Days of wine and walkways
If you arrive from Wellington, you’ll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills and
along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The vast Wairarapa
valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the west and rugged coast
to the east.
European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much older.
Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been
occupied for at least 800 years.
Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse
experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife
and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender,
olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa
an appealing destination.
Key Features
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Cape Palliser
Cape Palliser, complete with lighthouse, is the southernmost point of the North
Island. Highlights include a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and
Maori occupation sites dating from the 12th century. | |
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Martinborough wine village
Approximately 30 wineries surround Martinborough’s charming village square, creating
a unique 'walk the wineries' experience. You can sample premium wines without
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Castlepoint
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. |
Key Tips
- State Highway 2 through Wairarapa is a scenic route to Wellington, where you
can catch a ferry to the South Island.
- Wairarapa is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail touring route from Hawkes
Bay to Marlborough.
- Tranzmetro rail services operate between Wellington and Wairarapa. The views
are amazing as you emerge from the Rimutaka Tunnel.
- International and Trans-Tasman flights arrive at Wellington and Palmerston North.
Coach services connect to Wairarapa.
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MEMORY:
Submitted by Liam Rathbone from United Kingdom
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New Zeland is truly the most beautiful place on the earth. I hope one day I can return and stay there on a very long holiday....
"
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Submit a memory ›
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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New Zealand Food and Wine
Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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Food and Wine
New Zealand’s fifth-largest wine region is the Wairarapa, with the cluster of vineyards in and around the township of Martinborough forming its most famous wine district.
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Pohangina Anticline
Rising at a rate of at least one millimetre a year, the Pohangina Anticline is growing rapidly in geological terms.
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Waiohine Gorge and Lake Wairarapa
Waiohine Gorge is a spectacular river gorge and native forest area with the largest swing bridge of its type in New Zealand.
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Other Sites
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WAIRARAPA
Population: 38,500
Area: 5936km2
| Accommodation and dining are on offer at the elegant Martinborough Hotel. |
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Spring in Wairarapa tends to be warm, green and breezy. The gardens are at their peak; classic lamb and daffodil scenes are everywhere.
Spring also sees the start of the whitebait season. Swarms of tiny fish, commonly known as whitebait, are caught in nets at the river mouths.
Rise early to watch the whitebaiters at Lake Ferry, then treat yourself to an early lunch of delicious whitebait fritters at the local hotel.
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