Attractions

At Poppies Martinborough they celebrate the romantic, traditional craft of winemaking. They bring the warmth of the Martinborough sun from our vines to your glass - everything you eat and drink here is made by hand, with patience and love. It’s very personal, Poppy crafts the wines and Shayne manages the vines.

There’s something about Poppies Martinborough that invites you to linger - maybe it’s the fact that the wine doesn’t give too much away at first sip. It starts unravelling and developing as you make your way through the glass.

If you want these wines to give up their secrets, you’ll have to take your time.

The Putangirua Pinnacles (also known colloquially simply as The Pinnacles) are a geological formation and one of New Zealand's best examples of badlands erosion.[1][2] They consist of a large number of earth pillars or hoodoos[2] located at the head of a valley in the Aorangi Ranges, on the North Island of New Zealand, in the Wellington region.

Some 7 to 9 million years ago when sea levels were much higher, the Aorangi ranges were an island and as this landmass was eroded over time, large alluvial fans formed on its southern shores.[1][2] Within a few million years however, sea levels rose again and this island was submerged also.[2] Since the Ice ages, sea levels have receded and the old alluvial fans have been exposed to the erosive forces of wind and water, which have weathered away the conglomerate. In some places this conglomerate is protected from erosion above by a cap of cemented silt or rock, resulting in the formation of spectacular Pinnacles, many of which have prominent fluting caused by rainwater running down their sides during major storms.[2] It is not known exactly how long the pinnacles have been forming but they are thought to be less than 125,000 years old with major erosion probably beginning 7000 years ago and accelerating in the last 1000 years with the deforestation of the area.[2]

Part of the Paths of the Dead sequence in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was filmed on location here,[3] as was the opening sequence of Braindead.

Seals, stunning walks, and the spiffiest lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. It's just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way.

A grand old lady of a lighthouse

The cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs here since 1897 - and she's still shining strong. Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. And spare a thought for the early lighthouse keepers who had to haul oil and kerosene cans up a dirt track before the steps went in! 

The Cape is also home to the North Island's largest fur seal colony. If you're here November to January you might just spot some pups.

Union Square is a modern NZ bistro with a French influence.  There is the restaurant for formal dining or the bar for informal.