martinborough

Events In History

Township 18 km south-east of Featherston. Martinborough began in 1870 as the township of Wharekaka, close to the Māori settlement of Waihenga. In its first decade churches, a school, hotel, general store and post office opened. In 1879 John Martin, a wealthy local runholder, purchased neighbouring land and founded a new town, naming it after himself. The 1880s depression meant Martinborough grew slowly. Unlike in other towns, Māori retained a significant presence. Grapes for wine production were planted near Martinborough in the late 1970s. Since then, the wine industry has had a dramatic impact on the town, providing work and economic stimulus.

Meaning of place name
Named after Sir John Martin