Martinborough · Wairarapa Wine Country
A Wellington Day Trip to Martinborough
Just over the hill — make dinner at Karahui the reason to come over the Rimutakas for the day, or the weekend.
The easiest great day out Wellington has
Martinborough sits a little over an hour from Wellington, over the Rimutakas and into the Wairarapa’s wine country. Come over in the morning, wander the village square and the cellar doors, and let the day build toward the good part: dinner at Karahui Restaurant & Wine Bar — Tripadvisor’s #1 restaurant in Martinborough — before an easy drive home.
How the day goes
Morning
Over the hill and into the village. Martinborough’s wine village is walkable end to end — cellar doors, the square, the lanes.
Afternoon
Tastings and a slow wander. For lunch, our sister venue Tōhi Gin Room & Eatery on Memorial Square serves Thai and Asian plates and curries on Thursday, Friday and Sunday — and gin, whisky and wine tasting flights every day.
Evening
Dinner at Karahui — seasonal plates and a sommelier’s wine list in a heritage building in the heart of Martinborough, open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Then home under a big Wairarapa sky… or don’t go home at all.
Stay the night
If one day isn’t enough, The Chambers Apartments are a short stroll from the table — book a night and take the morning slowly before heading back over the hill.
Dinner is the destination
Tables go quickly on Friday and Saturday — book ahead.
Book a Table at KarahuiKarahui Restaurant & Wine Bar · Dinner Tuesday to Saturday · Heart of Martinborough