Drive 5: The Hinakura Backroads Loop

A rewarding rural loop combining world-class Martinborough vineyards with quiet Hinakura backroads and dramatic coastal views. This drive is for those who enjoy authentic countryside — including approximately 20km of single-lane, unsealed rural road through farmland. If you love open space, rolling hills and discovering lesser-known routes, this one delivers.

Not recommended for drivers uncomfortable on narrow, unsealed country roads.

Route: Greytown → Martinborough → Hinakura → Coastal Outlooks → Return Loop
Drive Style: Vineyard charm meets remote rural backroads
Road Notes: Approx. 20km single-lane rural road
Best for: Wine & Gin Enthusiasts, Confident Rural Drivers, Countryside Explorers, Couples Seeking a Weekend Escape, Those Who Prefer the Road Less Travelled
Where to Stay & Eat: Martinborough Hotel, The White Swan Hotel
Must-do:
Palliser Estate, Lighthouse Gin, Belfry Lookout, Pahaoa River Mouth, Gladstone Inn

The Route Directions 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 out along Hinakura Road to Hinakura. Here you can choose which direction to take for the loop drive. We recommend continuing along Hinakura Road and winding your way through the country until you make a left turn onto Moeraki Road. Follow this along the Pahaoa River. The road will turn to Ngakonui Road. Take a left turn onto Wainuioru Road, and follow this road until it again turns into Clifton Grove Road. You will eventually reach Admiral Road, turn left and follow this up and over the hill tops until the Wairarapa valley opens up again in front of you (weather permitting).

Stop at The Belfry Lookout to take in the view.

Continue on down to the bottom of the hill and turn left onto Longbush Road. Follow this road all the way back to Hinakura, where you will then be able to turn right and return back into Martinborough.

These back country roads are windy and narrow and unsealed in places. Take your time and enjoy the adventure and scenery.