Places to visitWellingtonRestaurants

The Runholder

4.7
(179)
•
4.6
(65)
4.7
(179)
•
4.6
(65)
•#3 on "Where to eat: the 17 best restaurants in Martinborough"
Restaurant
Map
Address
89 Martins Road, Martinborough, 5784, New Zealand
Website
https://www.therunholder.co.nz/
Hours
SuSunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mo
Monday: Closed
TuTuesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
WeWednesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
ThThursday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Fr
Friday: Closed
SaSaturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
89 Martins Road, Martinborough, 5784, New Zealand
Friday: Closed
SuMo
TuWeThFr
SaShow times
SuSunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mo
Monday: Closed
TuTuesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
WeWednesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
ThThursday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Fr
Friday: Closed
SaSaturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Hide times
People typically spend 2 hr here
https://www.therunholder.co.nz/

About

The Runholder in Martinborough is a multifaceted establishment that combines Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, and Lighthouse Gin. It offers an array of experiences including a restaurant, tasting room, and distillery. The venue has evolved from a vineyard-traveling food truck into an all-day restaurant serving Middle Eastern-style cuisine in a historic building. The warm hospitality and exceptional service provided by the staff contribute to the unique and unforgettable experience at The Runholder.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Enjoy delicious food paired with stunning wines in a beautiful location
    2. 2
  2. Experience exceptional service from knowledgeable staff providing great recommendations
    3. 3
  3. Explore a well-thought-out menu with multiple gluten-free options

Menu and popular items

Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
The Runholder Cellar Door and Restaurant exceeded all expectations! From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcomed by the warm and knowledgeable staff. Their passion for wines and deep understanding of the region’s history made our visit even more enjoyable. We had a 5 PM wine tasting followed by a 6 PM dinner, and the experience was seamless. They carry an impressive selection of brands, with Martinborough Vineyard being my personal favorite. The tasting was informative and well-paced, making it a fantastic way to explore different flavors. Dinner was nothing short of exceptional. Every detail—from pricing to portion sizes, presentation to taste—was spot on. I could hardly find a flaw! The combination of amazing food, great wines, and outstanding hospitality made for an unforgettable evening. Runholder is a place I will definitely return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an outstanding wine and dining experience.
Foods good, in Aussie it would be high end gastro pub food. The staff were friendly and the views out across the vines are beautiful. The Gin is excellent, and we started with a couple of those on the back deck. I have given the benefit of the doubt ass to be honest the whole experience was rushed and a little frazzled. It was a very busy day at the tasting tables, and I think the staff had had a very busy couple of days and it showed. After tasting the Pinot at Pinot Palooza I expected more
We booked in as a group of 15 to celebrate a 75th birthday. Started off with a wine & gin tasting, and then shifted to the restaurant for dinner. It was excellent - everyone throughly enjoyed themselves. The setting was epic, food was amazing (everyone highly recommended the lamb and salmon), and the service was great. Thank you team. We will be back.
The Runholder Cellar Door and Restaurant exceeded all expectations! From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcomed by the warm and knowledgeable staff. Their passion for wines and deep understanding of the region’s history made our visit even more enjoyable. We had a 5 PM wine tasting followed by a 6 PM dinner, and the experience was seamless. They carry an impressive selection of brands, with Martinborough Vineyard being my personal favorite. The tasting was informative and well-paced, making it a fantastic way to explore different flavors. Dinner was nothing short of exceptional. Every detail—from pricing to portion sizes, presentation to taste—was spot on. I could hardly find a flaw! The combination of amazing food, great wines, and outstanding hospitality made for an unforgettable evening. Runholder is a place I will definitely return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an outstanding wine and dining experience.
Foods good, in Aussie it would be high end gastro pub food. The staff were friendly and the views out across the vines are beautiful. The Gin is excellent, and we started with a couple of those on the back deck. I have given the benefit of the doubt ass to be honest the whole experience was rushed and a little frazzled. It was a very busy day at the tasting tables, and I think the staff had had a very busy couple of days and it showed. After tasting the Pinot at Pinot Palooza I expected more
We booked in as a group of 15 to celebrate a 75th birthday. Started off with a wine & gin tasting, and then shifted to the restaurant for dinner. It was excellent - everyone throughly enjoyed themselves. The setting was epic, food was amazing (everyone highly recommended the lamb and salmon), and the service was great. Thank you team. We will be back.
See all reviews

Know before you go

  1. Visit during lunchtime to enjoy light lunch options like pizza, octopus, heirloom tomatoes, or Pommes Anna Fries
  2. Try the Te Tera Pinot Noir which pairs well with shared platters or mains/sides offerings
  3. Communicate clearly if you prefer dishes to come out together when ordering shared platters
  4. Consider booking ahead for larger groups to ensure personalized attention from the staff

