Martinborough is a town in the South Wairarapa District, in the Wellington region on the North Island. Just over and hour’s drive from Wellington, it is a great day trip destination from the capital.

A ‘wine village’, Martinborough is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Local pinot noir and excellent restaurants promise to ease you into a very happy state of mind.

Packed with colonial charm, Martinborough features over 20 wineries, most within cycling and walking distance of the quaint village square. Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from the town’s predominately family-owned vineyards. So, it’s not surprising it is a key stop on the Wine Trail.

Guided wine tours and self-guided cycling tours are available. And several bike hire companies can be found in the village. Simply pick up a map from the local visitors centre. And try a hike around the Patuna Chasm Walkway to counteract the effects of over-indulgence.