Wairarapa

Need to know ...

The region just one hour’s drive northeast of Wellington offers exciting opportunities to acquaint yourself with New Zealand’s wonderful off-the-beaten-track charm.

Main Centres

Masterton – main centre of Wairarapa.
Greytown – complete main street of Victorian architecture.
Martinborough Wine Village – wine village with over 20 vineyards around the village square.

Getting There

By Air – domestic flights connect with Wellington and Palmerston North.
By Rail – Tranzmetro rail service from Wellington.
By Road – 1 hour’s drive from Wellington.

Eating Out

Fine Dining

Peppers Martinborough Hotel Bistrot & Bar (The Square, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 9350) – classic Bistrot with a contemporary edge.
Wendy Campbells – The French Bistro (3 Kitchener St, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 8863) – French Provençal bistro and wine bar.
Salute (83 Main St, Greytown, t +64 6 304 9825) – award-winning restaurant, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

Casual

The Village Café (6 Kitchener St, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 8814) – great atmosphere and outdoor courtyard.
The Alana Estate Wine & Food Experience (Puruatanga Rd, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 9784) – award-winning wines. Open 7 days for lunch, and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Riverview Cafè at Murdoch James (Dry River Rd, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 9165) – open for lunch weekends and mid-summer.
Seasons on Solstone (Solway Cres, Masterton, t +64 6 377 5522) – vineyard setting with al fresco dining in summer.
Gladstone Vineyard Café (Gladstone Road, RD2, Carterton, t +64 6 379 8563) – open for summer weekend lunches.

Where to Drink

Joxer Dalys Steak & Ale House (7 Perry St, Masterton, t +64 6 377 7001).
Gladstone Inn (Gladstone Rd, RD2, Carterton, t +64 6 372 7866) – great country pub.
The Tin Hut (SH2, Tauherenikau, Featherston, t +64 6 308 9697) – traditional Kiwi country pub.

Coffee Fix

Wild Oats Café (127 High St Nth, Carterton, t +64 6 379 5580).
Main Street Deli & Café (Main St, Greytown, t +64 6 304 9022).
Café Strada (Cnr Queen & Jackson St, Masterton, t +64 6 378 8450).
Java House Café (10 First St, Lansdowne, Masterton, t +64 6 377 7251) – fully licensed local living-room.

Something to Take Home

The Martinborough Wine Centre (6 Kitchener St, Martinborough, t +64 6 306 9040).
Paua Shell Factory & Shop (54 Kent St, Carterton, t +64 6 379 6777) – jewellery, gifts and souvenirs.

Sights

The spectacular Putangirua Pinnacles were formed over 120,000 years by heavy rain eroding an ancient gravel deposit. Rugged Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island, features a seal colony, lighthouse and views of the South Island.

Historic Castlepoint Lighthouse, in operation since 1913, is a spectacular sight against a backdrop of rock outcrops, the swirling Pacific Ocean and a moody, cloud-swept sky.

Action

Surfing at the rugged beaches of Castlepoint, Riversdale and Ngawi. Wairarapa offers excellent opportunities for hiking – try Rimutaka Forest Park for hiking and mountain biking trails.

Relax

Wine tasting! This region is renowned for excellent wines of the Pinot Noir variety. Visit the fascinating Mt. Bruce National Wildlife Centre, dedicated to the preservation of native species.

THE experience

Take a wine tour at Martinborough Wine Village. Here you’ll find a number of wineries within walking distance of the town square. Wairarapa is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail touring route which links Hawke’s Bay in the north with Marlborough in the South Island.