Just a short drive or train ride from New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is the up-and-coming wine region of the Wairarapa. Pretty, sleepy Martinborough is the main wine town - surrounded by vineyards, and with a deli and wine-tasting centre in the middle. The area is just small enough to walk around, but biking or driving are options too.

The Wairarapa's wineries are small and boutique; they're developing a particular reputation for fantastic Pinot Noir. There are a number of nice winery restaurants (try the Alana Estate) and in March the area is host to wine and food festival Toast Martinborough. At the end of your day's wine-tasting, catch an arthouse film and pizza, washed down with local wine, at the Circus Cinema. Perfect.

Take the train from Wellington or drive north on SH2 and turn off at Featherston.

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