Wairarapa is the holiday destination you didn’t know you needed—charmingly Kiwi, full of wholesome experiences, and easy on the wallet. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this stunning region, where charming villages sit close together, making it easy to explore without spending a fortune. Whether you’re strolling heritage streets, cycling scenic trails, or taking in breathtaking landscapes, Wairarapa offers plenty of budget-friendly ways to make the most of your time here.
Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers, this region is packed with free and affordable activities that let you soak up the local culture, enjoy the great outdoors, and experience a slower, more connected way of life. Every day feels like an adventure waiting to happen, and it’s a welcome change from the hustle of city living. From short walks to lively markets, here are the best free or affordable things to do in Wairarapa.
1. Balloon Festival
Each year, for five days over Easter, hot air balloons fill the Wairarapa skies during the Wairarapa Balloon Festival. This majestic annual event is a fantastic free event for the whole family, showing off the warm and inviting community spirit in the region. Visit the towns of Wairarapa over the course of the festival, with balloon take-off’s from different towns each morning. Watch in awe as these colourful balloons fly, and stick around for the family carnival at Solway Showgrounds for a day of family-friendly fun in Masterton. Soak up the atmosphere with live music and food trucks to enjoy, plus a bouncy castle, face painting and an Easter egg hunt will entertain the kids. The family carnival is a ticketed event, with family passes coming in at under $80. It’s the ideal Easter getaway in the North Island.
2. Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is the perfect place for a day out in Masterton without breaking the bank. Spend the day strolling along the parks walking tracks, feeding the ducks and checking out the playground. Stroll over the swingbridge and feed the deer at the deer park. For cheap things to do in Wairarapa, the $1 miniature train ride is a must, and mini golf is a great way to enjoy this beautiful park. You can access the Masterton Skatepark in Queen Elizabeth Park; a top attraction for those on skateboards, rollerblades and scooters. A visit to Sweet Cheeks Cakery will top off a great day with coffee, ice cream and other sweet treats.
3. Cobblestones Museum
History comes alive at Cobblestones Museum, a must-visit heritage site in Greytown, just an hour north of Wellington on State Highway 2. Even better? It’s one of Wairarapa’s free attractions, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to step back in time and explore the region’s past.
Perfect for all ages, this open-air museum features six beautifully preserved heritage buildings and an extensive collection of agricultural, horticultural, and roadmaking machinery, all set within two acres of picturesque gardens. Located on the original site of the Cobb & Co stables, where passengers once travelled between Wellington and Wairarapa in the 1860’s, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into early settler life. With the Hastwell Stables, Wairarapa’s first church, the region’s first public hospital, a one-room schoolhouse, and an original Greytown colonial cottage, each with its own story to tell, Cobblestones Museum is the perfect stop for anyone wanting to experience Wairarapa’s rich history without spending a cent.
4. Discover the Remutaka Rail Trail
The Remutaka Rail Trail is a scenic and historic route tracing the path of the old railway line through the Remutaka Ranges, once home to the famous Remutaka Incline. This steep section of track was operated by Fell locomotives, and today, visitors can see remnants of the incline at Cross Creek, where the foundations of railway buildings and other relics still stand as a testament to its past.
This 18 km trail is ideal for both cycling and walking, offering a mix of history and stunning scenery. From the Wairarapa side, riders can start at Cross Creek car park, following the old rail route up to the summit and back in 3–4 hours, passing historic remains along the way. On the Wellington side, the journey begins at Kaitoke car park, with a 2–3 hour return trip to the summit. While in Featherston, be sure to visit the Fell Locomotive Museum, where you can see the only surviving Fell engine and learn more about the remarkable engineering that once powered the Remutaka Incline.
5. Explore Bookshops
Experience the small-town charm of Wairarapa while strolling the character-filled streets and exploring quaint book shops. There’s no better way to slow down the pace and enjoy the simple pleasures of a region.
Start in Greytown at Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop, a beautifully presented store filled with handpicked titles and a cosy atmosphere that invites you to linger. For families, Chicken and Frog Bookstore in Featherston is a must-visit, offering a fantastic selection of children’s books and fostering a love of reading from an early age. In Masterton, don’t miss Hedley’s Books, New Zealand’s oldest family-owned bookshop, which has been operating since 1907. This literary institution is packed with rare finds, special editions, and a deep passion for books that spans generations.
Featherston is also known as New Zealand’s Booktown, hosting an annual book festival and home to several second-hand bookshops where you can hunt for hidden gems.
6. Tauwherenikau Trail
A great way to get some fresh air and see the sights in Wairarapa without spending a dime is by hitting a scenic cycle trail. The Tauherenikau Trail is not only a beautiful ride, but it’s also a must-do for cyclists exploring the region.
This well-formed track provides a safe and enjoyable route between Featherston and Greytown, with the highlight being the Tauherenikau Suspension Bridge—one of the longest cycle-path suspension bridges in New Zealand. The bridge offers stunning river views and keeps cyclists off busy State Highway 2, making the ride both safe and scenic. Plus, it conveniently links up with the Greytown Woodside Trail, allowing riders to extend their journey and fully immerse themselves in Wairarapa’s peaceful countryside. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or just looking for an easy ride with a view, this trail is a must-do for anyone exploring Wairarapa on two wheels.
7. Castlepoint Lighthouse
A trip to the Wairarapa coast isn’t complete without visiting Castlepoint, home to one of the most spectacular beaches in New Zealand. This coastal gem is perfect for a relaxing beach day, a refreshing lagoon swim, or an adventure along the many walking tracks. The Castlepoint Lighthouse is an absolute must-see—an iconic landmark standing tall over the dramatic landscape. Take the short climb up to the lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views, then carry on to Castle Rock, a rugged outcrop that adds to the area’s striking environment.
