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.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wine Trail Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand

Wine Trail Martinborough
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.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, Wairarapa, New Zealand

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
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