Stay Three Pay Two!
Your perfect summer mini break is here…
Enjoy a mini break in Martinborough, staying in one of our elegant Heritage or Garden Suites. Check out our incredible itinerary below full of ideas for your getaway - wineries, boutiques, garden tours, road trips in nature and more.
Book for three nights and pay for two, from just $740 for a three-night stay!
Available from 4th to 22nd January (excludes Fridays and Saturdays). Subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer.
72 Hours in Martinborough - Your three day itinerary!
Day 1: Arrive to Indulgence
Easing into your mini break means time to unpack and enjoy a soak in the bath before wandering downstairs to Union Square for dinner and drinks.
If you feel like a nightcap, Tōhi Gin Bar is nearby with its dangerously good cocktail list.
Day 2: Retail therapy and winery hopping
Wake up in the boutique charm and comfort of The Martinborough Hotel. If it’s a sunny morning, throw open the French doors with coffee in hand to soak up the serenity of your balcony or garden suite. Then start the day right with breakfast at our restaurant, Union Square.
Morning:
Time to hit the boutiques. With The General Store for beautiful clothes, Rume for calming, curated homewares, Mint for unique foodie finds and gadgets and The Martinborough Bookshop for that title you haven’t seen anywhere else, you will have plenty of retail therapy options. Let’s not forget The Wine Merchants, although you might want to save them for when you’ve tried all the local tipples and have your shopping list at the ready.
Afternoon/Evening:
Where to start? Winery hopping in Martinborough is a truly village affair, with our vineyards all within walking or cycling distance (Green Jersey Explorer Tours). You could warm up with tastings at Ata Rangi (bookings essential) and Poppies (no need to book). Then stay for Poppies’ famous vineyard platter (you’ll need to book for lunch). Or head to Moy Hall for sharing plates, Colombo for pizza or Palliser for relaxed fine dining (check each vineyard for booking options). Catering to fans of the grain, not just the grape? You’ll be delighted to know that Martinborough Brewery (right in the village) has you covered with small-batch brews to taste and enjoy with snacks.
Depending on your appetite for indulgence, you could continue to sample Martinborough’s finest at your favourite spot. Otherwise, there’s always a welcoming perch at the bar in Union Square to soak up the local atmosphere. Or simply retire for the evening after a day well spent.
Day 3: Adventure awaits
If a leisurely start is required, meander along to Nara for a brunch bursting with fresh, local ingredients.
Morning:
This is your chance to get out into nature and discover the beauty of the South Coast. If you’re planning to take a picnic lunch, pop into The Martinborough Bakery for beautiful artisan sourdough, and The Grocer for delicious treats to go with it.
Then hit the road and make a beeline for your coffee stop at The Land Girl in Pirinoa. The drive south takes you past a walk that will reward any intrepid Lord of the Rings fan. Head to the carpark off Cape Palliser Road and take the one-hour bush walk to the Putangirua Pinnacles and their famous natural rock formations.
Carry on down the coast road and get your camera ready for the North Island’s largest Fur Seal Colony. Once you’ve passed Mangatoetoe Beach, stop at Uncle Wayne’s Geyser (actually a blowhole) and the Seal Colony Lookout for your Instagram moment.
Cape Palliser Lighthouse is just a short hop down the road, and the last stop on your road trip. Ready for some epic views? If the 253 steps to this historic lighthouse don’t take your breath away, the ocean vistas will. Set up your picnic lunch here, or for other refuelling stops, there’s the Lake Ferry Hotel, or Captain’s fish ‘n chip food truck in Ngawi (weekends only).
Afternoon/Evening:
If all that fresh air has worked up your appetite, head back to Martinborough for Mesita’s lively atmosphere, gorgeous food, and delicious margaritas. Or if you’re feeling fancy and have time, The Runholder should be your go-to, with its views over the rolling hills of Martinborough, and its exquisite food, wine and gin.
For the night owls, there’s one more treat on the horizon. Star Safari offers a unique stargazing journey, just a 10-minute drive from Martinborough.
Day 4: Time for one more stop
If you need to get away early, enjoy breakfast at Union Square before checking out.
Or if you have the time (and energy) for one more stop, Martinborough has some sublime and soulful ways to wind down your mini break.
For the garden lovers, get your floral fix at Rototawai (13 minutes’ drive away in Kahutara), Whakapuni Gardens (a 20-minute drive from Martinborough) or Ranui Lavender Farm, where you can take a tour and stock up on handmade goodies.
Or for something different, check whether Ventana Creative Art Classes has anything in the calendar.
Now that your mini break has come to an end, we hope you’ve filled your cup with your perfect Martinborough moments.
