Location
The Wairarapa region is situated on the
south-eastern part of the North Island, about 60km north east of
Wellington City.
General
The Wairarapa area is a rich sheep-farming
district with more than 100 farm and home stays located in idyllic
countryside. The region, especially Martinborough, is fast gaining a
reputation for premium wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling
and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.
Main Attractions / Activities
Greytown, one of the
smaller Wairarapa towns, has a main street comprising mostly wooden
Victorian-style buildings, many of which are now cafes and specialty shops
selling antiques and gifts.
About 20km north of the main centre of Masterton is Mount Bruce
National Wildlife Centre, where rare and endangered birds and other
species are studied and bred.
In the ranges to the West are the Rimutaka and Tararua forest parks,
which contain a network of huts and trails that begin at many road-end
picnic spots. Adventure activities include four-wheel driving, rafting,
jetboating, abseiling, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, canoeing, hot air
ballooning and gliding.
Wine tasting is encouraged at many of the vineyards and wineries
clustered round the colonial village of Martinborough. The village has
craft shops and several excellent restaurants, especially the wonderfully
restored Martinborough Hotel.
Around 30 of the Wairarapa private gardens open to visitors are at
their best from September to March, but some are open and provide
refreshments year round.
Don't Miss
- Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre
- Martinborough wine village
- Cape Palliser seal colony
- Putangirua Pinnacles - eroded cliff face on south coast
- Castlepoint Scenic Reserve - on the east coast
- Mt Holdsworth forest and mountain walks, Rimutaka
- Forest Park
Main Centre
- Masterton - Wairarapa's main town (Population 20,000)
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