One of the best things about exploring Castlepoint is that it’s completely free. Pack a picnic, take a scenic road trip out to this stunning coastal gem, and enjoy the best of Wairarapa’s great outdoors without spending a cent. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, swimming, or taking in the views, Castlepoint is a Wairarapa must-do.
For another unforgettable coastal experience, head to Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island. The Cape Palliser Lighthouse sits high above the rugged coastline, reached by a mighty 253-step climb. It’s a workout, but the ocean views from the top make it all worth it.
8. Swimming
Take a dip in a river or alternate between the sand and the ocean at the beach – swimming in Wairarapa is one of the best free things to do. For a scenic freshwater swim, Waingawa River offers deep, clear pools, while Waiohine Gorge near Carterton provides a stunning forest setting with a suspension bridge. The Tauherenīkau River at Bucks Road is another great spot, with calm swimming holes surrounded by nature.
If you prefer the coast, Castlepoint Beach is one of the region’s best, with golden sand and a sheltered lagoon perfect for swimming. Riversdale Beach is another favorite, offering family-friendly waters and rock pools to explore at low tide. Wherever you choose to take a dip, Wairarapa’s natural swimming spots make it easy to cool off and enjoy the outdoors without spending a cent.
9. Walks in Tararua Forest Park
Tararua Forest Park is over 100,000 hectares of conservation land in Wairarapa, off State Highway 2. With remarkable walking tracks in a wild, undisturbed environment, it’s a playground for nature lovers. Easy day walks include Donnelly’s Flat Loop track, with the Gentle Annie Loop climbing past a breathtaking lookout of the Waiohine Gorge. For a multi-day hike, check out the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit, an incredible 2-3 day adventure climbing through podocarp forest.
Explore this incredible forest park by day without pulling out your wallet, or splash out on hut bookings for overnight ventures.
10. Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles, located near Cape Palliser on Wairarapa’s dramatic south coast, are one of the most incredible natural wonders in the region. These towering rock formations, shaped by thousands of years of erosion, create an almost otherworldly landscape, so much so that they were chosen as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Hikers have a few options to reach the Pinnacles. The direct track leads to the lookout, offering breathtaking views of the formations from above. For a more immersive experience, take the streambed route, where you can walk among the towering rock spires. A longer trail extends up the ridge, rewarding walkers with sweeping views over Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke. The full return trip takes around 3 to 4 hours.
For the best experience, set out early in the morning when the soft sunlight filters through the formations, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and keeping you cool before the heat of the day sets in. Always check local updates before heading out to explore this stunning geological wonder.
11. The Patuna Chasm
The Patuna Chasm and farm walk is a spectacular three-hour walk with breathtaking views and ancient formations. This geological marvel is a mere 15-minute drive from the vines in Martinborough, and is only open in the warmer summer months. Walk along the Ruakokopatuna River, adorned with limestone caves, waterfalls and moss-covered rocks. You can opt to swim along the river back to your starting point instead of walking back if you’re feeling adventurous. The self-guided walk is on a working sheep and beef farm and starts at the Patuna Homestead. For a small fee, explore this private farm and fantastical chasm.th-
12. Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Exploring Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an incredible way to experience Wairarapa’s native wildlife and conservation efforts without breaking the bank. Located north of Masterton, this 942-hectare predator-free sanctuary is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic bird species, including kiwi, kākā, kōkako, and takahē. Walking through the lush native forest, you’ll also spot tuatara and longfin eels, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
There are several ways to explore Pūkaha. Take your time on a self-guided walk, where well-maintained trails allow you to soak in the serene surroundings and spot birds at your own pace. For a deeper understanding, join a 1-hour guided tour, where experts share insights into the sanctuary’s conservation work and its feathered residents. To connect with the land and its history, the Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha tour is a special Māori-guided walking experience led by local iwi, offering a rich cultural perspective on the forest and its wildlife.
Pūkaha is the perfect way to venture beyond the main towns and explore the northern part of Wairarapa, where native bush and birdlife thrive. Affordable, immersive, and family-friendly, it’s a fantastic stop for anyone wanting to experience the beauty and biodiversity of New Zealand.
13. Festival of Christmas
Mid-winter Christmas celebrations in Wairarapa bring a whole new light to winter in New Zealand. The Greytown Festival of Christmas each July is a month of fantastic Christmas lights, outdoor fires, festive food and drink and much more. It’s the time to be in Greytown and explore the towns shops, restaurants and venues that locals love all year round. Choose between free and paid events and soak up the atmosphere as this small town turns on a big party.
14. Daffodil Festival
Daffodils, markets, and steam train rides, spring in Wairarapa wouldn’t be complete without the Carterton Daffodil Festival! Held every September, this much-loved event is a celebration of flowers, family fun, and community spirit, and best of all, you won’t need a big budget to enjoy it.
Take a free bus to historic Middlerun, where you can pick your own daffodils and bring home a bright bunch of spring blooms. Back in Carterton, High Street comes alive with bustling markets, street performers, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Enjoy a horse-drawn Surrey ride, soak up the festival atmosphere, and explore the many stalls offering local crafts, food, and bargains.
A highlight of the day is the chance to ride on a heritage steam train, with a scenic trip between Carterton and Masterton offering a nostalgic journey through the region. Whether you’re here for the flowers, the markets, or just a fantastic day out, the Carterton Daffodil Festival is a Wairarapa tradition not to be missed.
This article was created in paid partnership with Destination Wairarapa.
