Make the journey work for you
Choose between a package and a transport plan
If you want tastings, a host and meals arranged together, compare the inclusions of a hosted tour. If your group is choosing and booking its own stops, send that itinerary to Connect for a transport discussion. A transport enquiry does not by itself include tasting fees, lunch, venue entry or a wine specialist.
| Part of the day | Who needs to confirm it |
|---|---|
| Road transport | Connect: pickup, stops, timing, vehicle, return and quote. |
| Tastings or activities | Each venue: availability, group acceptance, duration and charges. |
| Lunch | The venue: reservation, dietary requirements and seating time. |
| Changes | Your organiser: update venues and Connect so the plans still match. |
Build the day around reservations
Choose a main meal or tasting reservation first, then ask how the remaining stops fit. Leave room to gather the group and move between venues. Destination Wairarapa lists cellar doors with different visiting arrangements; check the chosen venue directly before treating a stop as confirmed.
- Start with the same pickup location where practical.
- Send full venue names and addresses, not just “the wineries”.
- Record the confirmed start and expected finish of every reservation.
- Keep the return deadline visible when considering another stop.
A simple stop worksheet
Use a short sequence that can be checked with both the driver and the venues. The example below is a planning structure, not a bookable Connect package. Final timing depends on your origin, venue reservations and agreed route.
Make the day work for the whole group
Ask about non-tasting options for anyone who prefers them, and tell venues about children and dietary requirements. Give Connect the full passenger count and any luggage. Confirm where the vehicle can collect the group after the final stop, and agree changes before extending the itinerary. Connect’s tour note allows for a cleaning bond; ask for the applicable terms with the quote.
Before you book
Are wine tastings and meals included?
No inclusion is promised on this planning page. Ask Connect for the transport quote and check venue bookings and charges separately unless an agreed quote explicitly includes them.
Can we leave from Wellington or Kāpiti?
Both are in Connect’s published service region. Give the exact origin, chosen stops and return destination so the itinerary can be assessed.
Can we add a stop on the day?
Check with Connect and the venue first. A new stop can affect the return time, availability and price; it should not be assumed to fit.
Planning sources checked 20 September 2026. Connect service information refreshed 30 September 2026.
Connect services & booking informationFord Transit vehicle detailsDestination Wairarapa: a cellar-door planning example