Remutaka Cycle Trail explore more

Cycle the Vines Martinborough

Cycling holidays don’t mean you need to ride every day. Give yourself a break from the saddle and explore. There’s plenty to do and see near the Remutaka Cycle Trail and you’re close to the Wairarapa’s five towns; Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton. If you’re staying at accommodation in Featherston, Cross Creek or Ocean Beach book a Rimutaka Shuttle to take in these options.

Here are some top tips:

Cycle the vines: Martinborough wine village

Head to the boutique wine village of Martinborough, renowned for its Pinot Noir. There are around 20 vineyards located within a 5km radius so if you want to keep the legs spinning, albeit in a gentle manner, grab a wine map from the isite Visitor Information Centre and cycle the vines. This is a very popular Martinborough experience. 

Martinborough Wine Tours and Martinborough Wine Walks operate tours of the vineyards. Afterwards walk around the village one boutique and café at a time.

Go cheese & train crazy in Featherston

Amongst the cafes, bookstores  and antique stores of Featherston, you'll find the Fell Locomotive Museum. It houses the only Fell engine in the world, once used on the Rimutaka Railway where its extra traction was specifically designed to cope with the steep incline. See the locomotive and its brake-van up close, and watch films that bring the old days of Wairarapa steam travel to life.

Taste buds really get jumping at C’est Cheese, an artisan deli on the main street specialising in terrific New Zealand-made cheeses. Owner Paul Broughton offers something for everyone: from cumin-flecked gouda to French-style blues. Paul also stocks New Zealand salamis and exquisite local olive oils - in fact, every deli delight you could possibly need for a picnic.

Birding Tour

Te Rakau Birding takes you out into the wetlands or onto the spit protecting Lake Onoke from the ocean where many birds make their home. A great way to explore more of the area and learn about the local wildlife. Super cute railway cabins double as accommodation on Western Lake Road.

Learn more about cycling the Remutaka Cycle Trail.