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Martinborough Getaway by Train – Two night package

Martinborough’s colonial charm and proximity to over 20 vineyards has been luring Kiwi’s from all over New Zealand to escape, sip Pinot Noir, taste in its gourmet delights and be charmed by the picturesque region.

You start your short break at the Wellington Railway Station, boarding the train on the Wairapapa Line for your scenic one hour journey to Featherston.

Martinborough sits along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – a popular touring route for wine and food enthusiasts, and during your stay you’ll meet local winemakers, sample wines and experience the culture of Martinborough and the stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside.

You’ll be driven to the Wairarapa’s south coast, through the unique fishing village of Ngawi, and past seal colonies until you arrive at the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, the southern-most point of the North Island.

Tour Highlights

  • Train journey on the Wairapapa Line through the 8.8km Rimutaka Tunnel
  • A vineyard tour through the vines, see the wine-making process and finish in the barrel rooms at an award winning vineyard tasting wines as you go
  • Fully chauffeured in a luxury vehicle by a knowledgeable local guide well versed in wine and the regions history
  • Learn the history of the town and development of the vineyards along the way
  • A two-course wine matched lunch at an acclaimed vineyard restaurant
  • Visit at least two boutique vineyards and a larger gold award winning winery.
  • Be driven in our luxury 6 seater VW or 11 seater Hiace Van over some of the youngest land in New Zealand. Pushed up out of the sea by plate movement this soft rock has eroded into fantastic shapes.
  • Drive through the Ngawi fishing village
  • Marvel at the weird and wonderful rock formations caused by the strong Cook Strait winds and weather.
  • Great photo opportunities all along this coast.
  • On the way see the colonies of seals that live and bask along this coastline.
  • Climb up to the Cape Palliser Light house and enjoy stupendous views over Cook Strait to the South Island, (optional climb).
  • Visit the historic Lake Ferry Hotel for lunch.

Tour Options

Check out these other packages to Martinborough departing Wellington:

Duration: 3 Days

Price: From $915 NZD

Departure From: Wellington

Departure Date: Daily Departures

Tour Type: Short Break

Meal Plan: Selected Meals

Physical Grading: 2

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Please note: Your specialist wine tour operator will be confirmed upon booking your tour and may not be the same one as featured in this video.

Tour Inclusions

  • Return transfers to/from Featherston train station
  • 2 night’s accommodation at the Martinborough Hotel in a Petit Room
  • Martinborough In A Day Tour in a fully chauffeured vehicle
  • Includes: vineyard tour, tasting fees, lunch, coffee/tea, olive grove tour and taste, local guide and luxury vehicle.
  • Pinot to Palliser Tour in a luxury 6 seater VW or 11 seater Hiace Van
  • Includes: Morning coffee, Lunch at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel and a glass of wine and beverages and one vineyard tasting.
  • Complimentary pick up and dropoff at your accommodation for both tours.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person twin share, subject to availability
  • Wairarapa Metlink Train Wellington to Featherston – from NZD $30 return (payable direct)
  • You can buy Metlink train tickets from selected stations and ticket agents (see hours and locations on the Metlink website), using standard payment methods. Single trip tickets, can be purchased on the trains with cash only.  LOCO Journeys will advise you on schedules and any service updates.
  • Must be 18+ to book the Martinborough In A Day Tour and Pinot to Palliser (min 2 pax)
  • Duration of the tours is approx 6 hours 10.30am – 4.30pm (flexible with included train transfers)
  • Accommodation is based on room only – breakfast can be added for NZD $25 per person per day.
  • A surcharge of NZD $21 per person per night twin share applies for Friday/ Saturday stays.
  • A surcharge applies for travel from 01 November 2020, please contact LOCO for details
  • Single supplements available on request
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Wellington to Martinborough
Your journey begins at the Wellington Railway Station, where you will board the Wairapapa Line to Featherston. Sit back and relax and enjoy the stunning views of Wellington Harbour as you travel towards the Hutt Valley. You'll pass through the 8.8km long Rimutaka Tunnel before disembarking at Featherston Station. Here you will be met and transferred onto your fully chauffeured exclusive wine tour. This unique and exclusive wine tour takes you behind the scenes, often where the general public can't access. Your friendly, knowledgeable wine tour host, will ensure your day is pleasurable and enlightening. You will have the opportunity to taste regional cuisine and sample wines, meet local winemakers and growers and experience the culture of Martinborough including a visit to an olive oil producer. Complete your day with a favoured Tree to Table tour at an Olive Grove. Stroll around the grove with the owner then taste a range of their superb oils. At the end of the tour we guarantee you will know a lot more about Olive Oil and be more discerning in your future purchases of it. At the end of the day you will be dropped off at your accommodation for the night.
Today you'll be picked up at your accommodation for a day sightseeing on your exclusive Pinot to Palliser tour. You might want to start the day with a coffee at a café in Martinborough or, when open, at the Land Girl Café in the old blacksmith shop in Pirinoa (usually summer only.) You'll be driven through the Ngawi fishing village with its fishing boats and bulldozers used to help launch and return the fishing fleet. Marvel at the weird and wonderful rock formations along the way that have been caused by the strong Cook Strait winds and weather. There are great photo opportunities all the way! Colonies of seals live and bask along this coastline, and there are often views of the Kaikoura mountain range in the South Island. Arriving at the Cape Palliser, you have the option to climb up to the Light house and enjoy stupendous views over Cook Strait to the South Island. You stop for lunch at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel. Situated on the shores of Lake Onoke, overlooking Palliser Bay, the Lake Ferry Hotel is one of the oldest licensed hotels in New Zealand. Once back in Martinborough enjoy a visit to a local vineyard and experience their line up of wines before being dropped back at your accommodation.
This morning after you check out of your accommodation you will be transferred back to the Featherston Railway Station to board your train for the journey back to Wellington

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.