This summer, Martinborough’s The Runholder invites visitors to an enjoy an unforgettable season. A packed calendar of events ensures there’s plenty to choose from, with highlights such as Lighthouse Gin’s new permanent distillery — where you can sip G&Ts or, indulge in an informative masterclass, and the unveiling of chef Tim Smith’s seasonal menu, which you can sample at a series of unmissable culinary experiences.
Those planning to celebrate Wellington Anniversary Weekend can do so with music, fine food, and wine at the NZ Symphony Orchestra dinner, a Gin Garden Party, and Toast Martinborough’s vibrant festivities.
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Here, we round up everything happening at the exceptional destination across the coming months.
Festive Feasts & Lighthouse Gin’s New Permanent Home
The Runholder welcomes Lighthouse Gin to its new permanent distillery home this season, where, through floor-to-ceiling windows, those visiting will spot the custom-built Lighthouse Distillery copper still, handmade by Germany’s CARL — the world’s oldest still manufacturer. Sip a G&T while watching the distiller at work, or join an intimate masterclass to explore the Lighthouse story and gin-making process.
Meanwhile, those dining at The Runholder will discover a new a la carte menu by Chef Tim Smith celebrating summer with dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder with mint chimichurri and agria gnocchi with white truffle. Available daily for lunch and on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner, guests can also indulge in a three-course tasting menu with paired wines.
And for anyone yet to make Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve plans, celebrate the festive season with a three-course Christmas Eve lunch of fresh fish, lamb, and decadent dessert, or a four-course New Year’s Eve dinner, featuring optional festive additions like oysters and chargrilled crayfish. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and expertly paired wines, making these events an unforgettable culinary experience this festive season.
Wellington Anniversary Weekend & Toast Martinborough
Looking ahead to Wellington Anniversary Weekend The Runholder also has a line-up of inspired events celebrating the iconic local wine and food festival, Toast Martinborough.
The Runholder x New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
The Runholder is celebrating the opening of Toast Martinborough Weekend in style, with an evening of fine food and music on Friday 17th January, in collaboration with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. A string quintet of NZSO musicians will perform upbeat Latin pieces alongside a summer feast of fresh Wairarapa produce prepared by chef Tim Smith and his culinary team. Guests will be welcomed with canapés and aperitifs before being seated in the dining room for the ensemble’s performance of hot, fiesta-inspired pieces between three sumptuous courses of fresh fish, local meat and decadent sweets.
The Lighthouse Gin Garden Party
Settle in for an afternoon of gin at The Lighthouse Gin Garden Party, back again with a new Wellington Anniversary Weekend date in 2025. Martinborough’s own craft gin, Lighthouse, is starting the Toast Martinborough party early with an afternoon of music, local fare, Lighthouse gin & tonics, and cocktails from 12pm-5pm on Saturday 18th January. Join Distiller Rachel Hall down at The Runholder’s cottage and shaded gardens for cocktails, and indulge in some tasty food from the local food trucks as live music provides the perfect backdrop for dancing away the summer afternoon.
Martinborough Winemakers Dinner
Join the winemakers of pioneering Martinborough wineries Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga and Palliser Estate for a special Winemakers’ Dinner on the eve of Toast Martinborough (January 18th) and discover the next layer of this region’s coveted wines presented by the winemakers themselves. John Kavanagh of Te Kairanga, Tom Turner of Martinborough Vineyard and Guy McMaster of Palliser Estate have expertly selected some of their finest varieties and vintages to pair with a culinary feast which will see guests treated to canapés and four courses of fresh, local fish, prime cuts and decadent sweets, designed by The Runholder head chef Tim Smith in collaboration with each winemaker.
Raise a toast to Martinborough on Sunday 19th January, as you stroll your way down the vineyard-lined Festival Road from 11am and explore eight iconic Martinborough wineries at your leisure, including Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, Palliser Estate, Poppies, Luna Estate, Moy Hall, Tirohana and Ata Rangi. Indulge in the exceptional wines, delicious food and live music at each winery location and make the most of the long summer afternoon — dining and dancing into the early evening.
Settle in at the Runholder’s shaded cottage gardens for for a day of delights where bubbles, rosé and pinot will be flowing from Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga and Palliser Estate wines, alongside vintage and magnum wines. Fine festival food by Crabshack, Shed 5 and Mao &Co will be perfectly accompanied by the summer tunes of the Uptakes, Ricky Boyd and the Boomshack Band, and DJs Takas, Jen Kyle & Coda. Offering prime views of the rolling hills and vineyards, it’s the perfect vantage point to immerse yourself in Martinborough’s breathtaking landscapes. Tickets for all toast weekend events are available here
Martinborough presents the perfect long weekend getaway. A scenic 1.5 hour drive through the Remutaka Ranges, or quick 25 minute helicopter ride from Wellington, and boasting some of the country’s best vineyards, most exceptional scenery, and exquisite dining destinations such as The Runholder, it’s the ultimate escape.
