Day 22: Martinborough Wineries
Since Lindsay sacrificed wine-tasting in Marlborough, we decided to leave Wellington a day early and hit the wine region in the North Island. Lindsay likes Pinot Noir (Martinborough specialty) better than Sauvignon Blanc anyways.
As we drove up north, we started to notice many more signs pointing out Lord of the Ring movie locations – including the former set for Rivendell in Kaitoke Regional Park. Detour!
The last remnants of Rivendell! A replica archway and a measuring post – Lindsay is as tall as Gandalf!
When we got to Martinborogh, we got a map of the tasting rooms (or “cellar doors” as they are called here) in area. We decided they were walkable and took off! However, we soon realized that Wednesday in the middle of harvest is the WORST time to visit wineries in New Zealand – half the cellar doors were closed, and many wineries had sold out or were at end of vintage of their most popular labels.
Visiting Martinborough wineries on foot
Stop #1 – Schubert Vineyards
So many wineries, so little time!
Final stop of the day – Lindsay is feeling a bit giddy!
However, we made the most of our day and hit 6 wineries before stumbling back to our RV for a late lunch and a 3-hour nap in the shade before we were sober enough to drive off.
A belated lunch & nap in the RV next to the park.