Take a trip to the Wairarapa
The name meaning "Glistening Waters", the Wairarapa region is a 75-minute drive from Wellington. Visit this unique destination for the perfect relaxing break. Enjoy wine tasting at the vineyards at Martinborough, drive to Cape Palliser to see the historic Lighthouse and the North Island’s largest Seal Colony. Walk or cycle the Remutaka Rail Trail. Visit the boutique shops in Greytown for artisan food, antiques and fine dining. Stay on the beach at Castlepoint, surrounded by stunning coastline and wildlife. Take a tour at the iconic Tui Brewery and learn the history of NZ’s famous beer. The Wairarapa is a place to be enjoyed, with so much on offer there are activities for everyone.
Martinborough - Martinborough, in southern Wairarapa, is 65 km north-east of Wellington, on the other side of the Rimutaka mountain range that divides the lower North Island. It has a sophisticated culture for a small country town, with boutique shopping and excellent restaurants.
Martinborough’s many vineyards are its major attraction, with winery tours a popular activity. Many vineyards have cafes or restaurants on-site, and some have an accommodation option also.
Martinborough boasts a number of boutique and antique shops. There are public parks, gardens and historic buildings to visit within the town. Just 10 km west of Martinborough is Lake Wairarapa, great for fishing, bird watching and shooting. Scenic tours, vineyard tours and quad-bike adventures are among popular activities.
Toast Martinborough is an annual event being one of the best wine, food and music festivals in New Zealand. Scheduled for 21 November 2021, this is an event not to be missed.
Cape Palliser - Seals, stunning walks, and the most stylish lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. Located just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way. A grand old lady cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs since 1897 - and she's still shining strong. Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. Cape Palliser is also home to the North Island's largest fur seal colony. Visit between November to January and you might just spot some pups.
The Putangirua Pinnacles near Cape Palliser are some of the most amazing rock formations you will ever see. The best time to do this walk is early morning for the effect of the early sunshine coming through the rock formations. Put on your sturdy walking shoes and do a day trip, or bring the family camping here. Featured in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the Pinnacles are an hour's drive south of Martinborough
Greytown - Greytown is a small town with a rich history. Foodies are spoilt for choice with many fine dining experiences including local hotels, cafes and restaurants. Experience Victorian architecture, boutique shops, fine dining and antique stores.
Visit the many nearby wineries or take a scenic walk. Sample some local handcrafted chocolates or locally made gin at the Greytown Fine Distillates. The town is a popular weekend and holiday destination, being only 80kms from Wellington and 25kms from Masterton. The Martinborough wine region is just a short drive away as well as several golf courses and a wide selection of adventure activities.
The Greytown Trail is a scenic 5km walking and cycling track connecting Greytown's quieter streets to the nearest train station at Woodside. It is a flat, limestone path that weaves under an avenue of oak trees and has beautiful views of the Tararua’s and Gladstone hills. Great for all ages and abilities. Greytown is noted for its many large trees, follow the Heritage Tree Trail map.
Castlepoint – Located on the Wairarapa’s east coast, 45 minutes’ drive from Masterton, Castlepoint is an old-fashioned kiwi beach town that is popular for summer camping and water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and surfing. Along with nearby Riversdale, it offers many options for camping, backpacking and campervan touring, as well as holiday cottages to rent. The reefs protecting the lagoon and surrounding sand dunes are a wilderness area: Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. It is possible to walk out onto the reefs, from where it is possible to see dolphins, fur seals, small whales, penguins and many types of sea bird. Another popular walk is to the lighthouse, built in 1913, and to the stunning, 160 metre-tall Castle Rock. One of Castlepoint's highlights is the annual beach horse racing competitions, which usually run in March, the exact date being variable due to tides.
Masterton - Masterton is the largest town in Wairarapa district, and is a good base for exploring the lower North Island. It offers wide choice of accommodation and things to do, including family fun attractions, adventure activities, rural and wildlife tours.
Among popular activities in and around Masterton are interactive farming, horticulture and wildlife-based attractions, including the renowned Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, 20 minutes’ from the town, sheep and alpaca farms, vineyards and olive groves.
Within the town are a museum of art and history, art and craft galleries, shops and restaurants.
There are many public parks, gardens and bush reserves to visit, as well as theme-park attractions that include swimming pools and water slides, mini-boats, min-golf and pony rides.
Adventurous visitors can participate in freshwater and saltwater fishing, hunting, 4WD and quad-bike (ATV) adventures, mountain bike and helicopter tours. There are two 9-hole golf courses in Masterton and one 18-hole course. Golfers can play all 36 holes with one pass.
Take a break in the Wairarapa
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