wairarapa
The scenery of the southern Wairarapa is ruggedly dramatic: rolling tablelands end
abruptly and form high textured cliffs which plummet to meet the seaweed and driftwood-strewn
coastline; the Rimutaka Ranges cast shadows over the shimmering expanse of Lake
Wairarapa; and to the north the Tararua Ranges tower over fertile plains. At the
centre of all this wonderful scenery is Martinborough, a town dubbed NZ’s pinot
noir capital and one that is well known not only for its quality wines, but also
for its top winemakers who have earned international recognition for their award-winning
pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. We take two days to explore the region and visit
Cape Palliser lighthouse, meet seals on the beach, dine on crayfish and delicious
green-lipped mussels, call into the cellars of several of Martinborough’s top vineyards,
follow the local arts trail and take an unforgettable quad bike ride on Lachie McLeod’s
farm.
day two: martinborough
Key
- Destinations
- Apex Locations
After breakfasting on crumpets inhouse we decide to spend the morning discovering
Martinborough’s boutique stores and arts. We begin with a visit to Artrageous, which
has displays of contemporary NZ art and sculpture by local and national artists.
Here we admire Scott Tulloch’s wildlife studies and landscapes, but it’s his cartoon
series “A Vineyard Year at the Frolicking Pig Estate” that tickles Bob’s fancy and
before we leave he purchases a print of a hilarious looking pig pushing a wheelbarrow.
Then we pop into the Barbara A. Ross Studio which specialises in traditional Maori
weaving and displays a range of textile art, before calling into Barrows Gallery
where there’s further contemporary NZ artworks on display.
A quick visit to the information centre proves there’s no shortage of fun in Martinborough.
You can take a spin in a jet boat up the mighty Ruamahanga River with WetnWild,
kayak, trek with llamas (if you have a few days up your sleeve), and play golf or
golf cross – a revolutionary new game similar to golf but played with an oval ball
and goal posts rather than holes to score in!..
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Wairarapa scenic drive, courtesy of apex car rentals new zealand...
the kiwi way
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