Wairarapa Activity Highlights
Wairarapa | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Make the most of Wairarapa's interesting geography. If you want adrenalin—pumping thrills, you'll find them. If gourmet adventure is your style, say "cheers" at a winery.
Wairarapa Activity Highlights Overview
Essentially rural with off-the-beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty.
Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination.
» Wairarapa Activities Directory
The Finer Side of Life
The elegant country lifestyle of the Wairarapa deserves your attention.

Wairarapa
Photographer: Centre Stage
(www.centrestage.co.nz)
Wine trails and wine tastings are available at over 32 vineyards in the Wairarapa region. 26 of these vineyards are in the Martinborough area. Take a tour of the new wine centre in Martinborough village.
Enjoy garden visits and tours. Wairarapa is a garden lovers paradise with many open to the public.
Small country museums and heritage attractions are a Wairarapa specialty. Spend an hour or two walking one of the region's eight town heritage trails.
Staying in the Lap of Luxury
There are some delightful places to stay around the Wairarapa; expect food and service of the highest standard.
- Wharekauhau is a luxury lodge situated on a 5,000 acre working sheep station. The lodge is modeled on the lines of an Edwardian country mansion
- Fernside is a Georgian dwelling built in 1924. The beautiful park-like gardens provide an atmosphere of tranquility and privacy and four large en suite bedrooms are available for guests
- Longwood Country Lodge is a historic English country idyll, reputedly New Zealand's largest private home. You'll enjoy gracious hospitality
- Martinborough Hotel has recently been refurbished to recapture its colonial elegance. Overnight guests have the choice of individually designed rooms named after Wairarapa early settlers
Where the Wild Things Are
If you love wild things and wild places, explore the outer reaches of the Wairarapa.

Wairarapa
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
- Wairarapa's three Forest Parks (Rimutaka, Tararua and Aorangi) provide a unique insight into New Zealand's native flora and fauna
- The National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce, north of Masterton, holds, breeds and studies endangered species of native wildlife
- At Cape Palliser you can visit the largest breeding colony of fur seals in the North Island. Climb 250 steps to the top of the Cape Palliser Lighthouse for spectacular views of the coast and South Island
- Castlepoint is a popular beach resort with a scenic reserve and awesome coastal panoramas
- To go rafting, river bugging, kayaking, abseiling, rap jumping or bridge swinging, head for the Waiohine Gorge
Quaint and Interesting
Put a few hours aside to delve into the local museums.
- Find the Fell Engine Museum—home of the only fell engine in the world, the sole survivor of the rolling stock of the Rimutaka Incline
- Cobblestones Museum in Greytown is Wairarapa's regional early settlers museum and Masterton features the Wairarapa museum of art and history
Useful Wairarapa Links
To help plan your Wairarapa holiday choose from the main categories below
- Wairarapa Accommodation
- Wairarapa Tours
- Wairarapa Attractions
- Wairarapa Transport
- Wairarapa Cuisine and Dining
- Wairarapa Shopping
- Wairarapa Visitor Information
Wairarapa Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Wairarapa region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Wairarapa region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Wairarapa region.
History
History of the Wairarapa region.
Wairarapa Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Wairarapa.