Questions,
answered
Staying at Lismore · Martinborough
Before you book
Staying at Lismore
Where is Lismore?
55 Omarere Road, Martinborough. The square is about a kilometre away, five minutes by car, and Wellington is around an hour's drive. The Wairarapa train from Wellington stops at Featherston, about twenty minutes from us by car.
How many people can stay?
Lismore House sleeps 8–12 across five bedrooms, four with ensuites. Twelve is the maximum under fire regulations. Lismore Barn is for two, with one king bed.
What time are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 3pm. Check-out is 11am.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes. Two nights is the minimum, and we don't take single-night bookings. Long weekends and event weekends are three nights or more, and minimums vary by season and day of the week. The booking calendar shows what applies to your dates.
What does it cost?
The whole House is $1,250–$2,500 a night, depending on the season, the days of the week and how long you stay. The Barn is $300–$500 a night for two. Booking direct gets you the best rate.
Is there a deposit?
A security deposit is required for House bookings. Every guest also signs a short health and safety acknowledgement before arriving, because Lismore sits beside a working vineyard.
When is the pool open?
The heated saltwater pool at the House is seasonal. It opens at Labour Weekend and closes on Easter Sunday, and those dates can shift if the weather is unseasonably cold. The spa is at the House too. Children need an adult with them in the pool or spa.
Can we bring children?
Yes, at the House, and there is a cot and a high chair. Children need supervising outdoors: there is a natural, unfenced pond on the grounds and the property borders a river. The Barn is for two adults.
Can we bring a dog?
Sorry, no pets. Registered guide dogs are welcome.
Can we smoke?
Not inside either building.
Is the House accessible?
The entrance is reached by exterior stone steps and the bedrooms are upstairs, so the House is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Can we charge an electric car?
Yes. There is a Type 2 charger at $15 a day. Please book it in advance.
Can we walk through the vineyard?
No. The vines next door are a working vineyard with machinery and other hazards, so they are for looking at. The House, the Barn and their gardens are yours for the stay.
Can friends visit during our stay?
House guests can have up to four day visitors. Anything bigger is an event, so talk to us first. Outside vendors need to be agreed with us in advance.
Occasions
Weddings, elopements and events
Can we get married at Lismore?
Yes. Small weddings of up to 25 guests take the estate for four nights, from $1,500 a night. Elopements are three nights at the Barn for the two of you, $1,000–$1,500 including dinner at Karahui on your wedding night.
We're marrying elsewhere in Martinborough. Can the wedding party stay?
Yes. The House works well as a wedding base: everyone under one roof, somewhere to get ready, and photographs with the vines behind you. Three to four nights minimum.
Can we book a wedding or a party through Airbnb or Booking.com?
No. For insurance reasons we only take weddings and parties as direct bookings. Email us with your dates and numbers.
Do you provide catering?
We provide the venue. Bring your own people, or use our list of local chefs, caterers, florists, celebrants and planners, all of whom we've worked with. For corporate off-sites we quote catering to your numbers.
Do you host team off-sites?
Yes, midweek, with a two-night minimum and exclusive use of the House, from $1,250 a night. See corporate retreats.
While you're here
Things to do in Martinborough
Martinborough is small enough to do on foot or by bike, which is most of its charm.
Cellar doors by bike
Most of the village's cellar doors are within cycling distance of the square, and bikes can be hired in the village. Pinot noir is what the place is known for.
Eating and drinking
Karahui, our sister restaurant, and Tōhi gin bar are both in the village. Lismore guests get priority booking and offers at both. Ask us when you book.
The night sky
The Wairarapa is an International Dark Sky Reserve, and on a clear night you can see why from the deck. We can arrange a stargazing session at Lismore.
At the House
A private chef, cooking classes, the pool and spa in season, the petanque court, and a games room with pool and table tennis for the days when nobody wants to go anywhere.
The south coast
Cape Palliser lighthouse and its fur seal colony, the Putangirua Pinnacles and Lake Ferry are about an hour's drive south. It makes a good day out.
Toast Martinborough and the Martinborough Fair
Toast Martinborough is the village's wine and food festival each November. The Martinborough Fair fills the square on the first Saturday of February and of March. Both weekends book out early.
Something we haven't covered?
Ask us. We answer email quickly and the phone faster.
Or call Dan on +64 27 254 2251.