Quintessentially New Zealand, the Wairarapa region in the southeast corner of the North Island offers rustic country charm, rugged coastal scenery and excellent wineries.
The Wairarapa region, just one hour’s drive northeast of bustling Wellington, offers amazing opportunities to acquaint yourself with New Zealand’s rural off-the-beaten-track charm. Drive through the hills from Wellington and you will quickly find yourself in a very different part of the country.
Fringed by mountains and rugged coast, the Wairarapa region offers a diverse range of experiences for lovers of great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Wairarapa is particularly renowned as a wine-growing region producing premium Pinot Noir and other varieties, but it is also home to a wealth of other specialist food producers. From olive oils, fruits and vegetables, nuts and herbs, to honey, traditional cider, boutique beer, cheeses and chocolate, this region is the perfect destination for those with an interest in culinary indulgence. A guided gourmet tour is an ideal way for visitors to experience a behind-the-scenes look at boutique wine and food production.
Charming rural towns are the perfect complement to tranquil landscapes. Martinborough is a unique wine village with over 30 vineyards within walking distance of the village square while Greytown is a pretty colonial village featuring the most complete main street of Victorian architecture in New Zealand. This is a region where indulgence and heritage combine to meet the desires of every traveller.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Stonehenge Aotearoa (Carterton) Combining modern science with ancient starlore. www.stonehenge-aotearoa.com Palliser Bay, South Coast Ruggedly beautiful, this sweeping bay is located at the southern tip of the North Island. Castlepoint Light House Soft sand, a warm lagoon, hidden caves and fossils make Castlepoint exciting to explore. The Pinnacles Rock formations created over 120,000 of erosion.
Adrenaline Rush
Mission Martinborough (Martinborough) Scenario paintball games located on a working sheep and beef farm. www.missionmartinborough.co.nz
Relax & Indulge
Martinborough Wine Centre (Martinborough) Browse local wines, olive oils, and other products. www.martinboroughwinecentre.co.nz Gourmet Wine Escape, Gourmet Garden Escape A guided and informative garden tour, phone +64 6 370 6600. Olivo (Martinborough) 1,200 olive trees producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil. www.olivo.co.nz Shopping in Greytown (Greytown) Renowned for its stylish specialty shops and cafés, Greytown invites exploration. Ballooning New Zealand The perfect way to experience the scenery, phone +64 6 379 8223. Circus Cinema & Café Bar (Martinborough) Boutique arthouse cinema and licensed café. www.circus.net.nz
Luxury
Martinborough Wine Tours (Martinborough) See vineyards and meet local growers; fully hosted tours range from five hours to two days. www.martinboroughwinetours.co.nz Wharekauhau Country Estate (Palliser Bay) Luxurious country lodge renowned for its exquisite cuisine. www.wharekauhau.co.nz
Culture
Aratoi: Arts and Culture (Masterton) Museum of art and history telling regional stories. www.aratoi.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (Mt Bruce) Meet some of New Zealand’s rarest species, such as Kokako and Takahe, at this renowned wildlife sanctuary. www.mtbruce.org.nz Tora Coastal Walk (Martinborough) Three-day walk located southeast of Martinborough. www.toracoastalwalk.co.nz Patuna Chasm Walkway (Martinborough) This four-hour walk also offers Golf Cross and Pole-to-Pole, phone +64 6 306 9966. Waiohine Gorge (Carterton) Traverse New Zealand’s longest swing bridge on this forest walk in Tararua Forest Park. www.doc.govt.nz
On a Budget
Wairarapa Farmers’ Market (Masterton) Local produce from olive oil to cheeses on offer every Saturday in Masterton, phone +64 21 774 666. Tui Brewery (Mangatainoka) Visit this popular landmark. tour the brewery and sample the local brew. www.tui.co.nz
The Iconic Experience
Taste wine at one of many cellar doors across the region, then enjoy great local produce prepared by talented chefs at a vineyard café.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Peppers Martinborough Hotel (Martinborough) Classic bistro with a contemporary edge. www.martinboroughhotel.co.nz
Casual Dining
Riverview Café at Murdoch James (Martinborough) Cosy up to the fire for winter warmth and dine al fresco during summer. www.murdochjames.co.nz
Café
Café Cecille (Masterton) Enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner amongst the beautiful surrounds of Queen Elizabeth Park. www.cafececille.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Gladstone Inn (Carterton) Country pub offering a friendly atmosphere for family dining, phone +64 6 372 7866.
Culinary Experience
The French Baker (Greytown) Handcrafted French breads and pastries, from fine baguettes to almond croissants. www.frenchbaker.co.nz
Shop or Gallery
Schoc Chocolates (Greytown) Sample delicious handcrafted chocolates. www.chocolatetherapy.com
Suggested Itineraries
1 day Cape Palliser Scenic Tour
Start Martinborough I Finish Lake Ferry
Before leaving Martinborough, visit one of the local delis or cafés and pack a picnic lunch. Drive to the Putangirua Pinnacles and go hiking amongst these remarkable natural phenomena. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic coastal lookout. Continue driving to the fishing village of Ngawi, southernmost point of the North Island – watch the fishing boats, visit the seal colony and walk up to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse for spectacular views. Take a sunset drive to Lake Ferry for dinner at Lake Ferry Hotel.
1 day Indulgence Tour
Start Carterton I Finish Greytown
Start the day with an unforgettable hot air balloon flight along the Wairarapa Valley before returning to Carterton for a Champagne breakfast. Drive to Greytown and wander the streets of this charming colonial town, shopping for superb arts and crafts, and gourmet products. Take a scenic helicopter flight to Wharekauhau Country Estate for lunch. Return to Martinborough and be pampered with a body treatment at an exclusive French-style salon. Back in Greytown, experience the ultimate in fine dining at Salute, before spending the night at a luxury lodge, boutique hotel or historic country house.
Road Trip
From Martinborough, drive down to the coast and around to the wild and wonderful Cape Palliser.
Transport
Airports
Masterton Airport offers direct flights to and from Auckland, while Wellington’s International Airport and Palmerston North airport are under an hour-and-a-half drive. Small planes and helicopters can be chartered to local airfields.
Roads
Wairarapa is just over one hour’s drive from Wellington via the Rimutaka Range. It is situated on SH 2, an uncrowded and scenic highway between Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. Wairarapa also forms part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough. For more information, see www.classicwinetrail.co.nz
Rail
Wairarapa is accessible by rail via a Tranzmetro rail service from Wellington.
Further Information
Destination Wairarapa
Trade Contact Barbara Hyde
Marketing Manager
Phone +64 6 370 0901 Fax +64 6 378 8451
Email [email protected]
www.wairarapanz.com
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