Pinot to Palliser tour: Cape Palliser lighthouse & wine tasting

A pink bulldozer sits parked in a fishing village on the way to the lighthouse.

A guided tour from Martinborough to Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island, with stops at Ngawi fishing village, the fur seal colony, and the lighthouse; lunch at Lake Ferry Hotel; and wine tasting at a rural vineyard. Pickup from Martinborough accommodation or Featherston train station is included. The tour runs 6 hours and suits all fitness levels. Minimum age is 18 for the wine tasting portion.

The experience

You're collected from your Martinborough accommodation or Featherston train station in a luxury vehicle and driven south through countryside toward the coast. The road itself is the draw here: the scenery builds as you approach the open sea, and on clear days the South Island mountains come into view across the water. The route takes you through Ngawi, a working fishing village where you'll learn about 'Babe', the iconic pink bulldozer that sits in the settlement, before the coast opens up around you.

At Cape Palliser you reach the southernmost point of the North Island. The lighthouse stands 253 steps up from the base, and if you're willing to climb them, the views from the top stretch across the open ocean and inland to the mountains. The walk is optional. The coastal scenery alone makes the stop worthwhile, and there are photo opportunities all along the cliffs whether you climb or not. You'll also pass the fur seal colony on the way.

Lunch happens at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel, where you get freshly cooked fish and chips, salad, condiments and fresh bread rolls. Vegetarian options are available. After eating, you stop for tea or coffee before heading back toward Martinborough. The tour ends at a rural vineyard where you taste their gold award-winning wines, completing the day with the pinot noir the tour is named for.

What’s included

• Pickup from Martinborough accommodation or Featherston train station.
• local guide.
• lunch of freshly cooked fish and chips, salad and bread rolls at Lake Ferry Hotel with vegetarian option available.
• tea or coffee at Lake Ferry Hotel.
• wine tasting at a rural Martinborough vineyard.
• all driving in a luxury vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Martinborough Wine Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the train option if you're arriving by rail from Wellington. If you're based in Martinborough or staying nearby, the accommodation pickup saves the trip to Featherston. The 6-hour loop works for all fitness levels, though the 253 lighthouse steps are optional and the pace is set by the group, not by a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the pink bulldozer in Ngawi that the tour mentions?

'Babe' is an iconic pink bulldozer parked in the fishing village of Ngawi, a working settlement you pass through on the drive to Cape Palliser. The guide will tell you about it as part of the tour.

Can I see the South Island from Cape Palliser lighthouse?

Yes, on a fine day you can see the mountains of the South Island from the top of the lighthouse after climbing the 253 steps. The coastal views are dramatic even if the weather is less clear.

Is lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

Lunch is included at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel and consists of freshly cooked fish and chips, salad, condiments and fresh bread rolls. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your dietary requirements when you book.

Do I have to climb the lighthouse steps?

The climb to the top of Cape Palliser lighthouse is optional. You'll visit the lighthouse either way, and the coastal scenery and photo opportunities are excellent whether you climb or stay at the base.

What wines do you taste at the end of the tour?

You taste the vineyard's line-up of gold award-winning wines at a rural winery in Martinborough. The tour focuses on pinot noir, which the region is known for.