Reviews

The Runholder in Martinborough is a spectacular venue praised for its delicious food, reasonable wine prices, and exceptional service. Reviewers highlight the attentive and friendly table service, beautiful location, stunning wines, and well-thought-out menu with multiple gluten-free options. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff who provide great recommendations on dishes and offer an unforgettable dining experience. The architecture and interior are described as luxurious and classy, making it a perfect spot for special occasions or casual outings.
Review score
4.7
out of 5
Exceptional
179 reviews
From Google
Review score
4.6
out of 5
Wonderful
65 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
150
4 stars
17
3 stars
7
2 stars
4
1 star
3
5/5Beatrice C
•
Mar 18, 2025 from
Google
The Runholder Cellar Door and Restaurant exceeded all expectations! From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcomed by the warm and knowledgeable staff. Their passion for wines and deep understanding of the region’s history made our visit even more enjoyable. We had a 5 PM wine tasting followed by a 6 PM dinner, and the experience was seamless. They carry an impressive selection of brands, with Martinborough Vineyard being my personal favorite. The tasting was informative and well-paced, making it a fantastic way to explore different flavors. Dinner was nothing short of exceptional. Every detail—from pricing to portion sizes, presentation to taste—was spot on. I could hardly find a flaw! The combination of amazing food, great wines, and outstanding hospitality made for an unforgettable evening. Runholder is a place I will definitely return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an outstanding wine and dining experience.
4/5Stephen H
•
Feb 20, 2025 from
Google
Foods good, in Aussie it would be high end gastro pub food. The staff were friendly and the views out across the vines are beautiful. The Gin is excellent, and we started with a couple of those on the back deck. I have given the benefit of the doubt ass to be honest the whole experience was rushed and a little frazzled. It was a very busy day at the tasting tables, and I think the staff had had a very busy couple of days and it showed. After tasting the Pinot at Pinot Palooza I expected more
5/5S T
•
Feb 22, 2025 from
Google
We booked in as a group of 15 to celebrate a 75th birthday. Started off with a wine & gin tasting, and then shifted to the restaurant for dinner. It was excellent - everyone throughly enjoyed themselves. The setting was epic, food was amazing (everyone highly recommended the lamb and salmon), and the service was great. Thank you team. We will be back.
5/5Barbara W
•
Jan 3, 2025 from
Google
I dined here with a friend a few months ago to celebrate her birthday. This was my second visit and it did not disappoint. The staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. We ordered the sourdough bread with whipped truffle butter. Unfortunately the bread was hard and a bit dry...the only downside to the meal. I ordered the Wagyu Beef Bavette which was so tender and delicious and beautifully presented. My friend had the Crisp Market Fish which was salmon and was very tasty. We had the Potato Gratin and a salad as our sides. The salad had radicchio in with the green leaves which was not to our taste. For dessert my friend ordered the Hazelnut Torta and I had the Mango Sorbet. We both enjoyed a glass of TK Rosé. All in all a fabulous experience and we will definitely be back.
5/5P S
•
Aug 24, 2024 from
Google
I had an amazing dining experience at Runholder in Martinborough. The restaurant's charming ambiance and welcoming staff immediately set the tone for a delightful meal. The menu offered a diverse range of dishes. I was particularly impressed with the creativity and flavors in each dish I tried. We loved the octopus and in fact had to order it thrice! The wine selection perfectly complemented the meal, and the attentive service added to the overall enjoyment of the day. I highly recommend Runholder for anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience in Martinborough.
All Google Maps reviews
All Tripadvisor reviews
Best-of categories in Wellington
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Photo spots
Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Bakeries
Breweries and beer
Romantic places

Top searches in Wellington

Popular road trips from Wellington

What's the weather like in Wellington?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Wellington for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

All road trips from Wellington

Explore nearby places

All related maps of Wellington

Wellington throughout the year

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Wellington?

Get inspired for your trip to Wellington with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Map
Address
89 Martins Road, Martinborough, 5784, New Zealand
Website
https://www.therunholder.co.nz/
Hours
SuSunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mo
Monday: Closed
TuTuesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
WeWednesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
ThThursday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Fr
Friday: Closed
SaSaturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
89 Martins Road, Martinborough, 5784, New Zealand
Friday: Closed
SuMo
TuWeThFr
SaShow times
SuSunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mo
Monday: Closed
TuTuesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
WeWednesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
ThThursday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Fr
Friday: Closed
SaSaturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Hide times
People typically spend 2 hr here
https://www.therunholder.co.nz/
OSZAR »