Wairarapa

Wairarapa (whose name means Glistening Waters in Maori) is a region of big skies, wide valleys and small towns that are full of character. With three major forest parks and an untamed stretch of coast, it offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures or just as an escape from it all. Wairarapa is nestled between the Tararua and Rimutaka mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean in the southeastern corner of the North Island.

A daily rail service links Wellington with the Wairarapa principal towns of Masterton, Caterton, Greytown and Featherston connecting with local bus services to Matinborough. Trains depart at intervals throughout weekdays with a limited weekend service. There is also limited air service between Auckland and Masterton.

The region is also one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations. It offers some of the country’s premium wines and everything from country cooking to fine cuisine in the many cafes, vineyards and restaurants. Wairarapa is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail touring route from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough. Horsetrekking, golf, cycling and ballooning are other activities that can be enjoyed in the Wairarapa region. And all this within an hour’s drive of Wellington.

Martinborough made its name as a one of the world’s premium pinot noir and sauvignon blanc regions, though other top wines including chardonnay, pinot gris, merlot and cabernet sauvignon are also produced here. Most Martinborough vineyards are within walking distance of the town, though you can hire a bike or do a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.

Guided wine tours include transit Coachlines’ daily ‘Wairarapa Gourmet Wine Escape’ tour (take the morning train from Wellington and connect at Featherston) and Martinborough Wine Tours fully-hosted, crafted tours taking you behind the scenes in the Wine Village.

The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival showcases premium local wines, food, music and art in March. Toast Martinborough wine, food and music festival, is held on the third Sunday in November and sees wine and food lovers celebrate the new estate releases.

If you want to get in the kitchen then Careme cooking classes are based at Palliser Estate and offer a day designed around creating fresh and tasty food matched with Palliser wines.

Cape Palliser, complete with lighthouse, is the southernmost point of the North Island. Highlights include a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, the spooky Putangirua Pinnacles and Maori occupation sites dating from the 12th century.

In Masterton, you can find art and culture at Aratoi, tranquility in the beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park and displays on sheep farming at the New Zealand Shear Discovery Centre. In addition, there is a Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. Close by is the Tararua Forest Park, a wilderness area perfect for tramping (hiking), cycling and exploring. There’s vintage cars at The Pointon Collection and vintage planes at the George Hood Aerodrome, both in Masterton.

An hour’s drive east from Masterton, Castlepoint beach is a great day trip. Walk the boardwalk to the lighthouse or enjoy a longer walk through the scenic reserve to Castle Rock, named by Captain Cook in 1770. Riversdale and Castlepoint provide some of the best swimming , surfing and fishing beaches on the SE coast.

Historic Greytown was New Zealand’s first planned inland town. It was established by settlers from Wellington, who were looking for small, affordable portions of land to farm. They were assisted in their quest by Governor Sir George Grey, and named the town in his honor. The region around Greytown is known for its rich river silt soils, which produce some of the tastiest fruit and vegetables you’ll ever find. Excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture line the main street and there is a wide choice of cafés and restaurants.

Featherston is near the shores of Lake Wairarapa, the largest wetland area in the lower North Island and a significant nesting ground for native and migratory birds. Apart from antique shops and cafés, the town’s key attractions are museums, which are unlike anything else you’ll see around New Zealand. The Fell Engine Museum houses the only Fell engine in the world, a survivor from the days of the Rimutaka Incline Railway.

The Featherston Reserves Walkway offers four walking tracks within walking distance of the Featherston township. With panoramic views of the Wairarapa, you will enjoy strolling through the native bush, looking at heritage trees and listening to the native birds.

Other walks through the region include the Tora Coastal Walk, a three day, three night adventure which encompasses private hill country coastal farms, river valleys, native bush walks, expansive ridge-tops (with unsurpassed 360-degree views of the Wairarapa) meandering creek walks and the spectacular Tora coastline.

The Rimutaka Incline Walk is a gently graded 18 km. (11 mile) walk or mountain bike ride. This makes it an ideal trip for families with children. The trail is also popular with dog walkers.

The Wairarapa region is also rapidly developing a reputation for distinctive gardens. Inspiring gardens include Carterton’s grand Richmond Gardens, designated a ‘Garden of International Significance’ and the highly original Assisi Garden.

Some of the North Island’s biggest surfing waves roll in at White Rock and Tora. Other surfing beaches include Castlepoint, Palliser Bay and Riversdale.