Carterton

Carterton, just over an hour from Wellington in the Wairarapa has art beating in its heart. Read on to find out why locals called it Crafty CARTerton.

At the heart of the Classic NZ Wine Trail, Carterton is a hot bed of sculptors, textile artists and painters creating unique works – many  have been inspired by the surrounding countryside with the Tararua’s to the west, dramatic coastlines to the east and farmland and grapevines in between.

Several artists feature on Main ARTery, the Wairarapa Art Trail where visitors can meet practicing artists working in their own creative environment while others have their own studios or galleries. www.mainartery.co.nz

The  Red Moa gallery on the eclectic main streeet showcases the town’s artistic soul. Check out antique stores, second hand shops and cafes too.

Established in 1857 to house the workers who built the road from Greytown to Masterton, Carterton is well known for it's annual Daffodil Carnival when you can  pick armloads of daffodils from a large flower-packed paddock.

It's also famous for giving the world its first trans-sexual Mayor and MP in Georgina Beyer.  

Don't miss:

•  Paua World, a terrific paua factory and store
•  the Parkvale Mushroom Factory
• Vineyards at Gladstone 
• Stonehenge Aotearoa
• Country gardens - like Daysh Country Garden at Clareville and Assisi Gardens high in the Gladstone hills
• For an outdoor adventure hike in the Tararua Forest Park and the Waiohine Gorge, which has an brilliant swing bridge.

For more information visit and online bookings for accommodation  www.wairarapanz.com