The Wairarapa township of Martinborough is surprisingly pretty. Its central square is framed by restaurants, bars, specialty stores, and galleries. A few blocks out from the square are cute residential cottages and baches, and in another couple of blocks, you’re in wine country.
Exploring at sunset always shows a place in its best light, and walking or cycling around the township at dusk is a lovely way to soak up the Wairarapa landscape before sampling the local product. There are a number of shops that rent out bikes, and the town and surroundings are very flat and easy to cycle.
A number of wineries can be visited on foot or bike without leaving the town boundary. Many of them offer cellar door tastings or restaurant experiences during the afternoon and evening. The tastings are well worth it for those interested in wine, as experienced servers share their knowledge of the different varietals you can try.
Martinborough is also part of the Wairarapa Dark Skies Reserve, so take advantage of it to get your perfect view of the Milky Way and beyond.
