Nga Waka Vineyard was established at Martinborough in 1988 to produce small volumes of top quality wines.  The vineyard's name is taken from Nga Waka A Kupe (The Canoes of Kupe).  The three hills, which lie side by side like upturned canoes, form the backdrop for the town of Martinborough and its surrounds. Legend has it that the hills were formed by the three canoes of the famed Polynesian explorer Kupe which were carried inland by a huge earthquake and came to rest in the valley behind Martinborough.

Nga Waka Vineyard is a family business.  Managing Director Roger Parkinson is a Roseworthy College graduate and prizewinner with experience of wine-making and viticulture in New Zealand, Australia and France.  He is responsible for all aspects of production. Nga Waka Wines have an established reputation for quality and consistency.  Each variety produced has won a Silver or Gold medal award at national shows. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are produced.  Wine is made from grapes grown at the 4 hectare estate vineyard situated in the heart of the Martinborough winegrowing terrace with a further 4 hectares on nearby properties.

Careful attention to vineyard management techniques (all vines are trained to the Scott-Henry system) to ensure optimum fruit exposure and correct vine/crop balance are key components in a vineyard-driven approach to the crafting of fine wines.  Annual production is limited to 4-5,000 cases.