Wairarapa is a geographical region of New Zealand. It occupies the south-eastern corner of the North Island, east of metropolitan Wellington and south-west of the Hawke's Bay region. It is lightly populated, having several rural service towns, with Masterton being the largest. It is named after its largest lake, Lake Wairarapa.
Wairarapa is a region of big skies, wide valleys and small towns, full of character. With three major forest parks and a wild stretch of coast it offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures or just getting away from it all.
It’s also one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations offering some of the country’s premium wines and everything from country cooking to fine cuisine in the many cafes, vineyards and restaurants. The Wairarapa is a true escape – all within an hour’s drive of Wellington, and at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
What to do here:
The Tui Brewery – enjoy a Tui HQ tasting and tour experience.
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre – you might see a kiwi among other rare birds.
Masterton – art and culture at Aratoi, tranquility at Queen Elizabeth Park and displays on sheep farming at The Wool Shed. Plus the Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning.
Riversdale and Castlepoint – the best swimming, surfing and fishing beaches on the coast.
Tararua Forest Park, an accessible wilderness close to Masterton.
Stonehenge Aotearoa, a full-scale working adaptation of England’s Stonehenge, near Carterton.
Off SH2, there are rolling hills, lush valleys and vineyards. Drive out to Gladstone and stop for a bite at the Gladstone Inn or the café at Gladstone Vineyard.
Carterton's Paua World, offers jewellery made from New Zealand’s most memorable mollusc.
Greytown, a Victorian country village with metropolitan panache plus great food and coffee. Visit Cobblestones Museum and take a step back into Wairarapa's pioneering past
See the world’s last remaining Fell engine, on display at the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston.
Some of New Zealand’s best wines from the family-owned vineyards around Martinborough. Follow the wine trail and do a wine-tasting tour. Take a Tranzit Tours – Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour, complete with train ride from Wellington, or join in from any town in the region.
Don’t forget the olive groves – call into Olivo and sample award-winning olive oils.
Palliser Bay – see the spooky Putangirua Pinnacles, photogenic fur seals and Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
Where to stay:
Find out one of the HOTELS.