Campervan Wine Trips from Wellington: Martinborough and Across the Strait

Quick summary: Wellington sits between two of New Zealand’s great wine regions, making it a clever place to start a campervan wine trip. Martinborough, the country’s most walkable wine village, is around 80 km away over the Remutaka Hill, and the Cook Strait ferry crosses to Picton, where the vineyards of Marlborough begin around half an hour from the terminal. Hawke’s Bay is a half-day’s drive to the north for those heading the other way in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Pickup	Depots on the city’s northern side, and some companies deliver to an agreed location
Nearest wine region	Martinborough, around 80 km
Across the strait	Marlborough, a ferry crossing plus around 30 km to Blenheim
To the north	Hawke’s Bay, around 320 km
Taste before pickup	Wairarapa wine tours from the city
Tours	Martinborough wine tours

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Why start a wine trip in Wellington?

Because you can go in either direction. Head east over the hill to Martinborough for a couple of days, then north to Hawke’s Bay, or cross Cook Strait to Marlborough and continue south through the South Island’s wine regions. Wellington itself is a lively capital, with cafés, wine bars and Te Papa, the national museum.

How do you get from Wellington to Martinborough?

Drive north on State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley to Upper Hutt, then over the Remutaka Hill to Featherston, and on to Martinborough, around 80 km in total, about 1 hour 15 minutes. The Remutaka Hill is steep and winding, so take it slowly. See Martinborough by campervan.

Can you taste Wairarapa wine before collecting the RV?

Yes. Wine tours from Wellington cross the hill to Martinborough and Greytown for the day, with tastings and lunch, so you can sample the region before you have the vehicle. Some travellers also take the train to Featherston and join a local tour. See Martinborough wine tours.

How does the Cook Strait ferry fit into a wine trip?

The ferry crosses from Wellington to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds, and campervans and motorhomes travel on the vehicle deck. Book the vehicle’s place in advance, especially in summer, and check your rental terms for taking the vehicle on the ferry. From Picton, Blenheim and the Marlborough vineyards are around 30 km away. See our sister site’s Cook Strait ferry guide, and Marlborough by campervan.

Where can you stay on the first night?

• Martinborough, if you’re heading straight for the vineyards.
• The Hutt Valley or Upper Hutt, to break the journey before the Remutaka Hill.
• Close to the ferry terminal, if you’re crossing Cook Strait early the next morning.

Which itineraries start or finish in Wellington?

• The North Island wine trail, from Auckland to Wellington.
• The three-week New Zealand wine trail, which crosses from Wellington to Picton.

For general advice on collecting a vehicle here, see our sister site’s Wellington pickup guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions