There are three things you need for a road trip around the lower end of the North Island: stretchy pants, a sense of adventure and a good appetite.
Because when you visit the capital, then venture "over the hill" to Wairarapa, your tastebuds will be in for a treat as you embark on a journey through two iconic wine and food regions.
Both Wellington and Wairarapa have earned a spot on The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail (CNZWT), 380km of Kiwi wine’s greatest hits that takes in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Wairarapa and Wellington. That makes the CNZWT home to a whopping 80% of NZ’s wine production, with Wellington and Wairarapa, the middle regions, right at the heart.
So follow your tastebuds on a journey from the capital to Wairarapa, making memories as you explore wine country, quintessential New Zealand towns, unforgettable scenery and delish food.
You can’t do a roadie or a great wine trail on an empty stomach and in Wellington you’re spoiled for choice.
While the city’s popular foodie thoroughfares of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place are well known, some of Wellington’s hottest culinary action is dispersing further into the capital. Head to Graze Wine Bar in Kelburn village, where chef Max Gordy will take you on a delicious culinary journey.
If you go down to Newtown, make sure you find Margot. Not a person but the new kid on the foodie block, Margot is a European-style wine bar serving deliciously seasonal small plates.
You’ll need something to wash that down with: head to Noble Rot in Swan Lane, just off Cuba Street, where there’s something to please every palate on the 500+ wine list.
Wellington runs on two things: coffee and craft beer. If you’re looking for the latter, narrowing down which bar/brewery to visit can be hard so let someone else take the lead. Craft Beer Tours give punters a ring-side seat to the capital’s famous breweries, introduce you to the brewers and, of course, let you sample their wares. If that hasn’t sated your thirst, then Upper Hutt’s Brewtown will. This is paradise for beer lovers with multiple breweries and a distillery.
If you associate the name Mövenpick with chocolate you’re not wrong. But the Swiss-based company also does a nice line in hotels, recently opening their first Wellington outpost. Situated on The Terrace, with the city spread beneath it, this five-star hotel is a stylish place to lay your head. Naturally there’s chocolate, including a 24-hour sundae service and complimentary daily chocolate hour.
When it’s time to hit the road, follow the grape signs of the CNZWT towards Wairarapa. One of the best places to stretch your legs is Te Ara Tirohanga/Remutaka Trig where a 30 minute walk to the top will have you taking too many photos of the stunning views across South Wairarapa.
It’s probably no surprise that Wairarapa is one of the key stops on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
One of Wairarapa’s newest cellar doors is at Nga Waka in Kitchener Street. Started in 1988, this family-owned winemaker produces small-batch wines from grapes grown across seven vineyards. Pop in to try their award-winning wares, or book a 40 minute guided tasting.
You won’t go hungry in Martinborough: tucked into a corner of the historic Square, in a 1909-built former bank, is Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery where tasting plates such as grilled octopus, beef tongue and horopito crème fraiche will see to any hunger pangs.
While you’re there, check out the Tohi Gin Tasting Lounge in what was once the bank manager’s accommodation. Pop into the stylish lounge to see clever people doing clever things with local gins Reid + Reid, Dr Beak and Lighthouse Gin.
Ditch the car and hire an electric bike from Blackwell & Sons in neighbouring Greytown. Bikes can be hired for a half or full day and the region’s wide, quiet streets make getting around a breeze.
One place you should definitely cycle to is Greytown Honey. Home to a fifth-generation beekeeper, this is where you go for thick creamy Mānuka, Kanuka, Kamahi, Rewarewa, wildflower and clover honey produced onsite. Be a real beekeeper on their tour or simply taste the delights of their award winning honey varieties in the Honey Stables.
Another gift those at home will appreciate: a sweet treat from Schoc Chocolates. This Willy Wonka-esque wonderland on Greytown’s Main Street has more than 60 artisanal flavours ranging from the unusual to more conventional, including chocolates incorporating local honey and Pinot Noir.
Another sensory treat is a visit to Lavender Abbey, close to Carterton. Lavender Abbey is a 2.8ha spray-free farm home to 3,500 lavender plants where in summer you can pick your own lavender.
By now you might need to take a nap. At The Royal Hotel in Featherston you not only get to channel your Downton Abbey fantasies, you’re also across the road from one of the best foodie emporiums in New Zealand – C’est Cheese. The Royal, as the locals call it, has been serving guests since 1868. Enjoy the meticulously renovated rooms, downstairs restaurant and a side of history at this grand old hotel.
Plan your next roadie along SH2 and the CNZWT to Wellington and Wairarapa. Visit wellingtonnz.com and wairarapanz.com.
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