About this tour
When Lily from our team ran this Martinborough-based tour, we wound down to Cape Palliser — the North Island's southern tip — for a proper coastal run. The drive cuts through Ngawi's working fishing village, past fur seals, and out to a lighthouse with 253 steps if you're keen. We backtracked to Lake Ferry for lunch at the historic hotel, then finished with pinot noir at a local winery. It's a solid six-hour loop that mixes coastal scenery, a bit of a climb, and wine — the kind of day that feels less rushed than most half-day outings.
Highlights
- Ngawi fishing village — genuinely quirky, working boats and weathered charm
- Fur seal colony views without leaving the van
- Optional lighthouse climb rewards effort with South Island sightings
- Lake Ferry Hotel lunch — proper local pub, not a tourist trap
- Martinborough winery pinot noir tasting rounds out the afternoon
- Fully driven itinerary — no need to white-knuckle the coastal road yourself
- Small-group format keeps the vibe relaxed and personal
What to expect
Lily's day started with a morning pickup from Martinborough accommodation, then a scenic drive southeast toward the coast. The road unfolds through farmland before hitting the quirky fishing village of Ngawi — working boats and fishing gear scattered about, nothing polished. You'll swing past the fur seal colony (binoculars help), then roll into Cape Palliser. If the mood takes you, the 253-step lighthouse climb is worth the huffing; the views back across the coast and toward the South Island on a clear day are proper striking. Then it's a pleasant backtrack to Lake Ferry for lunch at the historic hotel — solid pub food, not fancy, but the kind of place that feels real.
After lunch, you head back inland to a Martinborough winery for a guided pinot noir tasting. By then, the coastal wind is behind you, and the afternoon tasting room feels civilised. The whole arc works well — you're not rushed, the guide steers clear of generic chatter, and the mix of coastal scenery, village character, and wine feels earned rather than tacked on.
What travellers say
- Coastal scenery genuinely striking — South Island views on clear days
- Ngawi and Lake Ferry feel authentic, not tourist-theatre
- Optional lighthouse climb avoids fitness gatekeeping
- Wine tasting integrated naturally, not forced onto the itinerary
- No driving stress — fully guided, no hire-car navigation needed
- Southern coast weather unpredictable — prepare for wind and cloud
- Return transfers from Wellington station cost extra at $40
- Minimum two-person booking may inflate costs for solo travellers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour genuinely suits all fitness levels — the lighthouse climb is optional, the rest is driving and wandering. Lunch at Lake Ferry Hotel is a highlight, not a bottleneck. Wine lovers will appreciate a Martinborough tasting that doesn't feel tokenistic. Pick-up from your Martinborough accommodation or Featherston train station means no hire-car stress through the coastal roads.
Weather on the southern coast can turn fast — wind and cloud roll in, especially if you're chasing South Island views. The lighthouse climb is exposed; bring a waterproof. Minimum two-person booking, so solo travellers need to pair up or pay a surcharge. Return transfers from Greytown or Wellington station cost extra ($40). Tips aren't included, so budget accordingly. Peak season (summer, long weekends) may push group size larger than ideal.
Bring layers, sturdy shoes for the lighthouse steps, and sunscreen. Tour includes wine, lunch, hot drinks, and a local guide. Dietary requirements need flagging at booking. Minimum age for wine tasting is 18. Runs year-round; coastal weather most changeable June–August.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.