Martinborough is a working wine village, and there’s always something going on. Pruning takes place over winter. During spring the vines are budding and particularly vulnerable to frost. Expect to see and hear helicopters, blowers and frost pots during a cold night. The vines are tied back and netted during summer and from late January until the grapes are picked bird scarers are in operation. These can vary from gas guns and shot guns to people driving up and down the vines tooting their car horns. Picking usually starts in early Autumn and can last for 6 to 8 weeks, the vineyards always keep a close eye on the weather but it becomes an obsession at this time of year. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit as the vines provide row upon row of autumnal colour.

Martinborough is renowned for its boutique wineries, locally grown produce and excellent restaurants. It is also a great base from which to explore the highlights of the Wairarapa, from the seal colony at Cape Palliser and the Putangirua Pinnacles to the wild Pacific beaches on the east coast and the rugged Tararua ranges to the west.

Activities range from horse trekking and quad biking, to wine trails and spa treatments. Try these links or drop us an e-mail for more information. We can book activities and make dinner reservations and have plenty of local information available at the campground.