friends’ weekend in wairarapa

Boutique shopping, a long vineyard lunch, wine tasting and time to catch up – Wairarapa has all the ingredients for an easy two-night getaway from Wellington with your friends. Get the the girls together or a group of friends and book a fun Wairarapa trip.

Base yourselves in Martinborough for wineries, restaurants and a village you can explore on foot, or Greytown for boutique shopping, galleries and cafés.

Day 1: Boutique Shopping

Start in Greytown, a very special shopping destination. It’s known for its small, independently owned stores, with distinctive, quality fashion, homewares, gifts, books, art and gourmet chocolate.
Browse Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop, Miss Maude, Designer Clothing Gallery and other interesting boutiques, all within easy walking distance, with plenty of cafés for a coffee stop along the way.

Day 1: Lunch - Settle in at a vineyard

Head to Martinborough for a leisurely vineyard lunch. Choose Poppies Martinborough for wine and seasonal vineyard platters, Palliser Estate for lunch at Palliser Kitchen, or Eclipse Restaurant & Cellar Door at Luna Estate for Asian-inspired food matched with Luna wines. Book ahead – and don’t plan to rush.
There are more vineyard lunch options across Wairarapa too: use our Eat and Drink search to discover more.

Day 1: Afternoon – Taste Martinborough wine

Spend the afternoon wine tasting around Martinborough. Visit Ata Rangi, Palliser Estate, Nga Waka or The Runholder to taste local wines and discover more about the region’s renowned Pinot Noir.
Many Martinborough cellar doors are close to the village, so it’s easy to fit a tasting or two into the afternoon. Cycling the wineries is a fun way to get around.

A tray containing glasses of gin with people in the background

Day 1: Evening – Dinner & Gin

Head out for dinner in Martinborough at Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery or Union Square. If gin is more your thing, try Tōhi Gin Room & Eatery, Dr Beak or discover locally made Lighthouse Gin on a tour at The Runholder.

Day 2: Morning - Step Out or Slow Down

After breakfast, choose how you want to spend the day.
Want to get outside and stretch your legs? Walk Daisybank's Farm Track Walk or Palliser's vineyard walk in Martinborough.
Or you can walk the Greytown Woodside Trail, a scenic 5km trail through countryside between Greytown and Woodside with views towards the Tararua Range. Find a full list of Wairarapa hikes and walks here.

Day 2: Morning - Stock up

Stock up on Wairarapa goodness to keep the tasty treats going once you return home. Wairarapa wineries, Schoc Chocolates, Martinborough Wine Merchants, The Grocer and Blue Earth Estate olive oils are terrific for foodie browsing and shopping.

Several people sitting at a table making large paper flowers together in a bright indoor setting.

Day 2: Afternoon - Get social and creative

Indulge your inner artist at Ventana Art Space in Martinborough or make your own candles and wreaths with The Social Scent Company.
Before heading home, explore bookstores in Featherston and grab a coffee and cheese from C'est Cheese.
Not ready to head home? Stay another night and explore more of Wairarapa or check our our other itinerary ideas for your next Wairarapa trip.

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