$597 NZD per ADULT (online Booking fee not included)

The tour departs at 0930 with your expert local driver guide and travels north, following the Hutt River into the Hutt Valley with a short sightseeing stop looking over the Stuart Macaskill Lakes. At Kaitoke Regional Park enjoy a short walk across the swing bridge and into virgin podocarp rainforest including thousand year old Kahikatea trees before taking a stroll through the Lord of the Rings film site at Rivendell. Enjoy the awe-inspiring drive over the Remutaka Ranges with a short sightseeing stop at the Summit as you head to Lake Ferry Hotel on the shores of Lake Onoke for a seaside lunch on the south Wairarapa coast. Explore the spectacular ‘badlands erosion’ that has formed towering earth pillars at the Putangirua Pinnacles. Finally conquer the climb to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse at the south eastern most point of the North Island. Dinner is served back in Martinborough at the historic Martinborough Hotel.

Day Two sees you head to the east coast of the Wairarapa and the tiny township of Castlepoint, named in 1770 by Captain Cook who was struck by the similarities of Castle Rock to the battlements of a castle. Walk through the pines above the lagoon at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and follow the reserve boundary to the base of Castle Rock before the ascent for which you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. Wander back along the lagoon and reef up to the Castlepoint Lighthouse. Have lunch at the Heritage Hotel known as the Whakataki Hotel before exploring the great foodie options in three of the Wairarapa’s quaint and historical towns. As you head back to Wellington make three stops at a range of local food and beverage producers. Available for visits and tastings are the world class wineries in Martinborough, an amazing chocolatier in the beautiful town of Greytown, shared tasting paddles at the Martinborough craft beer brewery, a range of local cheeses at an incredible cheesemaker in Featherston, or a delve into the world of olive oil with an infused olive oil tasting. Tasting experiences vary daily on availability.

Information:

  • Duration: 10 hours per day (2 days)

  • Start time: 0930

  • Group size limits: 2 - 11

  • Runs daily

  • Departs from Wellington i-SITE Tour Pick Up Zone with cruise ship or selected centrally located hotel pick up service available.

  • Tour includes local guide, transportation and all entry/tasting fees plus three main meals (lunch x2, dinner x1).

  • Tour does NOT include accommodation but we can help with bookings should you wish.

  • No exclusivity guaranteed. Guests may share the vehicle with others