps up to Cape Palliser Lighthouse.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

The reference content doesn’t specify dietary options; contact operator for details.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Wine tasting fees plus one drink each at lunch and dinner are included for guests aged 18+.

What wildlife might we see on this tour?

You’ll visit New Zealand’s largest permanent seal colony near Ngawi village.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for wind or rain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle with live commentary from your local guide, all wine tasting fees at Martinborough wineries plus lunch with wine at a vineyard restaurant, chocolate and cheese tastings as available, entry to all stops including Cape Palliser Lighthouse climb, dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel with one drink, and plenty of time for photos before returning in the evening.