Wairarapa is a region that captivates the senses, with vast open skies, rolling hills, and charming small towns that invite exploration. Just an hour’s drive on State Highway 2, or a train ride from Wellington, this beautiful destination is perfect for a weekend escape or a longer adventure. Crossing the Remutaka Hill, the Wairarapa valley unfolds before you, framed by rugged coastlines to the east and mountains to the west. Once known as the ‘Land of Glistening Waters,’ the region offers a true retreat from the hustle of city life.
From the untamed beauty of its landscapes to the friendly charm of its villages, Wairarapa blends natural wonders with rural serenity. It’s one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations, sitting proudly at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Explore boutique vineyards, indulge in local cuisine, experience stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve and discover the unique character of its five towns—Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton.
Whether you’re strolling through Greytown’s heritage streets, cycling Martinborough’s vineyards, or taking in the rugged coastal views, Wairarapa offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. With its rich landscapes, vibrant communities, and easy accessibility, the Wairarapa is a destination you’ll want to visit time and time again.
1. Explore the Villages
Wairarapa’s charming villages are packed with hidden gems, passionate producers, and boutique stores, all nestled within easy reach of one another. Each village has its own unique vibe, offering warm and inviting spaces to explore.
Start in Masterton / Whakaoriori, the region’s largest town, known for its family-friendly attractions like Queen Elizabeth Park, complete with a playground, miniature train, and beautiful trees. It’s also a great base for discovering local art and culture at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. Head to Carterton / Taratahi, home to quirky stores and much-loved cafe, Aunt Ginger’s Kitchen. Browse vintage stores and pick up a piece of locally made art or craft. Don’t miss Stonehenge Aotearoa for an insight into astronomy.
A mere 10-minute drive through the countryside brings you to Greytown / Kuratāwhiti, famous for its heritage charm and tree-lined streets filled with boutique stores, galleries, and artisan food spots. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy some of the best shopping in the region. In Featherston / Paetūmokai, the Fell Locomotive Museum is a must-visit, showcasing the only remaining Fell engine of its kind. This small town has a well earnt reputation for its literary scene, with bookshops and events to explore.
Start your days in Martinborough / Huangarua with coffee from Neighbourhood Coffee House, a local favourite. Roam the charming streets before delving into the incredible wine scene. Martinborough is the ultimate destination for wine lovers. From cellar doors to restaurants with impeccable wine lists, discover just one reason why the region is so special. Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the boutique wineries and cellar doors, sampling world-class pinot noir and soaking up the easy-to-cycle landscape. Hire some wheels with Martinborough Cycle Hire and bike the vines all weekend long.
2. Indulge in Food and Wine
Travelling for good food and wine is well-rewarded in Wairarapa. Indulge in creamy cheeses from Featherston’s C’est Cheese, pick up fresh honey, olive oil, and handcrafted chocolate from passionate producers, or sip on small-batch gins crafted in the region. Restaurants, breweries, and cosy cafes across the towns provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying these local delights.
Wairarapa is a food and wine lover’s paradise, offering everything from proud producers of artisan goods to world-class vineyards. Renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the region is a key stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Explore the vineyards by bike, with Martinborough’s boutique wineries offering tastings and cellar door experiences. For a more in-depth journey, hop on a guided wine tour to discover the stories behind the vintages.
Don’t miss the Wairarapa Farmers Market, where you can sample and stock up on seasonal produce and gourmet treats. From vineyard lunches to relaxed meals at boutique eateries, Wairarapa’s food and wine scene is all about celebrating the region’s rich bounty, making every meal an experience to remember.
3. Forest and Bush
Adventures in the great outdoors are the perfect way to experience Wairarapa, with lush forests, rugged ranges and scenic trails waiting to be explored. At the heart of this natural beauty lies Tararua Forest Park, New Zealand’s largest forest park, encompassing the impressive Tararua Ranges. Here, you’ll find a number of walking tracks suitable for all levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging day walks. If you’ve got a few hours to spare, check out the Gentle Annie Loop Track, a 3-4 hour walk in the Tararua Forest Park with a spectacular lookout, or the 1-hour Donnelly Flat Loop Walk. Stretch your legs and discover the incredible native flora and fauna in this national forest.
Beyond the Tararua Ranges, check out Aorangi Forest Park for a multi-day walk that pairs mountainous scenery with coastal views. Featherston Reserves Walkway is a great option for all ages and abilities to enjoy some time among the native bush.
Wairarapa is a place of variety with walking trails along the coast and through the countryside. The Greytown Woodside Trail is a beautiful 5km track through local farmland, and walks at Cape Palliser offer ocean views and a glimpse of the North Island’s largest fur seal colony.
Wairarapa is a destination for cycling, with enthusiasts making the most of the Remutaka Cycle Trail that connects Wellington and Wairarapa. Cycle tours are a great way to see the New Zealand wilderness, and the Remutaka Palliser Tora tour is a must-do, taking you from Martinborough and showing off the Putangirua Pinnacles. Bike or e-bike hire in Martinborough is the perfect way to see the vineyards and sample some wines; the ideal activity for group getaways with friends or family. Simply cycling through the charming towns may be the perfect slow-paced activity to complete your weekend in the outdoors.
Whether you’re trekking through dense forests, walking along coastal paths, or cycling through charming towns, Wairarapa’s outdoor offerings provide endless opportunities to connect with nature and experience the region’s unspoiled beauty.
4. Discover the Coast
After exploring mostly inland, head to the coast for an equally beautiful side of the region. The coast is rugged and untamed, with its wild landscapes invoking a sense of excitement. Explore the stretch of southern coastline including Cape Palliser. Look out to the Cook Strait and spot a large colony of fur seals. When visiting the regions southernmost beach, be sure to check out Cape Palliser Lighthouse. A trek of 253 steps takes you to the beacon with breathtaking ocean views. Spend more time at the coast and visit the Putangirua Pinnacles. These spectacular rock pillar formations are a must-see in Wairarapa.
Journey further around the coast to Ngawi, a small coastal settlement with plenty of character. This small fishing village is quiet, rugged and a classic Kiwi retreat.
For a unique lunch or dinner experience in Wairarapa, feast on fish and chips at the Lake Ferry Hotel. The views across Palliser Bay are epic.
After exploring the southern coast, head north east to Castlepoint, an incredible beach for swimming and surfing with fantastic walking trails nearby. The Castlepoint Lighthouse is a remarkable sight to see and a popular spot for astrophotography and night sky viewing.
5. The Dark Sky Reserve
Just over 100km from Wellington Airport, amidst the unspoilt landscape of this region Is the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. Being an hours drive from the big city, it’s one of the most accessible dark sky reserves in the world. Look up and view the fascinating night sky above.
A Dark Sky Reserve is a designated area where light pollution is minimised to protect the natural darkness of the night, making it an exceptional place for stargazing. This remarkable reserve provides a protected haven for night sky enthusiasts, offering unparalleled views of stars, planets, and constellations.
From Carterton to South Wairarapa, visitors can stay up late on purpose, soaking in the celestial beauty from coastal locations or rural viewpoints. For an even deeper connection to the cosmos, book a guided experience with a local expert who can provide fascinating insights into the stars above. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply looking for a magical night under the stars, this unique reserve is an unforgettable destination.
This article was created in paid partnership with Destination Wairarapa.
