Drive 2: Vineyard & Village Loop

An easy, relaxed countryside loop linking Greytown, Martinborough and Gladstone. Open roads, boutique wineries, riverside scenery and charming village stops make this the perfect short escape — ideal for turning a simple drive into a memorable weekend. Perfect for those who love good wine, local food, and unhurried exploration.

Route Loop: Greytown → Martinborough → Gladstone → Greytown
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour round trip (if driving non-stop)
Best for: Easy, scenic loop with plenty of reasons to linger. Perfect for those who love good wine, local food, and unhurried exploration.
Where to Stay: The White Swan Hotel
Where to Eat: The Gladstone Inn, The White Swan Hotel

The Route in Detail: Starting from Greytown, head south and take the left turn onto Bidwill’s Cutting Road road towards Martinborough as you leave town. This road winds through some of the Wairarapa’s earliest European farming country, and is near to Pāpāwai, a highly significant historic Māori settlement.

A few KM out of Greytown you will pass Good Wool Hunting on your left, a popular place to stop if knitting is your thing.

Follow the road for 10 minutes before you begin to wind down the hill, and over the Ruamahanga River towards Martinborough. The sign of grapevines will confirm' your arrival into the famous wine village of Martinborough.

Taste fabulous local wine or gin, sample locally made olive oil and stop in for a beer at the local brewery. All wrapped up in the beautiful charm of Martinborough’s colonial buildings and union jack design. 

From Martinborough, head north east along Princess Stress to Ponatahi Road and wind your way towards Gladstone. You will journey past Star Safari, one of our local guided star gazing experiences which we recommend you book for after dark.

Take the right turn at the sharp bend onto Millars Road. Here you can take a five minute detour out to the historic Stonehenge Aotearoa, where you can do a guided or self guided tour. When you reach the end of Millars road head left on Longbush Road. If you’re a golfer, stop off at the unique Glenside Station Golf Course for a 9 hole round.

Just past the quaint Gladstone Church, take a left onto Gladstone Road, and just a few minutes along you will reach the Gladstone Inn on your right. A perfect stop for lunch looking over the Ruamahanga river.

You can learn more about everything there is to do in Gladstone here.

From the Gladstone Inn head over the bridge and turn right onto Carters Line. Head along to the end of Carters Line and then take a right again, then follow your nose along this road to Urlar Vineyard for a tasting or something to eat. If you are comfortable on an unsealed roads then continue past Urlar for a picnic at the river.

Head back to Carters Line, and head south. When the road turns left, take Para Road straight ahead at the Parkvale Deer Stalkers Hall. At the end of Para Road turn right onto Waihakiki Road. Turn left onto SH2 and return to Greytown for a refreshing drink and hearty meal at The White Swan Country Hotel.

More Adventure: It’s just a short trip south from Martinborough to Lake Ferry, and the rugged coasts of Cape Palliser and Ngawi.