Private Wairarapa Wine Tours - Martinborough Wellington
Explore iconic regions of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail with private, fully curated tours designed around your interests. John is a qualified wine educator with deep knowledge of the Martinborough and wider Wairarapa wine regions and also offers custom wine tours anywhere in New Zealand. His Martinborough–Wellington wine tours, Wairarapa wine tours, and bespoke wine journeys across other NZ regions are personally curated with top wineries to provide meaningful insights, exceptional wines, and relaxed, personal hosting.
Individuals welcome, one child may accompany parents (conditions)
Martinborough Wine Day Tour
Explore the Martinborough wine region - an iconic part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail - on a private journey through the region's most celebrated vineyards, shaped by your tastes and interests. This private Martinborough wine tour begins with a 9.30am pick‑up from your Martinborough, Featherston, or Greytown location. (Masterton 9am +$50, Wellington 8am +$75pp.)
Your day is curated around your interests and typically includes five vineyard visits, showcasing the best of the Martinborough wine region. A relaxed vineyard lunch is included.
Drop‑off by 4.30pm (5pm Masterton).
Maximum four guests (up to six by arrangement).
NZ$400pp, individual/child surcharge $50.
Greater Wairarapa Wine Day Tour
Explore boutique producers beyond the Martinborough Terrace — a premium journey through the wider Wairarapa, a diverse and character-rich region of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, shaped by season, availability, and your interests. This private Wairarapa wine tour begins with a 9.15am pick‑up from your Martinborough, Featherston, or Greytown location of choice. (Earlier pick‑ups from Masterton 9am +$50, or Wellington 8am +$75pp.)
The tour highlights the diversity of Wairarapa wine styles, and includes a relaxed vineyard lunch.
Drop‑off by 4.30pm (5pm Masterton).
Maximum of four guests.
NZ$550pp, individual surcharge $50.
Sorry, no children on this tour.
Why a Private Tour?
Access to benchmark producers; harder‑to‑reach boutique wineries; signature regional wines; hosted by a qualified wine educator; the only operator offering dedicated Greater Wairarapa wine tours.
Wellington Pickup
Simple, comfortable door‑to‑door pickup — or pickup at your accommodation with an easy return by train.
Ideal For
Couples and friends wanting a private, personal day — as well as wine lovers, students, and collectors who value deeper insight and access.
Better Than
Self‑drive (someone can’t taste), train/bike (limited), basic group tours (standard cellar‑door tastings), and other private tours without expert guidance or access.
Reviews
"Just book this tour...John is amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, informative and a perfect guide...My wife and I had an amazing time...It's worth the price 10 times over." Mitch K., Charleston
"The wine tour with John last September was so enjoyable! We tasted world-class Pinot Noir and I learned so much about these wines. Recommend 100%!" Jariyapon Matpon, Sydney.
"I had a wonderful time on this private winery tour. From beginning to end, everything was well organized and enjoyable." Lana Piterova, Miami.
"An unequalled experience. John's expertise in wine together with his unparalleled access to behind the scenes at each vineyard we visited made this experience wonderful. I highly recommend the Wineinsights tour." Murray Wills, Lower Hutt.
"On Friday, together with a couple of friends from the US, Suzanne and I did a one-day Martinborough wine tour with John Penney of wineinsights. This was an exceptional experience". Ian, Wellington.
Read my Trip Advisor Reviews here
Anywhere in N.Z Wine Tour
Explore any part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — or any other New Zealand wine region —with a fully customised private tour designed around your interests. Whether you’d like to visit a single region over one or more days or enjoy an overview of several of New Zealand’s major wine regions, John can curate a personalised itinerary that highlights the best producers, landscapes, and wine styles across the country.
Pricing is based on the specific tour requirements, typically $450 per person per day for the tour activity, plus any agreed disbursements.
As an example, a two‑day Hawke’s Bay wine tour departing South Wairarapa at 8am (or Wellington at 7am) would cost $1,000 for one person and $900 per person for two or more. In addition, we can arrange your accommodation and charge at cost, or if you prefer you can make your own arrangements.
FAQ
Have questions? Here are the details most guests want to know...
How long is a private Martinborough wine tour?
Most tours run for around six hours, including tastings at four to five wineries and time for a relaxed lunch. The pace is unhurried and tailored to the group.
Do you offer pickup and drop‑off?
Yes. I offer pickup and drop‑off anywhere in Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, and from selected Wairarapa accommodation providers. Wellington pickup is available on request.
How long is the Martinborough-Wellington trip?
Allow two hours each way for public transport or 75-90 minutes by car. The combined tour and travel time makes for a comfortably full and enjoyable day.
Can we choose the wineries we visit?
Absolutely — subject to winery hours. I build each tour around your preferences, whether you want iconic names, small family producers, or a mix of both. I work closely with a group of trusted wineries and can put together a recommended schedule based on the best availability, but I’m always happy to customise the day to your interests.
Do you offer tours for couples or individuals?
Yes. Most of my tours are for couples or small groups who want a more personal, educator‑led experience rather than a large group tour. I am also the only Martinborough wine tour operator offering a dedicated option for individual travellers.
Is lunch included?
Yes — lunch is included in the tour price. Please advise any dietary restrictions when booking.
What makes your tour different from other operators?
I’m a wine educator and long‑time Martinborough local. My tours focus on understanding the region, the vineyards, and the wines — not just moving between tasting rooms.
Do you run tours in winter or bad weather?
Yes. Martinborough wineries operate year‑round, and tastings are indoors. If weather affects any part of the plan, I adjust the itinerary so you still have a great experience.
How do we book?
You can book directly through my website or contact me by phone or email. If you’re staying locally, your accommodation provider can also arrange the booking with adequate notice.