Wellington To Martinborough Weekend Roadie

On a good day, a drive through the Remutaka Pass can be a dramatic landscape with steep ravines and loads of bush. On a not-so-good day, the road is notorious for being a challenge to navigate safely, so always drive to the conditions and keep your eyes on the (very narrow and winding) road. However, the view from the summit makes it all worth it, the lookout point blessing you with views across the mountain range and Wairarapa Valley. With a small loop track to stretch your legs on, it’s the perfect spot to have a quick break before descending to flatter pastures. See that green oasis in the distance? That’s where you’re headed.

If your battery is looking a little low after scaling the Remutaka Range, there is a handy charging station at the Featherston SuperValue which will give you a good boost for the final 20km of your journey to Martinborough.

An essential stop for any non-lactose-intolerant roadtripper, C’est Cheese is an artisan deli filled from floor to ceiling with Aotearoa’s best cheesy goodness, including its witty name. Chic and sophisticated (perhaps not what you would expect, coming into this quaint rural town), the cheese deli is one of Featherston’s biggest draw-cards, and one taste of their addictive chunks will tell you why. Make yourself a brag-worthy picnic hamper with C’est Cheese’s gourmet meats, chutneys, breads and, of course, cheese, and find a scenic spot to devour it. A few post-lunch treats from neighbouring Sweet wouldn’t go amiss either.

Sitting pretty in the heart of the Wairarapa, Martinborough is a magnetic field that attracts hundreds of wine connoisseurs (both sincere and wannabe) every day, with its prime grape-growing micro-climate. While the vines are certainly the drawing factor, there’s actually much more to this quintessential colonial town (the town centre is in the shape of a Union Jack - does it get any more patriotic than that?), with insta-worthy architecture, kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, luscious greenery and a whole lot of small-town charm. There must be something in the wine.

The beauty of Martinborough as the spot for your next cellar door crawl is the close proximity of vineyards; basically all vineyards are located on the streets that run from the town’s main square. This is great news for the oft-designated drivers among us, as it’s not at all too big of an ask to cycle or even walk between tastings. Green Jersey Cycle Tours are a popular local option for cycle hire, who can offer great advice on which vineyards to include in your self-guided tour. Spend your afternoon leisurely enjoying the world-class wine and scenery, and, whatever you do, make sure to stock yourself with enough bottles to safely last until your next visit to the region.

While your trusty EV charges overnight, you won’t be lacking any kind of luxury whilst staying in at the Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park. Options range from self-contained apartments, to cabins with shared facilities, to powered and non-powered sites; so there’s something to match whatever level of fancy you’re feeling. If you’re a forward planner, there’ll be a couple of bottles of Pinot Noir you’ve been saving, just waiting to be sipped on.

Morning coffee in Martinborough has to come from In the Neighbourhood, the café and roastery that gives locals their daily buzz. Their focus on great coffee means you can sip away with the peace of mind that the beans have been ethically sourced and locally blended. Find a spot to peacefully devour one of their simple-but-top-notch breakfast options… With loads of outdoor seating so you can make the most of that sunshine the vines so love, In the Neighbourhood has all the makings of a morning in (coffee-scented) paradise.

For a place with a pretty inauspicious name, Greytown has definitely defied the odds of its designation, being crowned as ‘New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town’ in 2017. A haven of Victorian architecture and small-town tranquility, Greytown’s tree-lined streets are dotted with shopping boutiques, historical buildings and artisanal cafes that would make any city dweller consider a move to the country.

One of Greytown’s most popular and eco-friendly establishments, Food Forest Organics is spreading the gospel of organic, whole-food diets with their range of products and fresh produce. Owned by Hollywood director James Cameron, who may or may not have had some part to play in Greytown’s popularity, Food Forest Organics is the spot to stop for lunch if you’re on a healthy eating buzz, you like repurposed historic buildings, or you think you’ve got a movie pitch that could rival Titanic. Friendly and easygoing, with light and delicious food, you will leave feeling energised, light-footed and at ease with the planet.

Amidst (actually, inside) Greytown’s colonial heritage buildings are a few stores worth poking your nose into. From the sophisticated Taylor Road Homewares, to the clean-cut Nirvana Interiors, to vintage lovers’ paradise Encore Designer Recycle, there’s something to keep everyone occupied. But the must-must-visit amongst all of these gems is Schoc Chocolates, which proves that the Wairarapa isn’t just about wine tastings… You can also savour a bit of chocolate too. With over 60 flavours, all created by resident ‘chocologist’ Murray Langham, heaven most definitely is a place on earth.

EV drivers need to stop back off at Featherston on your way back to Welly, filling up your battery at the SuperValue one last time. With just over 60 km to go on your journey, this recharge should get you back without any qualms, but there’s another rapid charge station at the Queen Street car park in Upper Hutt if the Remutaka Range drains a bit more of your battery than expected. Or maybe it was all that wine, cheese and chocolate in your boot…