We’re offering one lucky Denizen the chance to experience the height of Wairarapa luxury, with an extraordinary giveaway for two. Escape into a world where lush vineyards, artisanal wines, and crafted gins mingle with the charms of historic Martinborough. Enter here.
Just a short, one and a half hour drive through the scenic Remutaka ranges from Wellington, in the south-eastern corner of the North Island you’ll discover rugged coastlines, endless vines, and spectacular hospitality. On the iconic Wairarapa terrace, The Runholder sits — an expansive, luxurious homage to the best of New Zealand’s countryside. Situated within Te Kairanga Vineyard, the elevated establishment beckons with spaces for long lunches, decadent dinners, or private dining experiences, with each element thoughtfully designed to reflect the region’s rustic elegance and culinary wealth.
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A visit to The Runholder promises not just a meal, but a culinary odyssey, curated by the celebrated chef Tim Smith. With experience spanning Wharekauhau Country Estate and beyond, Smith infuses the menu with the region’s finest, freshest ingredients: with seafood from Yellow Brick Road (Martin Bosley), cheese from C’est Cheese in Featherston, and fresh produce and herbs foraged locally by the culinary team. Every bite is a love letter to Wairarapa’s local producers, artfully paired with wines from pioneering wineries Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard, or a refreshing pour of Lighthouse Gin — Martinborough’s original gin, crafted on-site by distiller Rachel Hall.
We’re offering one lucky Denizen an exclusive chance to experience the height of Wairarapa luxury. Imagine two nights of indulgence in a private Cottage Suite at celebrity escape Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay, where your days begin with a hearty country breakfast and evenings unfold over pre-dinner drinks, canapés, and a gourmet, estate-to-plate dinner. The getaway also includes a VIP experience at The Runholder, featuring a private tour of the barrel hall, a gin masterclass, and a memorable long lunch paired with exquisite wines in the Runholder dining room.
This is your invitation to experience Martinborough like never before — a retreat where refined hospitality and the lush landscapes of Wairarapa offer a quintessential taste of paradise.