Landmark Martinborough hospitality hub sale

A landmark historic building housing a destination retail and hospitality hub is up for sale in Martinborough’s town centre.

The multi-tenanted character property on Kitchener Street sits a few doors from Martinborough Square, in the heart of the renowned Wairarapa wine destination.

The historic former Campbell’s Garage, now extensively renovated, is home to a fashionable café and bar, a popular local wine merchant and an award-winning bookshop.

The three leases, plus car parking on land at the rear, generate a diversified total net rental return of approximately $127,581 plus outgoings and GST per annum.

The buildings of some 651 square metres are underpinned by a landholding of 1,881 square metres (more or less) in three freehold titles.

Bayleys salesperson Mark Sherlock said the approximately 722-square-metre title used for parking supported tenant operations, as well as medium-term possibilities for sale or development.

“This land is worth significantly more than parking at some point. Town Centre zoning under the Wairarapa Combined District Plan enables a range of commercial, residential, or mixed-use projects to unlock its full value in this growing town.

“The dynamic mix of commercial, retail, hospitality, and apartment premises nearby speaks volumes of the scope and nature of what’s possible,” Sherlock said.

The freehold property at 6 Kitchener Street, Martinborough, is being offered for sale by way of a tender closing on Wednesday 15 April, through Bayleys Capital Commercial.

Sherlock said the century-old building was originally constructed as a garage and petrol station.

“Campbell's Garage was extensively refurbished and converted around the year 2000 into a retail/hospitality destination that now accommodates three successful businesses.

“The building is well maintained and retains its historic charm, including high ceilings and extensive exposed timber features throughout. This is supplemented with expansive outdoor courtyard areas that enhance the hospitality experience,” Sherlock said.

To the street frontage, Martinborough Wine Merchants occupies an approximately 112-square metre tenancy with an outdoor courtyard and dining area on a lease that runs through to 2027, with a further three-year right of renewal.

This store offers an extensive selection of Martinborough wines, including the region’s world-renowned pinot noir. It also sells local spirits, artisan olive oils, and gourmet products, and hires out cycles for wine trail enthusiasts.

Behind the wine store is The Village Café and Bar whose premises encompass a large open retail/hospitality space with character features and good natural light. There is a full kitchen, food preparation areas, bar, and shared amenities to the rear of the space. This approximately 369-square-metre tenancy has direct access to a second sheltered outdoor courtyard. The current lease runs to 2028 with further rights of renewal, if fully exercised, extending to 2037.

The cafe offers all-day dining and transforms into a bar on Saturday evenings, serving as a social hub for both locals and visitors.

The Martinborough Books and Post bookshop trades from some 170 square metres at the rear of the building. This is again character space with good natural light and high ceilings, with NZ Post boxes subdivided within a corner of the tenancy. This lease runs to 2028 with a further three-year right of renewal.

Winner of the Ugly Hill Press 2025 New Zealand Bookshop of the Year award, this independent bookshop and local NZ Post agency is a valued focal point for the community.

Sherlock said the property benefited from dual access from Kitchener and Ohio streets and excellent street presence in the town centre.

“The property, and businesses trading here, enjoy standout exposure thanks to the building’s prominent frontage to Kitchener Street, the main route carrying traffic into the town.

“The town centre as a whole has a vibrancy that is driven by a growing population and Martinborough’s established status as a top visitor destination,” he said.

Positioned around 75 minutes from Wellington, Martinborough attracts visitors year-round with its village charm, heritage buildings, and more than 20 vineyards – many within walking or cycling distance of the town square.

The town is a staple of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and draws crowds every November for the Toast Martinborough wine and food festival. Now recognized as part of an International Dark Sky Reserve, the area also offers world-class stargazing tours.